Sunni. Shia. Sufi. Salafi. You started to learn about Islam, and then you met all these names. Each group seems to say: “We are the right one.”
It is normal to feel lost. This page is here to help.
You will read how the groups began. You will see what each group believes. And you will see why I, like most Muslims, walk the Sunni way: the Quran and the way (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Written by a Sunni Muslim, with respect for everyone. Every quote links to its source.
Start here
The short answer first
If you read only this box
The most important things are shared. Sunni and Shia Muslims believe in one God, in Muhammad ﷺ as His last prophet, and in the same Quran (Amman Message, Wikipedia).
Most Muslims are Sunni. About 87–90% of Muslims are Sunni. About 10–13% are Shia (Pew 2009).
The split began with one question: who should lead the Muslims after the Prophet died in 632? (Pew 2009) It did not begin with a different holy book.
Sufism is not a third group. It is a way of focusing on the heart (the inner life), inside Islam. Most Sufis, in the past and today, are Sunni (Part 5).
The Sunni way is simple: follow the Quran and the Sunnah (the Prophet's way). Shia Muslims also follow the Quran and the Sunnah, and they add the teachings of their Imams (Wikipedia). Part 8 explains why I walk the Sunni way.
You do not have to solve 1,400 years of history today. You can start with the basics.
Words you will meet
Allāh
The Arabic word for God.
Quran
The holy book of Islam. Muslims believe God sent it to the Prophet Muhammad. We quote the Saheeh International English translation from quran.com. Words in [brackets] were added by the translator.
ﷺ
A short blessing written after the Prophet's name. It means “God bless him and give him peace”.
Sunnah
The way of the Prophet: what he said, what he did, and what he allowed.
Messenger
Another name for the Prophet Muhammad. The hadith often say “Allah's Messenger”.
Ayah
A verse of the Quran.
Hadith
A report of what the Prophet said or did. Sahih means hadith scholars checked it and said it is authentic (truly from the Prophet). Hasan means “good”: one step below sahih, but still accepted. Weak (da'if) means scholars did not find it reliable enough.
Bukhari, Muslim
The two most trusted Sunni hadith books are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Here “Muslim” is the name of the scholar who collected the book. It is not the word for a believer.
Al-Albani
A well-known hadith scholar of the 1900s. We show his grade for hadith that are not in Bukhari or Muslim.
Companions
The men and women who knew the Prophet and followed him.
Caliph
The leader of the Muslims after the Prophet. The Arabic word means “successor”: the person who comes next and takes someone's place.
Imam
Usually, the person who leads a prayer. In Shia Islam, it also means a leader from the Prophet's family. Shia Muslims believe God chose these leaders. In some hadith, “Imam” means the ruler of the Muslims.
Ahl al-Bayt
“The people of the house”: the Prophet's family.
Ummah
The whole Muslim community.
Sect
A group that splits away from a larger religious group.
School of law
A way of explaining the rules of Islam, such as how to pray. Sunnis have four schools (Part 3).
Mainstream
The usual view, held by most scholars.
Innovation
In religion (Arabic: bid'ah), a new act of worship that the Prophet did not teach (Wikipedia). It does not mean new technology.
Fatwa
A scholar's answer to a religious question.
Pledge
A promise to be loyal to a leader.
Tafsir
A book that explains the Quran. We often quote the tafsir of Ibn Kathir (about 1300–1373), a famous Sunni scholar.
In one line
Feeling lost is normal. The most important parts of Islam are shared by Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Part 1 What everyone shares
One God, one Prophet, one Quran
Before we look at differences, look at what Sunni and Shia Muslims share. It is a lot.
One GodGod is One. He has no children and no parents, and nothing is equal to Him (112:1–4).
One last ProphetMuhammad ﷺ is the last prophet (33:40).
One QuranShia Muslims use the same Quran as Sunnis (Wikipedia).
PrayerAll Muslims pray five prayers every day (Wikipedia). Shia ways of praying differ only a little from Sunni ways (Wikipedia).
Angels, prophets, the Last DayAll believe in angels, in God's books and messengers, and in the Last Day (the Day of Judgment) (4:136).
In a chapter called “The Prophets”, the Quran tells the stories of many prophets (21:48–91). Then it says:
Quran
Indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.
Quran 21:92 · Chapter 21, “The Prophets” (Al-Anbya)
Sahih al-Bukhari reports that the Prophet ﷺ said Islam is based on five things:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) . 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan
In simple words: Islam stands on five things. Sunnis call them the five pillars of Islam. 1. Say the testimony of faith: no one should be worshipped but God, and Muhammad is His Messenger. 2. Pray. 3. Give charity. 4. Go to Mecca for Hajj. 5. Fast in the month of Ramadan.
In 2005, 200 Muslim scholars from more than 50 countries met in Amman, Jordan (Wikipedia). They officially accepted the schools of law of Sunni, Shia and Ibadi Islam (Amman Message). Together they said: “There exists more in common between the various schools of Islamic jurisprudence than there is difference between them.” (Amman Message: The Three Points)
In simple words: the schools of Islamic law have more in common than they have differences.
