Sunni etymology

Etymology

The term "Sunni" is derived from the Arabic word "sunnah", which means "the path" or "the way". It refers to the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, as transmitted through Hadith (narrations of the Prophet's words and actions) and other sources.

Meaning

Sunni Muslims are those who adhere to the Sunnah as the basis of their beliefs and practices. They believe that the Sunnah provides guidance for all aspects of life, from personal worship to social relations to political order. Sunni Muslims also acknowledge the authority of the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) as the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad.

Origin

The term "Sunni" emerged in the early centuries of Islam, after the split between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam. During the First Fitna (civil war) in the seventh century, the supporters of Ali, the fourth caliph, withdrew from the battle and adopted a position of neutrality, becoming known as the "Shiat Ali" (the party of Ali). Those who remained loyal to the Umayyad caliph Mu'awiya I became known as the "Ahl al-Sunnah" (the people of the Sunnah).

Over time, the Ahl al-Sunnah came to be known simply as Sunnis, while the Shiat Ali became known as Shi'a. The Sunni branch of Islam gradually became the majority tradition in Islam, and it is now followed by approximately 85-90% of all Muslims worldwide.

Sunni relate terms

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