There are two main branches of Islam: Sunni and Shia. But what about Sufi? What is the difference between Sunni and Sufi? Sunnis are the largest branch of Islam, making up around 85% of all Muslims. They follow the teachings of Muhammad as written in the Quran and Hadith. The Sufis are a minority branch of Islam, making up around 5% of all Muslims. They focus on a personal relationship with Allah and emphasize His love for humanity. So what sets them apart from Sunnis? Let’s take a closer look.
Who is Sunni?
Sunni Islam is one of the two largest branches of Islam, with the other being Shia Islam. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population in the world, and they are particularly dominant in the Middle East and North Africa. Sunni Islam takes its name from the word “sunnah,” which refers to the behaviours and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims seek to follow the sunnah as closely as possible, and they believe that the first four caliphs – Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali – were rightful successors to Muhammad. In contrast, Shia Muslims believe that Ali was the only true caliph. Sunni and Shia Muslims have been in conflict with each other for centuries, and this rivalry continues to shape politics and religion in the Muslim world today.
Who is Sufi?
- Sufism is a branch of Islam that emphasizes mysticalUnion with God and a life of asceticism and simplicity. Sufis strive for personal redemption through Sufi practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God) anddivine love.
- Sufism has a long history in Muslim societies, especially in Iran, India, Central Asia, North Africa, and Turkey. Sufism is often misunderstood by outsiders as being “mystical” or “esoteric.” However, Sufism is simply a different path to understanding God and His will for humanity.
- Sufis believe that the path to Allah is through the heart, not the mind. As such, they focus on developing a personal relationship with God through Sufi practices. Sufis have made significant contributions to Muslim societies through their emphasis on spiritual development and social justice.
- Sufism remains an important part of Islam today, with millions of Muslims around the world following the Sufi path.
Difference between Sunni and Sufi
Sunni and Sufi are both branches of Islam. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, followed by Sufism. Sunni Muslims focus on the Five Pillars of Islam and believe that the Koran is the literal word of God. They also believe in the Sunnah, which are the teachings and sayings of Muhammad. Sufis, on the other hand, focus on mystical experiences and inner knowledge. They often use music, dance, and poetry to reach a state of religious ecstasy. While Sunni Muslims follow a more literal interpretation of the Koran, Sufis believe that it is full of hidden meanings and that its true message can only be understood through spiritual experiences.
Conclusion
Sunni and Sufi Muslims have some differences in their beliefs, but they both follow the teachings of Islam. The main difference between the two branches is that Sunnis believe that the Quran is complete and perfect as it is, while Sufis see the Quran as a guide to be interpreted. There are many different schools of thought within Sunni and Sufi Islam, so there are variations in beliefs among these groups. However, both Sunni and Sufi Muslims share common values and adhere to the same principles of Islam.
