Direct answer: The two main branches of Islam are Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. Sunni Muslims are the largest branch, while Shia Muslims are the second-largest branch. Both generally believe in Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Quran, prayer, fasting, charity, and the Day of Judgment, but they differ in important historical, theological, legal, and leadership matters.
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The two main branches
When people speak about the main branches of Islam, they usually mean Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. These two branches developed from early questions about leadership after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away.
The difference began historically, but over time it affected religious authority, hadith collections, legal traditions, theology, and how certain early events are understood.
| Branch | Basic summary |
|---|---|
| Sunni Islam | The largest branch of Islam, following the Quran and Sunnah as understood through the companions, early generations, and mainstream Sunni scholarship. |
| Shia Islam | A major branch that gives special importance to Ali ibn Abi Talib and Ahl al-Bayt, the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), especially in questions of leadership. |
Helpful related article: What Is the Difference Between Sunni and Shia?
Sunni Islam
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam. The word Sunni is connected to the Sunnah, meaning the way and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Sunni Muslims follow the Quran and Sunnah through the understanding of the companions, early generations, and recognised Sunni scholarship.
Sunni Muslims accept the first four Caliphs as rightly guided leaders: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. They also have four well-known schools of Islamic law: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.
| Sunni feature | Basic explanation |
|---|---|
| Largest branch | Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim world. |
| Four Caliphs | Sunni Muslims honour Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali as rightly guided Caliphs. |
| Legal schools | Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali are major Sunni schools of law. |
| Companions | Sunni Islam gives major importance to the companions as transmitters of Islam. |
Shia Islam
Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam. Shia Muslims give special religious and historical importance to Ali ibn Abi Talib and the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), known as Ahl al-Bayt.
Many Shia Muslims believe leadership after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) should have remained with Ali and specific Imams from the Prophet’s family. The largest Shia group is commonly known as Twelver Shia Islam.
Shia Islam generally emphasises
- The special status of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
- Ahl al-Bayt, the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- The concept of Imamate.
- Historical memory of Karbala and Husayn ibn Ali.
- Distinct Shia legal and scholarly traditions.
This article is only a beginner overview. Shia Islam has internal diversity, and detailed study requires reliable sources and qualified teachers.
Smaller groups and diversity
Besides Sunni and Shia Islam, there are smaller groups and movements connected to Islamic history. Some are historical, some still exist, and some differ greatly from mainstream Islamic belief and practice.
Examples often discussed in Islamic history include Ibadi Islam, which exists especially in Oman and some other regions, and various historical sects that developed around theology, politics, or leadership.
For most beginners, understanding Sunni and Shia at a basic level is enough before moving into deeper sectarian history.
Branches are not the same as legal schools
A common confusion is mixing up branches of Islam with legal schools. For example, Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali are Sunni schools of Islamic law. They are not separate religions or separate branches like Sunni and Shia.
| Category | Examples | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Branches | Sunni, Shia | Broad religious traditions with historical and theological differences. |
| Sunni legal schools | Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali | Schools of jurisprudence within Sunni Islam. |
| Shia legal tradition | Ja'fari | A major legal tradition in Twelver Shia Islam. |
Understanding this distinction helps beginners avoid confusion when hearing names of different groups, scholars, or schools.
Advice for new Muslims
New Muslims may feel overwhelmed by sectarian labels. It is better to begin with the foundations of Islam rather than jumping straight into complex debates.
-
Learn tawheed.
Understand worshipping Allah alone. -
Learn prayer.
Salah is a daily foundation of Islam. -
Read the Quran.
Build your relationship with Allah’s words. -
Study with reliable teachers.
Avoid learning religion from angry online arguments. -
Ask Allah for guidance.
Sincerity and dua are essential.
Helpful related articles: What Are the Six Articles of Faith? and What Are the Five Pillars of Islam?
FAQ: Branches of Islam
What are the main branches of Islam?
The two main branches of Islam are Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. Sunni Muslims are the largest branch, while Shia Muslims are the second-largest branch. There are also smaller groups and schools within Islamic history.
What is Sunni Islam?
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam. Sunni Muslims follow the Quran and Sunnah as understood through the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the early generations, and mainstream Sunni scholarship.
What is Shia Islam?
Shia Islam is a major branch of Islam that gives special importance to Ali ibn Abi Talib and the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), especially in matters of leadership after the Prophet (PBUH).
Do Sunni and Shia Muslims believe in Allah and the Quran?
Sunni and Shia Muslims generally both believe in Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Quran, prayer, fasting, charity, and the Day of Judgment, though they differ in important historical, theological, and legal matters.
Should new Muslims focus on sectarian debates first?
New Muslims should first learn the basics of Islam: belief in Allah, prayer, Quran, worship, character, halal and haram, and reliable knowledge. Sectarian topics should be studied carefully with qualified guidance.