Sunniabout 87–90%Four schools of law: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali
Shiaabout 10–13%Main groups: Twelver (the largest), Ismaili, Zaydi
Ibadimajority in Omanalso parts of North Africa
Sufism is found inside the Sunni and Shia branches. Most Sufis are Sunni. It is a way of the heart, not a separate branch.
The root that all share: one God · the Quran · the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The groups share the same root. Their main difference is about who should lead after the Prophet.
Part 2 The story
How the split happened
The split did not start with a new belief about God. It started with a sad and hard question, right after the Prophet died. But the story begins a few months earlier, with a speech.
16 March 632
A speech at Ghadir Khumm
The Prophet was on his way home from his last Hajj (the journey of worship to Mecca) (Wikipedia). He stopped at a pond called Ghadir Khumm, between Mecca and Medina, and spoke to the people (Wikipedia). Sahih Muslim, one of the two most trusted Sunni hadith books, reports what he said:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… One day Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) stood up to deliver sermon at a watering place known as Khumm situated between Mecca and Medina. He praised Allah, extolled Him and delivered the sermon and. exhorted (us) and said: Now to our purpose. O people, I am a human being. I am about to receive a messenger (the angel of death) from my Lord and I, in response to Allah's call, (would bid good-bye to you), but I am leaving among you two weighty things: the one being the Book of Allah in which there is right guidance and light, so hold fast to the Book of Allah and adhere to it. He exhorted (us) (to hold fast) to the Book of Allah and then said: The second are the members of my household I remind you (of your duties) to the members of my family …
In simple words: the Prophet said he was leaving “two weighty things” (two very important things): God's book and his family. He told people to hold fast to God's book. And he reminded them of their duty to his family.
Another hadith book, Jami' at-Tirmidhi, reports that the Prophet said these words about Ali. Ali was the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law (the husband of his daughter) (Wikipedia):
Hadith · graded Sahih by al-Albani
… For whomever I am his Mawla then 'Ali is his Mawla
In simple words: the Arabic word mawla has many meanings, such as “master”, “protector”, “supporter”, “friend” or “one with authority” (Wikipedia). Both Sunnis and Shia accept that this event happened. They disagree about what it means (Wikipedia). See the box “How Shia Muslims read the story” in Part 4.
June 632
The Prophet dies. Who will lead?
The Prophet died in Medina in June 632. The Muslim leaders had to decide who would lead next (Wikipedia). Some of them met in a covered meeting place called the Saqifa (Wikipedia). There they chose Abu Bakr as the first caliph (Wikipedia). Sunnis see Abu Bakr as the Prophet's closest companion (Wikipedia). He was also the father of Aisha, the Prophet's wife (Wikipedia).
At that time, Ali and other close relatives were preparing the Prophet's body for burial. Ali probably did not know about the meeting (Wikipedia).
Here the two views separate. Sunnis believe the Prophet left the choice to the community. So, for Sunnis, Abu Bakr was chosen in the right way. Shia Muslims believe the Prophet had already chosen Ali at Ghadir Khumm. So, for them, the Saqifa meeting ignored Ali's right to lead (Wikipedia). This disagreement was the first cause of the Sunni–Shia split (Wikipedia).
Read the exact words of the encyclopediaEncyclopedia
The succession to Muhammad in 632 led the Muslims to be split into two camps: the Sunnis, who believed that the caliphs of the Islamic community should be chosen by a council, as in Saqifa; and a second group, the Shia, who believed that Muhammad had named his successor to be Ali ibn Abi Talib, his cousin and son-in-law.
Sunni Muslims hold that Muhammad left the choice of his successor to the community, and therefore regard Abu Bakr's selection by companions as legitimate. Shia Muslims maintain that Ali had already been designated as Muhammad's successor at the event of Ghadir Khumm, and therefore regard the events at Saqifa as having bypassed his rightful succession.
Abu Bakr led from 632 to 634. Then Umar (634–644), then Uthman (644–656) (Wikipedia), then Ali (656–661) (Wikipedia). Sunnis call them the four “rightly guided” caliphs: guided by God on the right path (Wikipedia). Shia Muslims, for the most part, do not accept the first three as rightful caliphs. They believe the Prophet had chosen Ali (Wikipedia).
656–661
The first civil war
Rebels (people who fought against the ruler) killed the caliph Uthman in 656. Ali was chosen as the fourth caliph (Wikipedia). Then came the first civil war: a war between Muslims (Wikipedia). Some leaders said Ali had not punished Uthman's killers quickly enough. This led to the Battle of the Camel in 656 (Wikipedia). Muawiya, the governor of Syria and Uthman's relative, also refused to accept Ali. This led to the Battle of Siffin in 657 (Wikipedia).
After Siffin, a group called the Kharijites left Ali's side (Wikipedia). They called both Ali and Muawiya unbelievers (Wikipedia). In 661, a Kharijite killed Ali (Wikipedia). Most Muslims saw the Kharijites as extremists (people who go much too far) who had left the community (Wikipedia).
661
A new ruling family
After Ali's death, his eldest son Hasan was chosen to lead. Muawiya marched on Kufa, in Iraq, with a large army. Hasan made a peace agreement and accepted Muawiya as ruler. Muawiya started the Umayyad family of rulers (Wikipedia). One condition of the agreement was that Muawiya would let the next ruler be chosen by consultation (Wikipedia).
