Sunni Islam:

Sunni Islam is the largest and most widespread sect in Islam, comprising around 85-90% of the Muslim population worldwide. Sunnis believe that the leadership of the Muslim community (caliphate) should be determined by consensus or election, rather than by direct family lineage. They recognize the first four caliphs (successors of Prophet Muhammad) as rightful leaders, beginning with Abu Bakr, and emphasize the importance of the community in interpreting and upholding Islamic teachings. Sunni Islam is known for its diverse range of interpretations, schools of thought, and practices, while maintaining unity in the core beliefs of Islam.

Further Sub-sects within Sunni Islam:

Hanafi Sect: The Hanafi school of thought is one of the four main Sunni schools of jurisprudence (fiqh) and is the oldest and most widespread. It was founded by Imam Abu Hanifa (699–767 CE) in Iraq. The Hanafi school is known for its flexibility and emphasis on reason and analogy (qiyas) in interpreting Islamic law, making it more adaptable to different cultural and social contexts. It is practiced by Muslims in regions such as South Asia, Central Asia, Turkey, the Balkans, and parts of the Arab world.

Key Features: – Emphasizes individual reasoning and the use of analogy to address legal issues not explicitly covered in the Quran or Hadith. – Known for its moderate and flexible approach to Islamic jurisprudence. – The most popular Sunni school with widespread influence across many countries.

Maliki Sect: The Maliki school of thought was founded by Imam Malik ibn Anas (711–795 CE) in Medina. It places significant emphasis on the practice of the people of Medina, considering it a valuable source of Islamic law as it reflects the actions of the Prophet’s companions. It is primarily practiced in North and West Africa, parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and some areas of the Gulf.

Key Features: – Emphasis on the practices of the people of Medina as a key source of law. – Gives importance to community consensus (ijma) and analogy (qiyas) in interpreting Islamic teachings. – Known for a moderate approach in comparison to other schools, with some flexibility in legal rulings.

Shafi’i Sect: The Shafi’i school of thought was founded by Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi’i (767–820 CE). It is known for its strict methodology in deriving legal rulings and prioritizing the authenticity of Hadith over other sources. It is widely practiced in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Key Features: – Strict adherence to Hadith and structured methodology in legal interpretation. – Prioritizes Quran, Hadith, consensus (ijma), and analogy (qiyas) as the primary sources of law. – Recognized for its influence in regions such as East Africa and Southeast Asia.

Hanbali Sect: The Hanbali school of thought was founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780–855 CE). It is known for its strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, with minimal reliance on consensus and analogy. The Hanbali school is predominantly followed in Saudi Arabia and some parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Key Features: – Strict reliance on the Quran and Hadith. – Most conservative of the four Sunni schools. – Known for its minimal reliance on juristic consensus (ijma) and local customs.

Salafi Sect: The Salafi movement is not a traditional school of jurisprudence but a revivalist approach within Sunni Islam. Salafism seeks to return to what its followers believe to be the purest form of Islam, based on the practices of the Salaf (early generations of Muslims). The movement emphasizes a strict, literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith and rejects innovations (bid’ah) in religious practices.

Key Features: – Literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith. – Strong rejection of innovations (bid’ah) and practices not found in the early generations of Islam. – The movement has different strands, including quietist, political, and jihadist Salafism.

Deobandi Sect: The Deobandi movement is a Sunni Islamic revivalist movement that originated in Deoband, India, in the late 19th century. It was founded by Imam Rashid Ahmad Gangohi and Imam Qasim Nanotvi in 1866. The movement focuses on promoting a conservative interpretation of Islam, emphasizing the Quran and Hadith as primary sources of law while rejecting innovations (bid’ah).

Key Features: – Conservative and traditional interpretation of Islamic teachings. – Strong emphasis on Islamic education and scholarship through madrasas. – Rejection of innovations (bid’ah) and non-Islamic practices.

Barelvi Sect: The Barelvi movement originated in India in the 19th century, founded by Ahmad Raza Khan (1856–1921). The movement emphasizes traditional Islamic practices, including the veneration of the Prophet Muhammad, the celebration of religious festivals like Mawlid, and a strong focus on the spiritual dimension of Islam. Barelvis practice Sufi-inspired rituals and believe in the importance of the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad and saints.

Key Features: – Emphasis on the spiritual and mystical aspects of Islam. – Strong devotion to the Prophet Muhammad and celebration of religious festivals. – Rejection of Salafi and Deobandi interpretations of Islam.

These various sub-sects within Sunni Islam highlight the rich diversity in interpretations and practices while maintaining unity in fundamental Islamic beliefs.