Sunni Islam

Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam globally.

It is also the largest religious denomination on Earth. The term "Sunni" comes from the word sunna. This refers to the practices and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis follow these traditions to guide their lives and faith. This branch of Islam emphasizes following a path of unity. Many people identify with this community through shared beliefs and practices.

The core of Sunni belief rests on several primary sources. The first is the Quran, which is the holy book. The second is the hadith, which are recorded reports of Muhammad's words and actions. Sunnis often look to the "Six Books" of hadith for guidance. A third source is ijma, or the consensus of scholarly agreement. These sources form the basis for traditional jurisprudence, or the study of law. Scholars use these to derive Sharia rulings for daily life. They also consider public welfare and juristic discretion during this process.

To manage these laws, Sunnis use four distinct legal schools. These are known as the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools. Each school uses specific principles of jurisprudence to interpret the holy sources. In matters of creed, or religious belief, Sunnis follow different theological schools. These include the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of kalam, which is the study of theology. Some also follow the Athari school, which focuses on a textualist approach. These schools help followers understand the six pillars of iman, or faith.

The history of Sunni Islam is tied to the early leadership of the Muslim community. Sunnis believe that Muhammad did not appoint a specific successor. They hold that his close companion, Abu Bakr, was the rightful first caliph. Abu Bakr ruled from 632 to 634. He was appointed at a meeting known as the Saqifa. Sunnis also revere the next three caliphs: Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Umar ruled from 634 to 644. Uthman ruled from 644 to 656. Ali ruled from 656 to 661. Together, these four are called the rashidun, or the rightly-guided caliphs.

This history contrasts with the Shia view of leadership. Shia Muslims believe Muhammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. The term sunna itself has deep historical roots. Originally, it meant the right path that had always been followed. The term gained political weight after the death of the third caliph, Uthman. During the second Civil War from 680 to 692, the term became more specific. It helped distinguish different groups during times of conflict. Eventually, the phrase ahl as-sunna became a way to identify the community.

Scholars have used many names to describe this community. A common full title is ahl as-sunna wa l-jama'ah. This translates to the people of the sunna and the community. The word jama'ah can mean several things to different scholars. Some see it as the act of coming together or agreement. Others, like the scholar al-Tahawi, see it as a contrast to division. The term is often used to describe a group that stays with the community. This group follows the path of the salaf, or the early predecessors. These predecessors include the companions, the followers, and the followers of the followers.

Sunni Islam is visible in many parts of the world today.

It is represented by diverse cultures and massive architectural wonders. For example, the Hagia Sophia is a notable site.

The Great Mosque of Kairouan is another historic example.

In Indonesia, the Masjid Istiqlal stands as a large place of worship.

These sites show how the faith connects to different geographies. The tradition continues to be shaped by scholars and local practices across the globe.