680
Karbala
Before he died, Muawiya named his son Yazid as the next ruler (Wikipedia). Husayn, the Prophet's grandson and Ali's son, refused to give his pledge (promise of loyalty) to Yazid (Wikipedia). Karbala is a place in today's Iraq. There, on 10 October 680, Yazid's army killed Husayn. They also killed most of his family members and close companions (his friends and supporters) (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
In the Islamic calendar, that day was the 10th day of the month of Muharram. This day is called Ashura. Every year on Ashura, Shia Muslims mourn Husayn: they remember his death with great sadness (Wikipedia). Sunni Muslims also see his killing as a tragedy (a very sad, terrible event) (Wikipedia). All Muslim groups see Husayn and his companions as martyrs: people who died for their faith (Wikipedia).
Karbala made the split final (Wikipedia). Some historians say that after Karbala, the Shia became a separate religious group (Wikipedia). Shia Muslims themselves trace their faith back to the Prophet (Part 4).
700s–900s
Two ways grow
Sunni scholars wrote six main hadith books, between about 840 and 912 (Wikipedia). The two most trusted are by al-Bukhari and Muslim (Wikipedia). Four great teachers of Islamic law lived in these centuries: Abu Hanifa, Malik, al-Shafi'i and Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Wikipedia). Abu Hanifa was born in 699 (Wikipedia). Ahmad ibn Hanbal died in 855 (Wikipedia). Their four schools of law are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali (Wikipedia). They are still followed today (Wikipedia).
In the same period, Ja'far al-Sadiq, the sixth Shia Imam, taught the Shia teaching about the Imams (Wikipedia). The main Shia school of law, the Ja'fari school, is named after him (Wikipedia).
Shia Muslims followed Imams from Ali's family, one after another. The largest Shia group is the Twelvers (Wikipedia). They believe the twelfth Imam went into hiding in 874, when he was a young child, because of threats from his enemies. They believe he is alive and will return to bring justice (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
700s–1100s
The Sufi path
Some Muslims focused on the inner life: a simple life, a clean heart, and remembering God. An early teacher was Hasan al-Basri (Wikipedia). He died in 728. Al-Junayd of Baghdad died in about 910 (Wikipedia). He taught that this inner path must always follow Islamic law (Wikipedia). Al-Ghazali (died 1111) (Wikipedia) wrote a famous book that brought Sunni belief and Sufism together (Wikipedia). From the 1000s, Sufis began to form groups called “orders”: groups of students around one teacher (see Part 5) (Wikipedia).
Historians still disagree about how Shia Islam began. Some Western historians describe the early Shia as only a political group. Others say early Islam did not separate religion and politics in this modern Western way (Wikipedia). The encyclopedia sums it up: the question of who should lead after the Prophet was the central issue in the early splits (Wikipedia).
In one line
It began as a question about leadership. Over centuries, it grew into two ways of reading history and religion.
Part 3 Sunni Islam
“The people of the Sunnah and the community”
The full Sunni name is Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah. It means “the people of the Sunnah (the Prophet's way) and the community” (Wikipedia). Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam (Wikipedia).
Leaders after the Prophet
Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, in that order. Sunnis call all four “rightly guided” (Wikipedia).
The Companions
Sunnis trust all the Companions to report the Prophet's words honestly. The only exception would be someone proven to be a liar (Wikipedia). Sunnis do not say the Companions never sinned (IslamQA).
Hadith books
Six main books (Wikipedia). The two most trusted are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (Wikipedia).
Law
Four schools: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali. Each school accepts the others as valid (acceptable) (Wikipedia).
Scholars
There is no official ranking of clergy. Leaders become known by studying and becoming scholars (Wikipedia).
Where
All over the Muslim world. For example, the Maliki school is the main one in North and West Africa. The Hanafi school is the main one in South and Central Asia (Wikipedia).
Everyday example
Four good doctors read the same medical book. On small things they give slightly different advice. You trust all four, because they all follow the book. The four Sunni schools are like that.
Sunnis love the Prophet's family too
Some people think only Shia Muslims love Ali and the Prophet's family. That is not true. The Prophet taught his Companions to ask God to bless his family, as part of the prayer:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious …
In simple words: the Prophet said Ali's place with him was like Aaron's place with Moses. In the Quran, Moses asks God to make his brother Aaron his helper and to let him share his task (20:29–32).
Both sides honour this hadith, but they read it differently. Shia authors see it as a sign that Ali was to be the Prophet's successor (Wikipedia). Sunni scholars say it is not about who leads next, because Aaron died before Moses (Wikipedia).
Abu Bakr, the first caliph, used to tell people:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
Abu Bakr used to say, "Look after Muhammad (ﷺ) in (looking after) his family
In simple words: if you want to honour the Prophet, take good care of his family.
In one line
Sunni means: the Prophet's way, with the community. Sunnis love Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali and the Prophet's family.
Part 4 Shia Islam
“The party of Ali”: what Shia Muslims believe
Shia comes from Shīʿat ʿAlī: “the party (followers) of Ali” (Wikipedia). Here we try to describe Shia beliefs the way Shia Muslims understand them. A Shia encyclopedia says: “The term "Shi'a" refers to the followers of Imam Ali (a) who believe that the Prophet (s) explicitly appointed him as his immediate successor.” (WikiShia: Shia Islam) (“(a)” and “(s)” are short blessings, like ﷺ.)
