beliefs of sunni islam

Daniel Parker

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24-02-2025

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Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam, representing approximately 85-90% of the world's Muslim population. Understanding its core beliefs is crucial to comprehending the faith and its global impact. This article explores the fundamental tenets of Sunni Islam, encompassing its theological foundations, practices, and schools of thought.

The Six Articles of Faith (Arkan al-Īmān)

At the heart of Sunni Islam lie the six articles of faith, which form the bedrock of belief:

• Belief in God (Allah): This is the absolute cornerstone. Sunnis believe in one God, Allah, the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-merciful creator and sustainer of the universe. He is unique and without partners.

• Belief in Angels: Sunnis believe in the existence of angels, divine messengers who carry out God's commands. Notable among them are Jibril (Gabriel), who revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, and Mikail (Michael).

• Belief in Divine Books: Sunnis believe in the divine origin of all holy scriptures, recognizing the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and most importantly, the Quran as the final and unaltered word of God. The Quran is considered the ultimate source of guidance.

• Belief in Prophets and Messengers: Sunnis believe in a long line of prophets, sent by God to guide humanity. They consider all prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and ultimately Muhammad, to be messengers of God. Muhammad is revered as the final and most important prophet.

• Belief in the Day of Judgment: Sunnis believe in the Day of Judgment, when all humanity will be resurrected and judged by God according to their deeds. This judgment will determine their eternal destiny in either Paradise or Hell.

• Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar): This refers to the belief that everything that happens is preordained by God. However, this does not negate free will; rather, it emphasizes God's omnipotence and plan for creation.

The Five Pillars of Islam (Arkan al-Islām)

Beyond the articles of faith, the five pillars of Islam represent the fundamental practices for Sunni Muslims:

• Declaration of faith (Shahada): The sincere declaration of faith, "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God," is the foundation of Islam.

• Prayer (Salat): The performance of five daily prayers at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night is a crucial ritual.

• Charity (Zakat): The giving of a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy is an obligatory act of worship.

• Fasting (Sawm): Abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan is a sacred duty.

• Pilgrimage (Hajj): Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, if physically and financially capable, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation.

Sunni Schools of Thought (Madhhabs)

Within Sunni Islam, there are four major schools of jurisprudence (madhhabs) which differ slightly in their interpretations of Islamic law:

• Hanafi: Primarily prevalent in South Asia, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East.

• Maliki: Dominant in North Africa and parts of West Africa.

• Shafi'i: Widely followed in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East.

• Hanbali: Predominantly followed in some parts of the Middle East.

These schools of thought offer different interpretations of Islamic law, but they all share the same fundamental beliefs and principles. The differences mainly lie in legal rulings on specific issues.

Understanding Sunni Beliefs in the Modern World

Sunni Islam, with its rich history and diverse interpretations, continues to be a vibrant and influential force in the world. Understanding its core beliefs and practices is essential for fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting mutual respect and understanding. This overview provides a foundational understanding; further exploration into specific aspects of Sunni theology and practice is encouraged for a more comprehensive understanding.