How many sects of Islam are there?

The most frequently cited hadith regarding the 73 divisions of the Muslim faith is reported as: the Jews are divided into 71 sects (firqa), the Christians into 72 sects, and my community will divide into 73 sects (Ibn Majah, Abu Daud, al-Tirmidhi and al-Nisa’i). The hadith also occurs in many other versions as well.

What are the 4 schools of Islamic law?

Sunni Islam is divided into four schools of law or fiqh (religious jurisprudence): Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki and Hanbali.

What are the 3 major beliefs of Islam?

The Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices of Islam:

• Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God” is central to Islam.
• Prayer (salat).
• Alms (zakat).
• Fasting (sawm).
• Pilgrimage (hajj).

What are the sects or branches of Islam?

Sunni. The Sunni branch is by far the largest denomination of Islam and represents 89-90% of all followers of Islam.

What is the largest Muslim sect?

Sunni Islam: Sunni Islam is the largest Muslim sect, and differs from other groups in the matter of the prophet Muhammad’s successor. Shia Islam: Shia Islam believes that Muhammad did appoint a successor, in stark contrast to the Sunnis. While sects are often used to describe extreme religious views,…

What is the difference of the two sects of Islam?

Sunnis also have a less elaborate religious hierarchy than Shiites have, and the two sects’ interpretation of Islam’s schools of law is different. Shiites give human beings the exalted status that is given only to prophets in the Quran, often venerating clerics as saints , whereas Sunnis do not.

What are the major denominations of Islam?

Islam : Denominations of Islam. There are a number of Islamic religious denominations, each of which has significant theological and legal differences from each other. The major branches are Sunni, Shi’a and Sufi.