Historians say the Shia first appeared as a separate movement among the people loyal to Ali during the first civil war (Wikipedia). Shia Muslims trace their faith back to the Prophet himself.
Main belief
Shia Muslims believe that only God can choose who leads after a prophet. In the same way, only God chooses a prophet. They believe God chose Ali, and the Prophet announced it (Wikipedia, Wikipedia). After Ali, the leaders are Imams from the Prophet's family (Wikipedia).
The Imams
Twelver Shia believe the Imams must be free from error and sin, and chosen by God (Wikipedia).
Main groups
Twelvers (the largest), Ismailis and Zaydis (Wikipedia). Most Shia live in four countries: Iran, Pakistan, India and Iraq (Pew 2009). Shia are the majority in Iran, Iraq and Azerbaijan. They are almost half of the Muslims in Lebanon and Bahrain (Wikipedia). Most Zaydis live in north-western Yemen and in Najran, Saudi Arabia (Wikipedia).
Hadith books
Twelver Shia use their own “Four Books” of hadith (Wikipedia).
Religious answers
Twelver Shia believers follow a senior scholar in how they practise their religion. This scholar is called a marja (“source to follow”) (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
Things you may notice at a Shia mosque
Prayers are often joined. This means two prayers are prayed one right after the other. The noon prayer is joined with the afternoon prayer. The sunset prayer is joined with the night prayer. So people pray at three times of the day, but they still pray all five prayers (Wikipedia). Shia Muslims say the Quran mentions three times for prayer. Sunnis join prayers only in some situations (Wikipedia).
In prayer, Muslims put their forehead on the ground. Many Shia put their forehead on a small, flat piece of clay (Wikipedia). Shia scholars say the clay itself is not required. Praying on earth, stone or plants is also valid. The clay is just an easy way to touch natural earth (WikiShia).
The call to prayer (the words said aloud to call people to pray) may include a line about Ali. It says that Ali is the wali (friend, guardian) of God. Many Shia scholars recommend saying it (Wikipedia). But they say it was not an original part of the call (WikiShia).
In the first ten days of Muharram, ending on Ashura, Shia Muslims mourn Husayn (Wikipedia).
How Shia Muslims read the story
Shia Muslims point to Ghadir Khumm. They read mawla as “leader” or “one who must be obeyed”. So for them, the Prophet named Ali as the next leader and the first Imam (Wikipedia).
They also point to the “two weighty things” in Part 2: the Quran and the Prophet's family (Sahih Muslim 2408). And they point to another report in Sahih Muslim:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
A'isha reported that Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) went out one norning wearing a striped cloak of the black camel's hair that there came Hasan b. 'Ali. He wrapped hitn under it, then came Husain and he wrapped him under it along with the other one (Hasan). Then came Fatima and he took her under it, then came 'Ali and he also took him under it and then said:Allah only desires to take away any uncleanliness from you, O people of the household, and purify you (thorough purifying)
(The English translation has two typing errors: “norning” means “morning”, and “hitn” means “him”.)
In simple words: the Prophet put his daughter Fatima, her husband Ali, and their sons Hasan and Husayn under his cloak (Wikipedia). Then he recited a Quran verse (33:33). It says God wants to make the Prophet's household (his family) pure.
Shia Muslims base their belief that the Imams are free from sin on this verse (Wikipedia).
How Sunni scholars answer
Sunnis accept these reports. They love the Prophet's family. But they read them differently.
Zaid ibn Arqam reported the “two weighty things” hadith. In the same hadith, he says who the family includes: the families of Ali, Aqil, Ja'far and Abbas (Sahih Muslim 2408). So Sunnis understand “I remind you of my family” as: love them and respect their rights. A Sunni fatwa site says all Sunni scholars agree this is a duty (IslamQA).
Sunnis read mawla as “close friend”, “supporter” or “one who deserves love and loyalty”. They do not read the Prophet's words as naming Ali as the next leader (Wikipedia).
Sunnis give one more reason. Imagine the Prophet had given a clear command to make Ali the leader. Would most Companions ignore it? Sunnis find that hard to believe (Wikipedia).
Read the exact words of the encyclopediaEncyclopedia
The event is particularly significant in Shia Islam, where it is understood as Muhammad's formal designation of Ali as his successor and the first Imam. Shia Muslims interpret the term mawla as meaning leader, authority, or one entitled to obedience. The event is commemorated annually as Eid al-Ghadir on 18 Dhu al-Hijjah.
Sunni Muslims accept that the event of Ghadir Khumm took place and that Muhammad made the statement concerning Ali. However, they do not interpret the statement as an explicit designation of Ali as Muhammad's successor. In Sunni interpretations, mawla refer to a close associate, friend, supporter, or one deserving loyalty and affection.
This divergence in wording reflects a fundamental theological distinction: while mainstream Sunni jurisprudence considers the "Quran and Sunnah" formula as the normative model for religious guidance, Shia theology treats the "Quran and Ahl al-Bayt" version ... as the primary scriptural foundation establishing the spiritual authority ... and divine guidance of the Imams alongside the Quran.
