Sunni vs. Wahabi — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Sunni is a major branch of Islam focusing on community consensus and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, while Wahhabi is a conservative reform movement within Sunni Islam emphasizing strict monotheism and a literal interpretation of the Quran.
Difference Between Sunni and Wahabi
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Sunni Islam originated after the death of Prophet Muhammad, representing the majority of Muslims, while Wahhabism originated in the 18th century in present-day Saudi Arabia as a reform movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
Sunni beliefs emphasize following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad through the Hadith and consensus among scholars, whereas Wahhabi beliefs focus on a literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, rejecting many practices seen as innovations.
Sunni Muslims follow diverse religious practices influenced by different schools of thought, while Wahhabis advocate for a purist form of Islam, often criticizing traditional Sunni practices like visiting shrines.
Sunni Muslims are widespread globally, whereas Wahhabi influence is primarily centered in Saudi Arabia and some parts of the Middle East due to historical state support.
Sunni Muslims generally have a broad range of theological diversity, while Wahhabism often considers itself a purifying force within Islam, leading to tensions with other Sunni groups.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
After Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE
18th century, Saudi Arabia
Founder
No single founder; Prophet Muhammad's teachings
Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab
Core Beliefs
Consensus, Hadith, multiple interpretations
Strict monotheism, literal Quran interpretation
Practices
Diverse practices influenced by various schools
Purist practices, rejecting perceived innovations
Geographical Base
Global
Primarily Saudi Arabia
Compare with Definitions
Sunni
One who adheres to Sunni Islam, following Prophet Muhammad's teachings.
Sunni Muslims form the largest Islamic denomination worldwide.
Wahabi
A follower of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab's teachings.
Wahhabis advocate for strict adherence to monotheism.
Sunni
Someone recognizing the six canonical collections of Hadith.
The Bukhari and Muslim collections are pivotal for Sunni Muslims.
Wahabi
Someone emphasizing a literalist reading of the Quran and Hadith.
Wahhabis are known for their literal interpretation of Islamic texts.
Sunni
A Muslim who recognizes all four caliphs as rightful successors.
Sunnis believe in the legitimacy of the caliphs after Muhammad's death.
Wahabi
An adherent of an 18th-century reform movement seeking Islamic purification.
Wahhabism arose as a response to perceived religious corruption.
Sunni
An individual practicing any of the four major Sunni jurisprudence schools.
He practices according to the Hanafi school, a major Sunni school of thought.
Wahabi
A proponent of purging Islam of perceived innovations.
Wahhabis view shrine worship as an un-Islamic innovation.
Sunni
A believer in the consensus of the Muslim community.
In Sunni Islam, ijma (consensus) is a crucial source of jurisprudence.
Wahabi
An adherent often associated with Saudi Arabia's religious ideology.
Saudi Arabia's state religion is closely tied to Wahhabism.
Sunni
The branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad.
Wahabi
A member of a Muslim sect founded by Abdul Wahhab (1703-1792), known for its strict observance of the Koran and flourishing mainly in Arabia.
Sunni
Pl. Sunni or Sun·nis A Muslim belonging to this branch; a Sunnite.
Wahabi
A member of a strictly orthodox Sunni Muslim sect from Saudi Arabia; strives to purify Islamic beliefs and rejects any innovation occurring after the 3rd century of Islam;
Ossama bin Laden is said to be a Wahhabi Muslim
Sunni
A member of the branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad
Sunni
One of the two main branches of orthodox Islam
Common Curiosities
Are all Saudi Arabians Wahhabis?
Not all Saudi Arabians are Wahhabis, but Wahhabism has significant influence due to its historical and state-backed role in Saudi Arabia.
Do Sunni Muslims agree with Wahhabi beliefs?
Many Sunni Muslims find common ground with some Wahhabi beliefs but differ on various religious practices and interpretations.
What role does Hadith interpretation play in Sunni vs. Wahhabi beliefs?
Sunni Muslims generally consider multiple schools and scholars in Hadith interpretation, while Wahhabis favor a more literal approach, often discarding the traditional schools.
What role does Saudi Arabia play in promoting Wahhabism?
Saudi Arabia has historically promoted Wahhabism due to its roots in the region and the state's support.
Is Wahhabism synonymous with Salafism?
While Wahhabism is a branch of Salafism, not all Salafists are Wahhabis. Salafism is a broader movement focused on returning to early Islamic practices, whereas Wahhabism is a specific, conservative interpretation developed by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
Is Wahhabism considered a sect?
Wahhabism is considered a reform movement within Sunni Islam rather than a separate sect.
Are all Wahhabis Sunni Muslims?
Yes, Wahhabis are a subset of Sunni Islam but follow a distinct, conservative interpretation.
How do Sunni and Wahhabi views on shrines differ?
Many Sunnis consider visiting shrines an acceptable tradition, while Wahhabis reject this practice as an innovation.
Do Wahhabis accept Sunni jurisprudence schools?
Wahhabis emphasize their literal interpretation over traditional Sunni schools, often disregarding or criticizing them.
How do Sunni Muslims generally perceive Wahhabism?
Perceptions vary widely; some Sunni Muslims see Wahhabism as a purifying movement, while others view its practices as too strict or rigid.
Do Wahhabis and Sunni Muslims have different views on Islamic law (Sharia)?
Yes, Sunni Muslims follow interpretations from various jurisprudence schools, while Wahhabis adhere to a strict and literal interpretation, often rejecting other schools.
Do Sunni Muslims outside Saudi Arabia follow Wahhabi practices?
Some Sunni Muslims outside Saudi Arabia adhere to Wahhabi practices due to religious education, funding, or personal conviction, but many do not.
How do Wahhabis and Sunnis approach the concept of bid'ah (innovation)?
Both oppose bid'ah, but Wahhabis take a stricter stance, considering many practices commonly accepted by other Sunni Muslims as innovation.
Do Wahhabis believe in the legitimacy of the Sunni caliphs?
Yes, Wahhabis recognize the legitimacy of the early caliphs but emphasize following early Islamic practices over historical developments.
How does Wahhabism influence religious education in Saudi Arabia?
Wahhabism heavily influences religious education in Saudi Arabia, promoting a literal interpretation of Islamic teachings.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Cyborg vs. Robot
Next Comparison
Cone vs. PrismAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
