Islam, a prominent faith globally, is a tapestry rich with a variety of beliefs and practices that have evolved over centuries. When discussing Islam, the focus often shifts to Sunni and Shia – the two largest denominations within this faith.
Yet, the religious landscape is much more textured and nuanced than this binary distinction suggests. Looking beyond the Sunni-Shia divide, it’s enlightening to explore lesser-known sects and movements that cast light on the intricate mosaic of Islamic traditions.
The Spectrum of Islamic Thought
Under the umbrella of Islamic thought lie diverse theological, ideological, and political movements that span the Muslim-majority regions. These currents are manifold and can be categorized into several main groups.
It’s essential to recognize that the descriptions below are not all-encompassing, and there’s a considerable overlap and complexity within these categories.
Sunni Islam
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of the religion, representing the majority of Muslims globally. The term “Sunni” derives from “Sunnah,” referring to the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims adhere to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in the Hadiths (collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet) and the Quran (the holy book of Islam).
Sunni Muslims make up the majority, with the Pew Research Center reporting that in 2009 they accounted for 87-90% of the Muslim population. The World Christian Encyclopedia delineates Sunni Muslims into four principal schools: Hanafi (53%), Shafi’i (24%), Maliki (22%), and Hanbali (with 2.3 million followers).
It’s noteworthy that the Hanbali school has the fewest adherents among Sunnis, whereas Wahhabism, a purist Sunni movement, has about 7 million followers.
Here are some key characteristics and beliefs associated with Sunni Islam:
- Belief in the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Sunni Muslims recognize the first four caliphs following the death of Prophet Muhammad as the rightful leaders of the Muslim community. These caliphs are Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib;
- Emphasis on consensus (Ijma) and analogical reasoning (Qiyas): Sunni jurisprudence (Fiqh) is grounded in the Quran, Hadiths, consensus of scholars (Ijma), and analogical reasoning (Qiyas). Sunni scholars utilize these sources to develop legal norms and guide the daily lives of Muslims;
- Variety of legal schools: Within Sunni Islam, there are numerous legal schools, including Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, each offering its interpretation of Islamic law. These schools form the foundation for understanding and applying religious directives across various aspects of life.
Understanding Sunni Beliefs and Practices
Sunni Islam embraces local customs and traditions, allowing for a flexible interpretation and implementation of Islamic law. This adaptability has led to a vibrant diversity in Sunni practice across different cultures.
- Sunism and Spirituality: Within Sunni Islam, many practitioners, among others, also explore Sufism – the mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam. Sufism focuses on a deep, personal connection with the divine, often incorporating practices such as Dhikr (remembrance of God), meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual intimacy with the divine;
- Political Spectrum within Sunnism: Sunni Muslims hold a wide range of political views. Some advocate for a clear separation of church and state, while others favor political Islam, aiming to integrate Islamic laws (Sharia) into state governance.
It’s crucial to understand that within Sunni Islam, there’s a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices, and individuals may align themselves with different theological or jurisprudential schools, as well as various political and cultural leanings.
The majority of Muslims in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia are Sunnis, but the specific expressions of their faith can vary greatly due to local traditions and cultural influences.
Understanding Shia Beliefs and Practices
Shiism represents a significant portion of the Muslim population globally. Shiites, or Shia Muslims, hold unique beliefs and practices that set them apart from their Sunni counterparts. The primary theological difference between the two branches lies in the legitimate leadership of the Muslim community following the death of Prophet Muhammad.
According to Pew Research Center figures, Shias make up about 10-13% of the global Muslim population. The Isnaashari tradition is predominant in Shia Islam, followed by over 80%, including Usulis and Akhbaris.
Another substantial current within Shia Islam is Ismailism, which accounts for 14% of all Shias. Zaidis, along with Nuktawis, make up around 5% of the Shia population. Various smaller Shia currents, such as the Alawites, Sheikhis, Ahl-e Haqq, and Bektashis, have relatively minor followings.
Key Characteristics and Beliefs of Shia Islam:
- Belief in Imamate: The central theological divergence between Shias and Sunnis is the concept of Imamate. Shia Muslims believe that leadership of the Muslim community, or Ummah, should be divinely appointed and that this leadership continues through a line of Imams who are believed to be infallible and chosen by God. Twelver Shias, the largest Shia sect, believe in twelve Imams, with the twelfth, Imam Mahdi, believed to be in occultation and expected to return as a messianic figure;
- Commemorating Imam Hussein: Shiites hold in high regard the events that unfolded in Karbala, where the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, met his end during a fateful clash with the Umayyad Caliphate. Shiite Muslims annually observe this event during the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muharram, especially on the day of Ashura, with ceremonies that express mourning and remembrance;
- Diverse jurisprudential schools: Shiism, like Sunnism, has its own jurisprudential schools. Among Shiite Muslims, the Jafari school is the most renowned, named after the sixth Shiite Imam, Jafar al-Sadiq. This school provides guidelines for religious practices and legal matters;
- Reverence for the Prophet’s family: Shiite Muslims deeply revere and honor the Prophet Muhammad’s family, particularly Ahl al-Bayt, which includes his daughter Fatima, her husband Ali, and their descendants, the Imams. This reverence is a fundamental element of Shiite spirituality;
- Variety of Shiite sects: Although the Twelver sect is the largest Shiite group, there are other Shiite factions, such as the Ismailis and Zaidis, each with their distinct beliefs and practices. For instance, Ismaili Shiites have their own sequence of Imams and religious leaders;
- Spiritual practices and Sufism: Some Shiite Muslims engage in Sufism and mystical practices, just as some Sunni Muslims do. Sufi orders within the Shiite tradition may have distinctive rituals and teachings, while still adhering to the veneration of the Imams.