In simple words: this hadith is reported in two wordings. Mainstream Sunni scholars take “the Quran and the Sunnah” as the main guide. Shia teaching takes “the Quran and Ahl al-Bayt” (the Prophet's family) as the basis for the Imams' authority.
In one line
Shia Muslims follow Imams from the Prophet's family. They love the Quran and the Prophet too. The main question is who should have led.
Part 5 Sufism
Not a sect: a way of the heart
Many people think Sufism is a third group, next to Sunni and Shia. It is not. Sufism is not a separate sect. It is a way of practising and understanding the religion, found among both Sunnis and Shia (Wikipedia). Its Arabic name is tasawwuf (Wikipedia). It is about doing good in the most beautiful way (ihsan), cleaning the heart, closeness to God, and remembering God (Wikipedia).
Most Sufis, in the past and today, are Sunni (Wikipedia). The great Sufi orders each followed one of the four Sunni schools of law (Wikipedia). A Sufi order (tariqa) is a group of students with one guide. The guide is often called the sheikh (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
Everyday example
Two people pray side by side. Both do every step right. One is thinking about dinner. The other feels that God is watching. Sufism is about becoming the second person.
Where the good core comes from
Sufis focus on ihsan (Wikipedia). Its best-known definition comes from a famous hadith (Wikipedia). The angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) came to the Prophet and asked him questions about faith. One question was about ihsan. The translation below calls it “perfection”:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan (perfection)?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you …
In simple words: hearts find peace when they remember God. A person succeeds when they clean their soul. A person fails when they spoil it with wrong.
Some of the greatest Sunni scholars were also connected with Sufism. Al-Ghazali and Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani are two examples (Wikipedia). Al-Jilani (died about 1166) was a Sunni (Hanbali) scholar. One of the oldest Sufi orders, the Qadiriyya, is named after him (Wikipedia).
Read the exact words of the encyclopediaEncyclopedia
Existing in both Sunni and Shia Islam, Sufism is not a distinct sect, as is sometimes erroneously assumed, but a method of approaching or a way of understanding the religion
Although the overwhelming majority of Sufis, both pre-modern and modern, remain adherents of Sunni Islam, some strands of Sufi thought transferred over to the ambits of Shia Islam during the late Middle Ages
William C. Chittick describes Sufism as "the interiorisation and intensification of Islamic faith and practice", anchoring it to ihsan, the third dimension of religion in the Hadith of Jibril, alongside islam and iman.
Junayd studied within the Shāfiʿī school of law in Baghdad and first encountered Sufism through his uncle, Sarīʿ al-Saqaṭī. He was subsequently instructed by al-Muḥāsibī. From both teachers he derived a strong insistence that Sufi experience should remain governed by religious law and orthodox belief and conduct. He consequently distanced himself from the more extreme pronouncements associated with mystics such as al-Ḥallāj, whom he nevertheless influenced, and became known as an advocate of "sober Sufism".
Some things done in the name of Sufism are rejected by many Sunni scholars. Salafi Sunnis (see Part 6) do not accept many practices (religious habits) of today's Sufi orders (Wikipedia). For example, the “Wahhabi” (see Part 6) and Ahl-i-Hadith movements are against visiting shrines (holy tombs). They are also against asking for help at the graves of saints (very holy people) (Wikipedia).
Other Sunni scholars disagree with the Salafi view. For example, most Sunni legal scholars recommend visiting the Prophet's grave after Hajj (Wikipedia). Muslims also disagree on whether every innovation (see “Words you will meet”) is wrong, or whether there can be a “good innovation” (Wikipedia). In South Asia, Barelvi Sunnis allow asking God “through” a holy person (tawassul). Deobandi Sunnis and the Salafi (“Wahhabi”) movement do not (Wikipedia).
All Muslims agree that worship and prayer are for God alone:
Quran
It is You we worship and You we ask for help.
Quran 1:5 · Chapter 1, “The Opener” (Al-Fatihah)Quran
And [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allāh, so do not invoke with Allāh anyone.
In simple words: we worship God alone, and we ask God alone for help. Places of prayer are for God. Do not call on anyone else together with Him.
Nobody in this debate disagrees with these verses. They disagree about which acts go against them. An encyclopedia puts it this way: the disagreement is not about tawhid (God's oneness), but about what counts as tawhid (Wikipedia).
And the Prophet warned against adding things to the religion that do not fit its principles:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected
In simple words: if someone adds something new to our religion that does not fit its teachings, it is not accepted.
A safe rule when you are unsure
When you see a religious practice that is new to you, ask three questions. Is it in the Quran or the Sunnah? Did the Prophet and his Companions do it? Is the prayer going to God alone? If all three answers are yes, you are safe. If you are not sure, do not do it for now. Ask a trusted teacher.
In one line
The heart of Sufism (a sincere heart, remembering God) comes from the Quran and Sunnah. Check every practice: does it match them?
Part 6 Other names
Other names you may hear
Salafi
From salaf, “the early ones”: the first three generations of Muslims. Salafis say they return to the ways of those generations (Wikipedia). They say they rely on the Quran, the Sunnah and the agreement of the early Muslims (Wikipedia).
“Wahhabi”
A Salafi movement inside Sunni Islam, named after the scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1700s) (Wikipedia). The word “Wahhabi” is mostly used by others (Wikipedia). The followers of this movement reject the word. They call themselves Salafi (Wikipedia). People who disagree with them often use the word as an insult (Wikipedia).
