Who is Sunni Muslims?

Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination within Islam, representing about 85-90% of the world's Muslim population. The term "Sunni" comes from "Ahl al-Sunnah," which means "people of the tradition" or "people of the way of the Prophet." Sunni Islam emphasizes following the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith (collections of the sayings and actions of the Prophet) and the Qur'an.

Sunni Muslims believe that the first four caliphs, known as the "Rightly Guided Caliphs" (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali), were the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad. They hold that leadership of the Muslim community should be determined by consensus (shura) rather than hereditary succession.

Key beliefs and practices of Sunni Muslims include:
- **Five Pillars of Islam**: These are the core acts of worship and practice, including the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), giving alms (Zakat), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
- **Adherence to the Qur'an and Hadith**: Sunni Muslims place a strong emphasis on following the Qur'an and the Hadith as primary sources of guidance.
- **Schools of Jurisprudence**: Sunni Islam has four main schools of legal thought (madhabs): Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. Each school offers interpretations and rulings on various aspects of Islamic law (Sharia).

Sunni Islam is characterized by its diverse cultural practices and interpretations, which can vary widely based on regional and cultural contexts.

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