Introduction

Worldwide presence of Islam, there are various branches and currents that often generate confusion among non-experts in the religion and its culture. In this article we will discuss the difference between Sunni and Wahabi.

What is sunni?

Sunni is the largest branch of Islam, representing around 85% of the Muslim population. Sunnis consider that Muhammad's companion Abu Bakr was the first legitimate caliph and that the rest of the caliphs are also legitimate. They maintain that the Muslim community should elect the religious leader and that the leaders should follow the precepts of the religion.

Some aspects of Sunnism:

• Sunnis follow the precepts of Sharia, Islamic law.
• They respect the hadiths, the teachings of Muhammad.
• Sunnis believe in the intercession of saints for them before Allah.

What is wahabi?

Wahhabism is a minority current in Islam, originating from Saudi Arabia. This current takes the name of Mohammad ibn Abd al-Wahab, its founder. This Muslim movement follows a strict and literal interpretation of the scriptures, which has generated controversy in its country of origin and elsewhere, given that some consider its teachings extremist.

Some aspects of Wahhabism:

• Wahhabis only accept the Quran as a source of law, disregarding hadith and traditional Islamic law.
• They reject the veneration of saints and tombs.
• They consider the worship of anything other than Allah to be idolatry.

Conclusion

Beyond the differences between Sunnis and Wahhabis, both currents have a deep respect for the religion of Islam. Each movement has a different interpretation of religion and, although we often find certain differences in practice, both try to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

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