Ibadi
An old branch of Islam. It is often called the third branch, after Sunni and Shia (Wikipedia). Most people in Oman are Ibadi (Wikipedia). Its roots go back to the Kharijites (Part 2). But Ibadis today do not accept the name “Kharijite” for themselves (Wikipedia). They condemn the Kharijite extremists (Wikipedia).
Quranist
A movement that follows the Quran alone. It does not accept hadith as a guide that must be followed (Wikipedia). It is a small group (Wikipedia). Mainstream Sunni and Shia scholars call it an innovation (Wikipedia).
Ahmadiyya
A movement started by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908). He said God had sent him as the promised Messiah and Mahdi: figures that Muslims expect near the end of time (Wikipedia). Ahmadis say they share the beliefs of most Muslims, but they read “seal of the prophets” (33:40) differently (Wikipedia). Mainstream Muslims believe Muhammad was the final prophet. So they do not accept Ahmad as a prophet. Ahmadis have also been persecuted (treated badly because of their faith) in many places (Wikipedia). In 1973, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (a group of Muslim-majority countries) said the movement is not linked to Islam (Wikipedia).
Why most Muslims say “the Quran alone” is not enough
The Quran itself tells Muslims to obey the Prophet. So the Quran points to the Sunnah:
Quran
He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allāh; but those who turn away - We have not sent you over them as a guardian.
This is the real question. Here is my honest answer, as a Sunni Muslim. It gives you five tests. They come from the Quran and from hadith in Sunni books. Sunni and Shia Muslims both accept the Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah. But Twelver Shia use their own hadith books (Wikipedia). They also count the teachings of their Imams as part of the Sunnah (Wikipedia).
You do not need to read all five tests today. Take one at a time.
When people disagree, go back to God and His Messenger.
Do not split into sects.
Hold on to the Prophet's way, and do not add new things.
Learn from the Companions.
Stay with the community.
Test 1
When people disagree, go back to God and His Messenger
Quran
O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allāh and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.
In simple words: obey God, the Prophet, and those in authority among you. When you disagree, take the question back to God and the Prophet.
Ibn Kathir reports how early scholars explained this verse. (In his words, “Ayah” means a verse, and “the Salaf” means the early Muslims. Mujahid was one of these early scholars.) He writes: “Mujahid and several others among the Salaf said that the Ayah means, "(Refer) to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger."” (Ibn Kathir on 4:59)
Then he adds: “This is a command from Allah that whatever areas the people dispute about, whether major or minor areas of the religion, they are required to refer to the Qur'an and Sunnah for judgment concerning these disputes.” (Ibn Kathir on 4:59)
In simple words: for every disagreement, big or small, go back to the Quran and the Sunnah.
Everyday example
A teacher gives the class a book and explains it every day. Later, the students argue about a page. The best answer is not “what my group thinks”. It is: what does the book say, and how did the teacher explain it?
Two more verses say the same thing: follow the Prophet.
Quran
Say, [O Muḥammad], "If you should love Allāh, then follow me, [so] Allāh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful."
Quran 3:31 · Chapter 3, “Family of Imran” (Ali 'Imran)Quran
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.
Quran 33:21 · Chapter 33, “The Combined Forces” (Al-Ahzab)
In simple words: if you love God, follow the Prophet. His life is the best example to follow.
Test 2
The Quran warns against splitting into sects
Quran
And hold firmly to the rope of Allāh all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allāh upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allāh make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.
Quran 3:103 · Chapter 3, “Family of Imran” (Ali 'Imran)
In simple words: hold on to God's rope together. Do not split.
Quran
And do not be like the ones who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And those will have a great punishment
Quran 3:105 · Chapter 3, “Family of Imran” (Ali 'Imran)
Ibn Kathir explains (“Ummah” means the Muslim community): “In this Ayah, Allah forbids this Ummah from imitating the division and discord of the nations that came before them.” (Ibn Kathir on 3:105)
Quran
31[Adhere to it], turning in repentance to Him, and fear Him and establish prayer and do not be of those who associate others with Allāh 32[Or] of those who have divided their religion and become sects, every faction rejoicing in what it has.
In simple words: splitting into groups, each one happy with itself, is something God warns against. So the goal is not to make your group win. The goal is to stay with the Quran and the Prophet. This is a warning to all Muslims, Sunnis too. It is not a judgement on each person in another group (see the “73 groups” box below, and Part 9).
Test 3
The Prophet told us what to hold on to
The Prophet gave a speech that made people cry. A Companion said it felt like a goodbye. The Prophet said:
Hadith · graded Sahih by al-Albani
… those of you who live after me will see great disagreement. You must then follow my sunnah and that of the rightly-guided caliphs. Hold to it and stick fast to it. Avoid novelties, for every novelty is an innovation, and every innovation is an error
In simple words: after me, people will disagree a lot. Hold on to my way, and the way of the rightly guided caliphs after me. Do not invent new things in religion.
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "All my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." They said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Who will refuse?" He said, "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)
In simple words: Paradise is open to all the Prophet's followers. Only people who refuse it will not enter. Obeying the Prophet is the way in.
