Definition

Noun: A member of the largest branch of Islam, which holds that the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) were the rightful and legitimate successors to the Prophet Muhammad. This branch is characterized by its adherence to the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Muhammad) as a primary source of religious law and guidance, alongside the Quran.

Usage

The term is used to identify an adherent of Sunni Islam. * The scholar was a Sunnite who specialized in early Islamic history. * The community is predominantly Sunnite.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical, theological, and sociological contexts to discuss the majority tradition within Islam, particularly in contrast to Shia Islam.
• In academic writing, "Sunni" is now the more common and preferred form, with "Sunnite" being an older variant.

Variants and Related Words

• Sunni (noun): The modern and more frequently used term for a Sunnite.
• Sunni Islam (noun): The branch of Islam itself.
• Sunni (adjective): Relating to Sunni Islam (e.g., Sunni Muslims, Sunni theology).

Synonyms

• Sunni Muslim
• Sunni (primary synonym)

Notes on Meaning

• The core distinction lies in the belief in the legitimacy of the succession of the first four caliphs, known as the "Rightly Guided Caliphs" ().
• It emphasizes the consensus of the community () and the established traditions () as foundational for Islamic law and practice.

Noun

1. a member of the branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad