What are the 3 sects of Islam?
Robert Miller
Published Feb 26, 2026
What are the 3 sects of Islam?
These divisions are well known as Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. Kharijite and Murijite Islam were two early Islamic sects….The eight recognized Islamic schools and branches are:
- Sunni Hanafi.
- Sunni Maliki.
- Sunni Shafi’i.
- Sunni Hanbali.
- Shi’i Imāmī (followers of the Ja’fari jurisprudence)
- Shi’i Zaydi.
- Khariji Ibadi.
- Sunni Ẓāhirī
Why do Sunni and Shia differ?
After the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in AD 632, a group of Muslims – who would come to be known as the Sunnis – believed that Muhammad’s successor should be Abu Bakr whereas a second group of Muslims, who would come to be known as the Shia, believed that his successor should have been Ali.
How many Khalifa are in Islam?
Four Caliphs
The Four Caliphs were the first four leaders of Islam that succeeded the Prophet Muhammad. They are sometimes called the “Rightly Guided” Caliphs because each of them learned about Islam directly from Muhammad. They also served as Muhammad’s closest friends and advisors during the early years of Islam.
What are the 7 sects of Islam?
Sects of Islam 1 The Mu’tazalah. 2 The Shi’ahs. 3 The Khawirij. 4 The Murjiyah. 5 The Najjariyah. 6 The Jabariyah. 7 The Mushabbihiyah.
What are the 2 branches of Islam?
2 Major Branches or Divisions of Islam Cults and Sects of Islam Like other religions, Islam has a number of cults and sects These range from the major branches (equivalent to Christianity’s ‘ denominations ‘), alongside the mystic Sufi movement, to cults (in the theological sense of the term) like Ahmadiyya, Baha’i, and the Druze.
What are the different types of schools of Islam?
In Islam, there are three traditional types of schools: schools of jurisprudence, schools of theology or aqidah (theological creed) and Sufi orders. There are many sects and groups with different understandings of Islam.
Are there any cults in Islam?
Like other religions, Islam has a number of cults and sects These range from the major branches (equivalent to Christianity’s ‘ denominations ‘), alongside the mystic Sufi movement, to cults (in the theological sense of the term) like Ahmadiyya, Baha’i, and the Druze.
