Are Hanafi and Sunni the Same or Different in Islam?

The Sunni sect is one of the largest and most commonly recognized branches in Islam. Comprising about 85-90% of the global Muslim population, Sunnis adhere to the beliefs and practices established by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. While the term Sunni denotes a significant portion of Muslims, it is composed of various subsects, with the Hanafi school being one of the prominent ones.

What is Sunni Islam?

According to Islamic tradition, Sunni Muslims belong to the group called Ahashs Sunnah Wal Jamaah. However, claiming oneself as Sunni is not sufficient to ensure one's salvation; it requires adherence to the Aqeedah or beliefs of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. This includes believing in the Oneness of Allah, the imperishable existence of the Prophet Muhammad, the survival of Prophets and Awliyas (pious individuals) in their graves, the wondrous knowledge of the unseen, among other essential tenets.

What is the Hanafi School of Thought?

The Hanafi school of thought, known as Madhab Hanafi, is one of the four main schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) recognized in Sunni Islam. Despite its name, it is not limited to Sunnis exclusively. The Hanafi madhab is one of the branches of Sunni Islam, each having its own unique interpretations of various religious practices and jurisprudence. It is important to note that there is no contradiction in being a Sunni and following the Hanafi madhab.

Are Hanafi and Sunni the Same?

From a broad perspective, all Hanafis are Sunnis, but not all Sunnis are Hanafis. Hanafis are a subset of the broader category of Sunnis, which includes other schools of thought such as Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali. This relationship can be understood as follows:

Hanafis are Sunnis who follow the Hanafi madhab. Similar to Hanafis, Malikis follow the Maliki madhab, Shafiis follow the Shafi madhab, and Hanbalis follow the Hanbali madhab. The term Sunni encompasses all these subsects, acknowledging that each school is correct in matters of minor legal differences (furu'ii masaail) but uniform in matters of core religious beliefs (usuli masaail).

Religious Unity and Sectarianism

Religious unity is central to Islamic teachings. The Qur'an itself emphasizes the importance of unity and discourages sectarianism. Quran Surah 30, verse 31-32 explicitly states, “And obey God and obey the Messenger and the holders of authority among you. And do not go separate in your religion, for fear that you might forsake and lapse into error.” Similarly, Quran 6:159 declares, “Verily you are the trusted to our messengers and verily to attest to our jurisprudence. So fear not the people, but fear me and do not ask me about what you have no knowledge.”

These verses emphasize the importance of consistency and unity in faith. Islam teaches that those who create divisions in religion and form factions are rejected by Allah.

Conclusion

Despite the distinctiveness in school names and practices, all branches of Sunni Islam prioritize the core beliefs and teachings of Islam, seeking to adhere to the Sunnah and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. For a Sunni Muslim to be considered correct in their faith, they must embrace these essential beliefs, regardless of the madhab they follow.