As the wheel of religions and practices started making its way through human evolution, Islam managed to evolve and give birth to several branches on the way to human civilization.
The two groups; Kurds and Sunnis originated from similar territories with quite many similarities. The division of the Asian subcontinent resulted in the formation of Kurdistan, where the ethnic group, ‘Kurd’ is found.
Sunnis, the majorly practiced Islam group shares many common aspects with the Kurds but, they surely aren’t the same.
Kurds vs Sunni
Kurds are an ethnic group primarily located in the mountainous regions of Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. They have their own language and culture, which is distinct from the Arabic and Persian cultures. Sunni is one of the two major branches of Islam, the other being Shia. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population worldwide and are the dominant sect in many countries in the Middle East.
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Many Kurds are directly or indirectly influenced by the Islam culture due to geographical conditions, and researches show that Kurds and Sunnis shared the same ancestor as well as practices.
However, some Kurds don’t particularly adhere to the Muslim way of life and are more tilted towards Zoroastrianism. “Kurd” doesn’t particularly represent any religion but a group, an ethnic group that started to reside in Kurdistan along with the neighboring Sunnis.
Not only Sunnis, but many Kurds also follow Alevism, Shia Islam as well as Yarsanism, and Yazidism.
The Sunnis on the other hand are a populous group that strictly follows the teachings emitted by Quran. The word “Sunni” is derived from the Arabic term “Sunnah” meaning the teachings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.
These teachings and sayings were recorded in a chronicle called the ‘hadith collections’ which is another core book in understanding the Sunni way of life and their religious practices.
They reside in almost every part of the world and account for around 24.1 to 25 percent of the world population.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Kurds | Sunnis |
|---|---|---|
| Etymology | They are ethnic minorities residing in Turkey which falls under Kurdistan region, hence this group is called Kurd. | “Sunni” is derived from the Arabic term “Sunnah which means that they are the followers of the teachings taught by Prophet Muhammad. |
| Origins | This group emerged as a minority in the Turkey and Iraq as well as Iran covered territories. Accompanied by neighbouring religions like Sunnis and Shias. | Around 90 percent of the middle east (Egypt, Jordan, Arabia) consist of Sunni population. Their existence dates back to the period when the First Prophet left the world of mortals. |
| Practices | Majorly, Kurds practice Sunni Islam or Zoroastrianism. It is a mixed group. | Strictly adhere to Islam and preach the philosophies and way of life told by Prophet Muhammad. |
| Formed in | Late sixteenth century, they existed as a small group with mixed religious diversities. | Seventeenth century (approx. AD 632) |
| Total Population | 18 to 25 percent of the population of Turkey. | Approximately 24.5 percent of the world population. |
What is Kurds?
Kurds are a group of native Western Asians residing in the mountainous regions of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. It’s a small ethnic group that emerged in the late sixteenth century as a minority group with diverse religious practices.
Iraq owns the geographical extent of a country formed of Kurds namely, Kurdistan.
Kurdistan is a geo-culturally diverse territory formed by the Kurds in the 20th century but the concept was versed from the late 11th century. Here, the Kurds reside in the majority and freely practice the Kurdish culture and Kurdish languages without any bars.
The majority of the Kurdish population adhere to the Sunni Islam concept of life and practice it as their religion. However, there are minority populations of Kurds who devote themselves to other religions like Zoroastrianism and Yarsanism.
The variegated population of Kurds is not only the fourth largest ethnic group present in the Middle East but also is spread throughout many European countries. There are many Kurds who reside in Central and southeastern Iraq, they are called ‘Fayi Kurds’.
What is Sunni?
The Sunni population in Islam religion is sky-high. It’s the most populous group that preaches the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and abides by the guidelines of Quran Sharif.
Originated from the early Seventeenth century after the death of Prophet Muhammad, the growth of Sunnis never stopped throughout the history of mankind.
Mainly emerged from the Middle Eastern countries; like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the Sunnis eventually spread across the European countries and Asia as well.
Their laws and jurisdictions strictly adhere to the ‘ijima’ and ‘giyas’. The Sunni population practices the Hadith chronicles and all the laws are brought up as per four different schools of opinions known as Madh’hab.
As surprising as it may sound, many Kurds belong to the Sunni Islam group.
Although seeking the timeline, Kurds existed for a long time and the Sunni group’s traditions and cultures affected the lifestyle and religious tilt of the Kurdish population back in the seventeenth century.
Today, approximately a total of 24 percent of the world population consists of Sunni Muslims spread vastly throughout the world.
Main Differences Between Kurds and Sunni
- The Kurds may or may not be strict Islam followers, whereas The Sunnis are strictly devoted to Sunni Islam only.
- Kurds are a minority ethnic group limited to the Turkish provinces, but the Sunnis are one of the largest populated groups spread throughout the whole world.
- Kurds reside in a particular region namely; Kurdistan and Turkish provinces whereas, the Sunnis are spread throughout the world and every continent.
- “Kurds” get their name derived from the concept of Kurdistan whereas,“Sunni” is derived from the Arabic word ‘Sunnah’.
- Kurds have a variegated population of various religious followers but Sunnis strictly follow Islam.
Reference
- https://thekurdishproject.org/history-and-culture/kurdistan-religion/
- https://www.history.com/news/sunni-shia-divide-islam-muslim
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
