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Sunni vs. Wahabi: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, while Wahhabism is a conservative movement within Sunni Islam, originating in Saudi Arabia.
Sunni vs. Wahabi

Key Differences

Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam, followed by the majority of Muslims globally. Wahhabism, on the other hand, is a religious movement within Sunni Islam that emerged in the 18th century in what is now Saudi Arabia.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Sunnis base their practices on the Quran and the Hadith, emphasizing the Sunnah (practices) of the Prophet Muhammad. Wahhabism, a subset of Sunni Islam, advocates for a strict and literal interpretation of these texts.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Sunni Islam encompasses various schools of thought, like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, with flexibility in interpretation. Wahhabism, conversely, follows a strict Hanbali interpretation and is known for its puritanical approach.
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Sunni Muslims form the majority in most Muslim countries. Wahhabi teachings, while a part of Sunni Islam, are predominant in Saudi Arabia and have influenced some other areas in the Islamic world.
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Nov 15, 2023
In Sunni Islam, practices and beliefs can vary widely, reflecting diverse cultures and traditions. Wahhabism, however, promotes a uniformity of practice and belief, often rejecting practices not explicitly mentioned in the early Islamic texts.
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Nov 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Global Presence

Majority in Muslim world
Predominant in Saudi Arabia
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Interpretation of Texts

Diverse, with four main schools
Strict, literal interpretation
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Approach to Tradition

Varied, culturally influenced
Puritanical, against "innovations"
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Historical Origin

Emerged with Islam’s foundation
18th century in Saudi Arabia
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Religious Flexibility

Generally more flexible
Extremely conservative
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Sunni and Wahabi Definitions

Sunni

Muslims following traditional Islamic jurisprudence.
Sunni Islam includes four major legal schools.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Wahabi

Adherent of a conservative branch within Sunni Islam.
Wahhabi teachings are influential in Saudi Arabia.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Sunni

A member of the largest branch of Islam.
Sunnis form the majority in many Muslim countries.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Wahabi

A follower of a strict Islamic reform movement.
Wahhabis advocate for returning to early Islamic practices.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Sunni

Adherents who follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
Sunni practices are based on the Hadith and Sunnah.
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Wahabi

Someone who follows the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
Wahhabis emphasize Tawhid (monotheism) strictly.
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Sunni

Believers who respect the early caliphs as rightful successors.
Sunnis regard Abu Bakr as the first Caliph.
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Wahabi

A proponent of an austere form of Sunni Islam.
Wahhabi influence is evident in Saudi Arabia's religious life.
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Nov 15, 2023

Sunni

Those who emphasize consensus in religious decisions.
Sunni scholars often seek consensus in their interpretations.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Wahabi

A member of a movement stressing puritanical and literal Quran interpretation.
Wahhabis reject many traditional Islamic practices.
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Nov 15, 2023

Sunni

The branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad.
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Oct 19, 2023

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.
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Oct 19, 2023

Sunni

Pl. Sunni or Sun·nis A Muslim belonging to this branch; a Sunnite.
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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
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Sunni

A member of the branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad
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Sunni

One of the two main branches of orthodox Islam
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is Sunni Islam?

Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, following the Sunnah of the Prophet.
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Nov 15, 2023

How do Sunnis view the Prophet’s successors?

Sunnis respect the first four caliphs as rightful successors.
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What are the core beliefs of Wahhabism?

Wahhabism stresses strict monotheism and a return to early Islamic practices.
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Where is Wahhabism most influential?

Wahhabism is most influential in Saudi Arabia.
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Do Wahhabis follow a specific school?

Wahhabis generally adhere to the Hanbali school but with a more literal approach.
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How do Sunnis and Wahhabis view Islamic jurisprudence?

Sunnis have diverse views, while Wahhabis adhere to a strict interpretation.
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Are Wahhabis against Sufism?

Wahhabism generally opposes Sufi practices, viewing them as innovations.
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Nov 15, 2023

What are the main schools of Sunni Islam?

The main schools are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Are all Sunnis Wahhabis?

No, Wahhabism is a specific movement within the broader Sunni tradition.
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Is Wahhabism a recent movement?

Wahhabism originated in the 18th century.
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Shumaila Saeed
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What is Wahhabism?

Wahhabism is a conservative movement within Sunni Islam, emphasizing a literal interpretation of Islamic texts.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can Sunni Islam accommodate different cultures?

Yes, Sunni Islam shows significant cultural adaptability.
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Nov 15, 2023

How do Sunni Muslims approach religious innovation?

Sunni attitudes vary, but generally, there's more flexibility than in Wahhabism.
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Do Sunnis and Wahhabis use the same religious texts?

Both use the Quran and Hadith, but their interpretations can differ.
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Is interfaith dialogue part of Sunni or Wahhabi practices?

Sunni Islam often engages more in interfaith dialogue than Wahhabism.
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How do Wahhabis view other Muslim sects?

Wahhabis often view other sects as deviating from true Islam.
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Do Sunni and Wahhabi Muslims pray differently?

The basic form of prayer is similar, but there can be differences in practice.
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Do Wahhabis celebrate Islamic festivals?

Wahhabis celebrate Islamic festivals, though sometimes with less emphasis on certain cultural practices.
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How widespread is Wahhabism outside Saudi Arabia?

Wahhabism has followers worldwide but is less common outside Saudi Arabia.
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Do Sunnis and Wahhabis share the same view on Sharia?

Both follow Sharia, but Wahhabis have a more rigid interpretation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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