Remember: in religion, an “innovation” (bid'ah) is a new act of worship that the Prophet did not teach (Wikipedia). In his sermons (religious speeches), the Prophet used to say:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… The best of the speech is embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best of the guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. And the most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is error …
In simple words: the best words are God's book. The best guidance is the Prophet's guidance. New inventions in religion lead people the wrong way.
Test 4
The Companions: the first people to walk the road
The Quran and the Sunnah reached us through the Companions, who passed them on (Wikipedia). The Quran says God is pleased with the first believers who emigrated and helped, and with those who promised loyalty to the Prophet under a tree:
Quran
And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhājireen and the Anṣār and those who followed them with good conduct - Allāh is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.
Quran 9:100 · Chapter 9, “The Repentance” (At-Tawbah)Quran
Certainly was Allāh pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muḥammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest
Quran 48:18 · Chapter 48, “The Victory” (Al-Fath)Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the latter …
In simple words: God is pleased with the first believers: the Muhajireen (the Muslims who moved from Mecca to Medina with the Prophet) and the Ansar (the Muslims of Medina who helped them) (Wikipedia). He was also pleased with the believers who promised loyalty to the Prophet under a tree. The Prophet said his generation was the best. So Sunnis trust the way those people practised Islam.
Everyday example
You want to know how a teacher wanted a lesson done. The best people to ask are the first students. They sat in the class and saw the teacher every day.
Test 5
Stay with the community
A Companion asked the Prophet what to do in a time of confusion. The Prophet said:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam (ruler). …
In simple words: in a time of confusion, stay with the main group of Muslims and their leader. Here “Imam” means the ruler, not a prayer leader.
A related verse warns against going against the Prophet and leaving “the way of the believers” (4:115). Ibn Kathir explains: “This contradiction could be in the form of contradicting a text (from the Qur'an or Sunnah) or contradicting what the Ummah of Muhammad has agreed on.” (Ibn Kathir on 4:115)
In simple words: you can go against the Prophet in two ways. You can go against the Quran and Sunnah. Or you can go against what all Muslims agreed on.
An honest note
Being the biggest group does not make you right by itself. The Quran warns:
Quran
And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allāh. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but misjudging.
In simple words: most people on earth can be wrong. Many of them only follow guesses.
So numbers are not the real reason to follow this way. The real reason is Tests 1 to 4: the Quran and the Sunnah. The large Sunni community is a sign that many people have stayed on that road. But it is not the proof.
Everyday example
A big crowd can walk the wrong way. So you check the map, not the crowd. But when many careful travellers use the same map and take the same road, that is a good sign.
If someone shows you the “73 groups” hadith, read this
You may hear about a hadith that says the Muslims will split into 73 groups. Here is one version. Al-Albani graded it sahih (authentic):
Hadith · graded Sahih by al-Albani
… my nation will split into seventy-three sects, one of which will be in Paradise and seventy-two in Hell.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah, who are they?” He said: “The main body. …
In simple words: the Muslims will split into many groups. One group is safe: “the main body”. The Arabic word is al-jamāʿah: the united community. It is the same word as in the full Sunni name (Part 3).
Another report uses the same Arabic word. Its English translation says “the majority group” (Abu Dawud 4597, graded hasan by al-Albani). As Test 5 says, being many is not the proof by itself. A third report says the safe group is “what I am upon and my Companions”. This means: the way the Prophet and his Companions followed (Tirmidhi 2641). Its grade is disputed: al-Albani and Ahmad Shakir graded it hasan, but Zubair Ali Zai graded it weak.
This hadith can sound frightening. Sunni scholars explain it calmly. IslamWeb is a Sunni website where scholars answer religious questions. It explains three things.
In simple words: the safe group is everyone who holds on to the Quran and the Sunnah, with the main body of Muslims. Normal differences between scholars are not “splitting”. And Muslims in the other groups will still enter Paradise in the end, even if they are punished first. So do not use this hadith to call other Muslims unbelievers (Part 9).
Read the exact words of the fatwas
“The saved sect is the one that adheres to the Quran and the Sunnah, and which is upon the methodology of the majority of the (Muslim) nation and do not deviate from it until they meet Allah whilst upon this state.” (IslamWeb fatwa 393448)
“First of all, it should be mentioned that the Islamic sects who will enter Hellfire because of deviating from the guidance of the Prophet will ultimately enter Paradise even if they have entered Hellfire beforehand.” (IslamWeb fatwa 393448)
“This is because not every difference among Muslims is considered to be division. This is evident nowadays because there are variations among Muslims in Da‘wah (propagation), knowledge, and jurisprudence regarding current affairs, but these variations are not that which was meant by the abovementioned Hadeeth.” (IslamWeb fatwa 12682)
How a Shia Muslim would answer
A Shia Muslim would say that they also follow the Quran and the Prophet. They say the Prophet told Muslims to hold on to the Quran and his family. So, for them, following the Imams from his family is following the Prophet. In Twelver Shia belief, there are two sources of guidance after the Prophet: the Quran and his family (Wikipedia).
They would also answer Tests 4 and 5. Shia Muslims judge each Companion by what he did, including his loyalty to the Prophet's family after the Prophet died (Wikipedia). And they say that, in the Quran, being the majority does not make a group right (Wikipedia).
