SUNNITES Meaning and
Definition
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Sunnites, also spelled Sunnis, are the largest branch of Islam comprising the majority of Muslims around the world. They are followers of the Sunnah, which refers to the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith (collections of his sayings and actions) and the Sira (biographies of the Prophet). Sunnites are recognized for their adherence to the principles outlined in these sources and consider themselves to be the orthodox form of Islam.
The term "Sunnite" is derived from the Arabic word "sunnah," which means tradition or way of life. Sunnites believe in the importance of following the traditions and examples set by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, known as the Sahaba, as a means of understanding and interpreting the Quran. They uphold the idea of consensus (ijma) among the Muslim community in matters of religious interpretation and differ from other sects of Islam in their approach to the role of scholars and the caliphate.
Sunnites often focus on the unity of the Muslim community (ummah) and prioritize the preservation of the broader Islamic tradition while acknowledging the diversity within their own ranks. They recognize the validity of different opinions within the boundaries of orthodoxy and embrace religious pluralism. Sunnites make up the majority in many Muslim-majority countries including Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Understanding the beliefs and practices of Sunnites is crucial for comprehending the religious landscape and dynamics within the Muslim world.
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The orthodox Mohammedans who receive the Sunna, a collection of traditions, as of equal importance with the Koran.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SUNNITES
Etymology of SUNNITES
The word "Sunnites" is derived from the Arabic term "Ahl al-Sunnah", which translates to "People of the Tradition" or "People of the Sunnah". The Sunnah refers to the practices and teachings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, which are considered essential in understanding and interpreting the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
Over time, the term "Ahl al-Sunnah" has been shortened to "Sunnah" or "Sunnites" in English. It is used to refer to the largest branch of Islam, comprising the majority of Muslims worldwide, who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and adhere to the Sunnah as a source of guidance.
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