Comprehensive Definition
SECTS OF ISLĀM (Arabic: Firqah (فرقة), pl. Firaq)
Refers to the various religious denominations within the broader Muslim community, distinguished by doctrinal differences, legal interpretations, and ritual practices. The term “firqah” translates to “division” or “group.”
Etymology
- Firqah: Derived from the Arabic root “ف-ر-ق” (f-r-q), which means to divide or to separate.
Background and Historical Context
The Prophetic tradition, known as a Hadith, predicts the division of the Muslim Ummah into numerous sects. This splintering began shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, leading to various philosophical, theological, and legal schools:
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Sunni Islam: The largest branch, asserting the importance of consensus (Ijma’) and the community’s majority. Within Sunni Islam, four schools of jurisprudence (madhabs) arose:
- Hanafi: Predominantly in Turkey, Central Asia, and North India.
- Shafi’i: Mainly in South India and Egypt.
- Maliki: Found extensively in North and West Africa.
- Hanbali: Predominantly in Eastern Arabia, though it’s the least widely followed madhab.
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Shia Islam: Emphasizes the familial lineage of Prophet Muhammad, particularly Imam Ali and his descendants.
- Twelver Shias (Imamiya): Believe in twelve Imams.
- Ismaili Shias: Branching off based on the succession from the seventh Imam.
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Kharijites: An earlier sect formed from political dissent during the first century of Islam.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Cultural Differences:
- Ritual Practices: Each sect imposes variations in prayers, fasting, and other religious observances.
- Architecture and Art: Varies between Sunni and Shia, visible in mosques and shrines.
- Authority Figures: While Sunnis often follow scholars and juristic interpretations, Shias are guided by their Imams.
Cultural Similarities:
- Core Beliefs: All sects uphold the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Scripture: The Qur’an remains central.
- Prophetic Tradition: Respect for the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Denominations
- Divisions
- Sub-groups
- Schools of thought
Antonyms:
- Unity
- Cohesion
- Consensus
Related Terms with Definitions
- Madhab: A school of legal thought within Sunni Islam.
- Ummah: The global community of Muslims.
- Bid’ah: Innovation in religious matters, seen negatively by many sects.
- Imam: A leader within the Muslim community, especially significant in Shia Islam.
Exciting Facts
- The predicted number of sects (73) signifies the diversity but also a significant common foundation shared among Muslims.
- Among Sunni schools of thought, students often engage in academic debates to refine and understand jurisprudence.
- Shia Imamological thought has contributed to a rich tradition of mysticism and allegorical Qur’anic interpretations.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The community of Muhammad will divide into seventy-three groups—it mentioned altogether seventy-three groups—all of them will be in the Fire except one, which will be the group that follows me and my Companions.”
- Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- “The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization” by Marshall G. S. Hodgson
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
- “Islam: The Straight Path” by John L. Esposito
- “Shi’ism” by Moojan Momen
- “Understanding the Hadith” by Ram Swarup
Quizzes
May you continue your journey of knowledge with an open heart and a discerning mind.
Khaled Anwar October 3, 2023
