Sunni vs Wahabi: Difference and Comparison

Sunni Islam represents the majority branch of Islam, encompassing diverse interpretations and practices within its framework, while Wahhabism, a subset of Sunni Islam, is characterized by its strict adherence to the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, advocating for a puritanical interpretation of Islam associated with conservative social norms and a literalist approach to religious texts.

Key Takeaways

1. Sunni and Wahabi are branches of Islam, with Sunni being the larger of the two.
2. Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and emphasize the importance of the consensus of the Muslim community, while Wahabi Muslims adhere to a strict interpretation of Islamic scripture and reject outside influences.
3. Wahabi Islam is associated with Saudi Arabia and has been criticized for its extreme views and support of violence.

Sunni vs Wahabi

Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Wahhabi Islam is a conservative and fundamentalist branch of Islam; it follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law and rejects many traditions and practices. It also rejects the use of religious symbols or images.

Sunni Muslims were the first group that formed after the Mohammad Prophet’s death and were the Sunnah’s followers. They formed new rules for Islam and named these activities Islamic. They believe in the powers of rituals and celebrations of annual Sufi festivals.

Wahabi Muslims are the followers of Mohammad ibn Abdul Wahab and got their name from him. This sheikh was present in the 18th century. They are only 5% of the world’s Muslim population, and all of them are located in Saudi Arabia. They only follow the words of their sheikh.

Comparison Table

Feature	Sunni	Wahabi
Origin	Developed organically over centuries	Founded in 18th century by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab
Following	Largest branch of Islam, representing about 80-85% of Muslims worldwide	Minority movement within Sunni Islam
Schools of Thought	Follow various established schools of Islamic law (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali)	Reject following established schools of Islamic law
Practices	More diverse interpretations and practices	Strict and literal interpretation of Islamic teachings
Saints and Veneration	Veneration of saints and mystics is practiced	Opposed to veneration of saints and intermediaries
Social Practices	More varied social practices	Strict social codes, seen as conservative
Women’s Roles	Varying degrees of restrictions on women	Stricter limitations on women’s activities and dress code

What is Sunni?

Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, encompassing the majority of the world’s Muslim population. It emerged after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, during a period of contention over leadership succession. Sunni Muslims believe in the legitimacy of the early caliphs (successors) who succeeded Prophet Muhammad, particularly the first four: Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib, in contrast to other sects like Shia Islam, which uphold different views on the rightful leadership of the Islamic community.

Beliefs and Practices

1. Doctrine and Theology

Sunni doctrine is primarily based on the Qur’an, the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad), consensus (ijma), and analogical reasoning (qiyas). Sunni theology is characterized by its adherence to the six major beliefs known as the Six Articles of Faith, which include belief in Allah, the angels, the revealed scriptures, the prophets, the Day of Judgment, and predestination.

2. Religious Practices

Sunni Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith (Shahada), ritual prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). They also engage in various other acts of worship and rituals, such as daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, and the celebration of Islamic holidays.

3. Legal Tradition

Sunni jurisprudence, known as fiqh, is derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, consensus of scholars, and analogical reasoning. It encompasses different legal schools of thought (madhhab), each with its own methodologies and interpretations of Islamic law. The four main Sunni legal schools are the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali madhhabs.

Diversity and Global Presence

Sunni Islam is characterized by its diversity, with adherents spanning various cultures, ethnicities, and geographical regions. It serves as the dominant form of Islam in countries across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Sunni Muslims contribute to a rich tapestry of Islamic scholarship, art, architecture, and cultural heritage worldwide.

What is Wahabi?

Wahhabism, also known as Salafism, is a conservative and puritanical interpretation of Islam founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792), an Islamic scholar from the Arabian Peninsula. Wahhabism is closely associated with the Saudi Arabian state, where it has been influential since the 18th century. The term “Wahhabi” is used pejoratively by critics, while adherents prefer the term “Salafi.”

Beliefs and Practices

1. Monotheism and Tawhid

Wahhabism emphasizes the strict monotheistic principle of Tawhid, or the absolute oneness of Allah. Adherents believe in the sole worship of Allah and reject any form of polytheism or association of partners with God. This belief influences various aspects of Wahhabi theology and practice.

2. Literalist Interpretation

Wahhabism advocates for a literalist interpretation of Islamic texts, including the Qur’an and Hadith, rejecting metaphorical or allegorical readings. Adherents adhere strictly to the teachings of the early Islamic scholars and reject innovation (bid’ah) in religious practices.

3. Social and Cultural Conservatism

Wahhabi doctrine promotes conservative social and cultural norms, including strict gender segregation, modest dress codes, and prohibitions on music, art, and other forms of entertainment deemed contrary to Islamic principles. Wahhabi scholars also advocate for the imposition of Islamic law (Sharia) in society.

Influence and Global Presence

Wahhabism has exerted significant influence beyond Saudi Arabia, particularly through the financial support of mosques, schools, and Islamic institutions worldwide. It has been a driving force behind various Islamic revivalist movements and has contributed to the spread of conservative Sunni Islam in regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the West.

Criticism and Controversies

Critics of Wahhabism argue that its strict interpretation and imposition of Islamic law can lead to intolerance, sectarianism, and violations of human rights. Wahhabi ideology has been associated with extremist groups and individuals who espouse violence in the name of Islam. Additionally, its influence on education and societal norms has been criticized for stifling intellectual diversity and cultural expression.

Main Differences Between Sunni and Wahabi

• Interpretation of Islamic Texts:
  • Sunni: Embraces diverse interpretations of Islamic texts, including metaphorical and allegorical readings, and allows for flexibility in religious practices.
  • Wahhabi: Advocates for a strict, literalist interpretation of Islamic texts, rejecting metaphorical interpretations and emphasizing adherence to the teachings of early Islamic scholars.
• Social and Cultural Norms:
  • Sunni: Exhibits cultural and social diversity, with practices varying based on local customs and traditions.
  • Wahhabi: Promotes conservative social and cultural norms, advocating for strict gender segregation, modest dress codes, and prohibitions on music and entertainment deemed contrary to Islamic principles.
• Influence and Global Presence:
  • Sunni: Represents the majority branch of Islam, with adherents spanning various regions and cultures worldwide.
  • Wahhabi: Associated closely with Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism has exerted significant influence globally through financial support for mosques, schools, and Islamic institutions, particularly in spreading conservative Sunni Islam.

References

1. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/174004/summary
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09584939408719732

Last Updated : 02 March, 2024