A short Sunni reply
Sunnis also hold on to the Prophet's family, with love and respect. When Muslims disagree, the rule in Test 1 sends them back to “Allāh and the Messenger” (4:59). The same verse also says to obey “those in authority among you”. Ibn Kathir explains this as obeying rulers, but never if they order you to disobey God (Ibn Kathir on 4:59). Shia scholars use this verse as evidence for the Imams (WikiShia).
The Quran does not clearly name who should lead after the Prophet, but it does give special honour to the families of earlier prophets (Wikipedia). The first four caliphs were chosen by leading Companions, or named by the caliph before them (Wikipedia). Ali probably did not give his pledge to Abu Bakr until his wife Fatima died, within six months of the Prophet's death (Wikipedia). Historians think Ali probably still believed he had the right to lead. But he accepted the first three caliphs as rulers (Wikipedia).
Why I walk this way
I am a Sunni Muslim. I want to tell you why, in simple words.
I do not follow a group because it is big. I follow the Quran and the Prophet ﷺ, because God told me to (Test 1). “Sunni” is just the name for walking that road together with the Companions, who walked it first.
I love the Prophet's family: Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husayn. I respect Shia Muslims, even where we disagree. And I respect Sufis, most of whom are Sunni like me. But when I feel unsure, I go back to two things: what God said, and what His Messenger did. That keeps my heart calm. I hope it helps you too.
In one line
Don't ask “which group?” first. Ask: “what did God say, and what did His Messenger do?”
Part 9 Go gently
You don't have to win this argument today
Online, you may see Muslims fighting and insulting each other. Please do not let that push you away. The Prophet warned strongly against calling a Muslim an unbeliever (kafir):
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If a man says to his brother, O Kafir (disbeliever)!' Then surely one of them is such (i.e., a Kafir)
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.
Quran 49:10 · Chapter 49, “The Rooms” (Al-Hujurat)
In simple words: calling another Muslim an unbeliever is very serious. If you do it, one of you two really is an unbeliever: the one who was called that, or the one who said it. All believers are brothers. When they fight, make peace between them.
Remember the scholars who met in Amman in 2005 (Part 1). They agreed on who is a Muslim. They also said Muslims must not call each other apostates (people who have left Islam) (Amman Message). Mainstream scholars also say that only qualified scholars may ever judge whether someone has left Islam. And they must do it with great care (Wikipedia). It is not a job for people in online comments.
The Prophet also said that this religion is easy:
Hadith · Sahih (authentic)
… Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded …
In simple words: religion is easy. Do not push yourself too hard, or you will not be able to keep going. Do your best, and be happy: you will be rewarded.
Quran
And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allāh is with the doers of good.
Quran 29:69 · Chapter 29, “The Spider” (Al-'Ankabut)
In simple words: God does not ask more than you can carry (2:286). If you sincerely look for Him, He will guide you.
Simple first steps
Learn the basics first: one God, the Prophet, and the five pillars (Part 1).
Read the Quran in your own language, a little each day. quran.com is free.
When you feel ready, find one kind, trusted teacher at a mainstream mosque. Ask your questions there, not in online comment sections.
When you hear a new idea, use the tests in Part 8. Ask: is it from the Quran and the Sunnah?
Take your time. Big questions can wait until the basics feel solid.
In one line
Go slowly, start with what is shared, and ask God for guidance.
Part 10 Myths
Things people say that are not true
“Shia Muslims have a different Quran.”
Not true. Shia Muslims use the same Quran as Sunnis (Wikipedia). Most Sunnis and Shia believe the text is identical (Wikipedia). One Western scholar, Etan Kohlberg, says that in the early centuries, the belief that the Quran had been changed was common among Shia. He says this belief faded during the Buyid period (934–1062) (Wikipedia). The Shia have strongly denied that they believe in a changed Quran. The Shia scholars who argued for it always stayed a minority (Wikipedia). A Shia encyclopedia says: “Muslims unanimously agree that the Qur'an is unaltered and undistorted.” (WikiShia: Integrity of the Qur'an)
“Sunnis don't love Ali or the Prophet's family.”
Not true. Ali is the fourth rightly guided caliph for Sunnis. Sunnis ask God to bless the Prophet's family when they pray (Part 3).
“Sufism is a different religion.”
Not true. It is a way of practising Islam, not a separate sect (Wikipedia). Most Sufis are Sunni (Part 5).
“Shia Muslims are not Muslims.”
Many Muslim scholars say the opposite. The Amman Message (Part 1) says that a follower of the Ja'fari (Twelver) or Zaydi Shia schools is a Muslim (Amman Message). Over 500 Muslim scholars supported the Message. That is more than the 200 who met in Amman (Amman Message). Sunnis and Shia disagree on important things. But official Muslim scholars hold that Islam does not allow calling a Muslim an unbeliever if he says he believes and practises the pillars of Islam (Wikipedia).
Part 11 Questions
Questions you might ask
Tap a card to see a short answer.
Sources
Where every quote comes from
Quran: Saheeh International, as shown on quran.com. Hadith: the English texts on sunnah.com. We got them through a free tool called “hadith-api”. For books other than Bukhari and Muslim, each card shows the hadith's grade. Other sources: