An Introduction to Islamic Sects
Sunni Islam
Sunni Islam is the largest and most widely practiced sect of Islam. The following are some of the major schools of jurisprudence (fiqh) within Sunni Islam:
- Hanafi school of jurisprudence: One of the oldest and most widely followed Sunni schools of jurisprudence, originating in Iraq. It is known for its use of reason and discretion in interpreting Islamic law.
- Barelvi movement: A sub-sect of the Hanafi school that emphasizes the importance of the Prophet Muhammad and his traditions (Sunnah).
- Deobandi movement: A sub-sect of the Hanafi school that emphasizes the importance of following the Quran and Hadiths strictly and has a focus on Islamic education.
- Maliki school of jurisprudence: One of the four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence, originating in Medina. It is known for its reliance on the customs and practices of the people of Medina and other local communities.
- Shafi’i school of jurisprudence: Another of the four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence, originating in Iraq. It is known for its emphasis on tradition and the use of analogy (qiyas) in interpreting Islamic law.
- Ahl al-Hadith movement: A sub-sect of the Shafi’i school that emphasizes the importance of Hadiths and their literal interpretation.
- Hanbali school of jurisprudence: One of the four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence, originating in Saudi Arabia. It is known for its strict adherence to the Quran and Hadiths, and its rejection of speculative theology.
- Wahhabi movement (also known as Salafi or Ahl al-Tawhid): A sub-sect of the Hanbali school that advocates for a return to the early, pure form of Islam and opposes practices such as Sufi mysticism.
Shia Islam
Shia Islam is the second-largest sect of Islam and is primarily practiced in Iran, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East. The following are some of the major schools of jurisprudence within Shia Islam:
- Twelver (or Imami) school of jurisprudence: The largest and most widely followed Shia school of jurisprudence, which holds that there were twelve Imams or leaders after the Prophet Muhammad, the last of whom is believed to be in occultation and will return as the Mahdi. It is known for its emphasis on reason, intellect, and scholarly expertise in interpreting Islamic law.
- Ismaili (or Sevener) school of jurisprudence: A smaller Shia school of jurisprudence that holds that there were seven Imams after the Prophet Muhammad. It is known for its emphasis on esoteric or hidden meanings in Islamic teachings and its focus on spiritual development.
- Nizari Ismaili sub-sect: A branch of the Ismaili school that believes in the continuing presence of an Imam, who provides guidance and interpretation of Islamic law.
- Mustaali Ismaili sub-sect: Another branch of the Ismaili school that also believes in the continuing presence of an Imam, who provides guidance and interpretation of Islamic law.
- Alavi Bohra sub-sect: A smaller sub-sect of the Mustaali Ismaili school, primarily found in India and East Africa, that follows the religious leadership of the Dai al-Mutlaq, who is considered to be the representative of the hidden Imam.
- Zaidi school of jurisprudence: A smaller Shia school of jurisprudence that is primarily practiced in Yemen and emphasizes the importance of the Quran and the Prophet’s Sunna in interpreting Islamic law. It recognizes the first four Imams of the Twelver Shia tradition but does not accept the concept of occultation or the Mahdi.
Sufism
Sufism is a mystical and spiritual tradition within Islam that emphasizes the direct personal experience of God. Sufis can belong to any of the Sunni or Shia schools of jurisprudence, but they may also form their own communities and orders (tariqas) that follow their own unique practices and beliefs. Some of the major Sufi orders include:
- Naqshbandi order: One of the largest and most influential Sufi orders, originating in Central Asia. It emphasizes the importance of remembrance of God (zikr) and the guidance of a spiritual teacher (pir).
- Qadiri order: Another large Sufi order, originating in Iraq. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and detachment from worldly desires.
- Chishti order: A Sufi order that originated in South Asia and is known for its emphasis on love and devotion to God.
- Suhrawardi order: A Sufi order that originated in Persia and is known for its emphasis on inner illumination and spiritual knowledge.
This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other sects, sub-sects, and orders within Islam. The diversity of Islamic traditions and interpretations reflects the complexity and richness of Islamic history and theology. While these different sects and sub-sects may have their own distinct beliefs and practices, they all share a fundamental commitment to the belief in one God and the message of the Prophet Muhammad.
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