Shiite Muslims are found in various countries, with a significant population in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, and some regions of South Asia. The specific beliefs and practices of Shiite Muslims can vary among different Shiite sects and regional communities, but the core principle of belief in the Imamate remains the unifying factor in Shiite Islam.
Sufism
Sufism, also known as Tasawwuf, is the mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam. It focuses on the personal and inner relationship with God (Allah) and the quest for spiritual proximity and union with the Divine. Sufism isn’t a separate branch of Islam but rather a set of beliefs and practices found within both Sunni and Shiite Islam, as well as other Islamic traditions. Key aspects of Sufism include:
- Mystical experience: Sufism places significant emphasis on the direct, personal experience of God’s presence and the soul’s inner journey towards divine union. This experience is often described as a profound, transcendental realization of divine love and presence;
- Commemorating the Divine: Sufis engage in the spiritual practice of Dhikr, which involves the rhythmic chanting or recitation of the names and attributes of the Divine. This practice aims to draw closer to the Divine, purify the heart, and facilitate spiritual awakening;
- Sufi Brotherhoods (Tariqas): Sufism is organized into brotherhoods or orders, known as Tariqas, each with its own spiritual rites, teachings, and leaders. These fraternities serve as havens for spiritual guidance and fellowship. Notable among these orders are the Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Mevlevi, the latter being associated with the whirlwind Dervishes;
- Spiritual Mentors (Sheikhs): Sufis often seek the wisdom of a spiritual mentor or Sheikh, an individual who has made significant progress on the Sufi path and who can provide guidance and mentorship. The Sheikh is seen as a fountainhead of spiritual wisdom and guidance;
- Poetry and Literature: Sufism is renowned for its rich tradition of poetry and literature. Sufi poets such as Rumi, Hafez, and Attar penned verses that convey profound spiritual messages and articulate the yearning for divine love. Their works have had a profound impact on Islamic culture and the arts;
- Ascetic Practices: Some Sufis partake in ascetic practices like fasting, renunciation, and seclusion to detach from worldly distractions and focus on their spiritual journey;
- Universal Love and Compassion: Sufism often emphasizes universal love and compassion towards all creation. The concepts of “Ishq” (divine love) and “Adab” (courtesy) are central in Sufi teachings, encouraging believers to treat others with kindness and respect;
- Ecstasy and Music: Sufis sometimes use music and dance as avenues to achieve ecstatic states and divine union, exemplified by the renowned spinning dance of the Mevlevi order. Music and poetry serve as potent tools for spiritual awakening.
Sufism’s presence is felt across different parts of the Islamic community, including regions such as Iran, Turkey, South Asia, and North Africa. It is often regarded as a path to deepen one’s faith and spirituality beyond the external rituals of Islam. The practices and beliefs of Sufism can vary widely across different orders and practitioners, reflecting the diversity of the Sufi tradition.
Spread of Islam Across the Globe
The presence of Muslims stretches across every corner of the globe, and their population is not confined to a single region. The largest Muslim populations are found in Africa and Asia, with 40.5% (334 million) and 26% (913 million) respectively.
Europe is home to 5.6% of the Muslim populace, totaling 39 million people including the Asian portion of Russia. North America and Oceania each host 1.6% of the Muslim population, amounting to 5.7 million and 422 thousand individuals respectively. Conversely, Latin America has the smallest percentage of Muslims – merely 0.3% of the population, or 1.65 million people.
Final Thoughts: Diversity Within the Islamic World
Within the Islamic community, numerous sects exist, each with its distinctive beliefs and customs. The Sunni and Shia branches are the most recognized, but many less-known sects contribute to the depth and variety of the Muslim faith. As noted, Sunnism encompasses various schools, with the Hanafi school being one of the most prevalent. Meanwhile, Shia Islam boasts its own diversity, including groups such as the Ismailis and Zaidis.
Beyond these primary sects, the landscape of Islamic splinter groups is a tapestry of unique sects and groups, each with its doctrinal and practical nuances. The Ahmadiyya community and various African-American Muslim groups, including the Nation of Islam, are just a fraction of this rich tapestry.