SUNNITE Meaning and
Definition
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Sunnite refers to an individual or group of individuals who adhere to the Sunnah, the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad in Islam. It is derived from the Arabic word "sunna," which means "way" or "tradition." The Sunnah encompasses the actions, sayings, and approvals of the Prophet, serving as a guide for Muslims in their daily lives.
As Sunni Islam became the dominant sect in the Muslim world, the term Sunnite emerged to differentiate those who followed the Sunnah from various other sects and schools of thought within Islam. Sunnites believe that the Prophet's companions, known as the Sahaba, hold great authority in interpreting and preserving the Sunnah. They view Islamic law, known as Sharia, as derived from the Quran and the Sunnah.
Sunnites form the majority of Muslims globally and are known for following the four main schools of Sunni jurisprudence: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. While they emphasize the importance of the Sunnah, Sunnites also recognize the Quran as the primary source of Islamic guidance. The term is often used in contrast to Shiite, another major sect within Islam that holds different theological and jurisprudential beliefs.
Overall, a Sunnite is an individual or follower of Sunni Islam who seeks to uphold the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Sunnah.
Common Misspellings for SUNNITE
Etymology of SUNNITE
The word "Sunnite" or "Sunni" derives from the Arabic term "Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʻah", which means "People of the Prophetic Tradition and the Congregation". The term originally emerged in the early years of Islam to differentiate the followers of the Prophet Muhammad who adhered to his teachings and practices from other sects and groups. Over time, "Sunnite" or "Sunni" became the common term to refer to the largest branch of Islam, which constitutes the majority of Muslims worldwide.
Similar spelling words for SUNNITE
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