Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, followed by the majority of Muslims worldwide. The term “Sunni” is derived from “Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah,” which means “the people of the tradition and the community.” Sunni Muslims adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) as understood by the consensus of the Prophet’s companions and subsequent scholars.
Definition of Sunni Islam
Sunni Islam is defined by adherence to the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the collective agreement (Ijma) of the early Muslim community. Sunni Muslims believe in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—as rightful successors to the Prophet. The Sunni tradition places emphasis on scholarship, jurisprudence, and the preservation of authentic teachings through chains of narration (Isnad).
Sunni Beliefs According to the Quran and Hadith
Sunni Islam is based on six core articles of faith, as outlined in the Quran and Hadith:
- Belief in One God (Tawhid)
- Sunni Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of Allah (SWT), who is eternal, all-powerful, and merciful.
- “Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge.” (Quran 112:1-2)
- Belief in Angels
- Angels are created from light and serve as messengers of Allah. They record human deeds and carry out divine commands.
- “They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” (Quran 66:6)
- Belief in the Divine Books
- Sunni Muslims believe in all divine scriptures, including the Quran, Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, with the Quran being the final and unaltered revelation.
- “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Quran 15:9)
- Belief in the Prophets
- Sunni Islam holds that Allah has sent numerous prophets to guide humanity, with Muhammad (PBUH) being the last and final messenger.
- “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.” (Quran 33:40)
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Sunni Muslims believe in the resurrection and the final judgment, where every soul will be held accountable for its deeds.
- “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Quran 99:7-8)
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
- Everything happens by the will and decree of Allah, though humans have free will to choose their actions.
- “No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being. Indeed, that, for Allah, is easy.” (Quran 57:22)
Sunni Practices According to the Quran and Hadith
Sunni Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam as fundamental acts of worship and devotion:
- Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
- “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”
- This testimony affirms one’s belief in Islam and is the foundation of Sunni faith.
- Salah (Prayer)
- Sunni Muslims pray five times daily, as commanded in the Quran: “Establish prayer at the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night and the Quran at dawn.” (Quran 17:78)
- The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Bukhari)
- Zakat (Charity)
- Sunni Muslims are obligated to give 2.5% of their savings annually to support the poor and needy.
- “And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah.” (Quran 2:110)
- Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
- Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset, as prescribed in the Quran: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- Performing Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
- “And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” (Quran 22:27)
Sunni Schools of Thought
Sunni Islam has four major schools of jurisprudence (Fiqh), each interpreting Islamic law based on the Quran and Hadith:
- Hanafi – Founded by Imam Abu Hanifa, emphasizing reasoning and analogy.
- Maliki – Founded by Imam Malik, focusing on the practice of the people of Medina.
- Shafi’i – Founded by Imam Al-Shafi’i, emphasizing the Quran, Hadith, consensus, and analogy.
- Hanbali – Founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, known for its strict adherence to Hadith.
Conclusion
Sunni Islam is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It upholds the core principles of monotheism, prophecy, and divine guidance while emphasizing community unity and adherence to Islamic law. By following the fundamental beliefs and practices outlined in the Quran and Hadith, Sunni Muslims strive to live a life of faith, worship, and service to humanity.
