As a cultural and religious studies expert with a focus on Islam, I can provide an overview of the beliefs held by Sunni Muslims. It's important to note that while there are commonalities among Sunni Muslims, there can also be variations in interpretation and practice due to cultural, regional, and individual differences.

Sunni Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, with the other being Shia Islam. The name "Sunni" is derived from the word "Sunnah," which refers to the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims believe in following the Sunnah as a guide for living a righteous life.

### Core Beliefs of Sunni Muslims:


1. Monotheism (Tawhid): Sunni Muslims, like all Muslims, believe in the oneness of God (Allah). This is the fundamental principle of Islam and is considered the most important belief.


2. Prophets and Messengers: They believe in all the prophets and messengers sent by God, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad as the final prophet.


3. Holy Books: The Quran is considered the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad. Sunni Muslims also respect other scriptures like the Torah and the Bible, although they believe these have been corrupted over time.


4. Five Pillars of Islam: These are the core practices of Islam that every Muslim is expected to follow:
- Shahada: The declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.
- Salat: The five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Zakat: The practice of almsgiving to help the poor and needy.
- Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime if they are able.


5. Caliphate and Leadership: Sunni Muslims believe in the concept of a caliphate, a leader who is a successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The caliph is ideally chosen based on merit and consensus, not by bloodline.


6. Hadith: The Hadith are sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad that are used as a source of guidance alongside the Quran. Sunni Muslims place a strong emphasis on Hadith as a source of Islamic law and moral guidance.

7.
Predestination (Qadar): There is a belief in divine predestination, which states that everything that happens is according to God's will. However, humans are also held responsible for their actions.

8.
Afterlife and Eschatology: Sunni Muslims believe in the afterlife, including heaven and hell, and in the Day of Judgment when all souls will be resurrected and judged for their deeds.

9.
Community (Ummah): There is a strong sense of community among Sunni Muslims, who see themselves as part of a global brotherhood or sisterhood of believers.

10.
Purification and Ritual Purity: Maintaining personal cleanliness and ritual purity is important, as it is a prerequisite for prayer and other religious activities.

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1. Jihad: Jihad is often misunderstood in the West. For Sunni Muslims, it can mean striving in the path of God, which includes personal struggle, community development, and, when necessary, armed struggle in self-defense or to protect the community.

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2. Interpretation of Law (Ijtihad): Sunni Muslims have historically valued scholarly interpretation of Islamic law and have developed a rich tradition of jurisprudence.

### Practices and Cultural Expressions:

Sunni Muslims engage in a variety of practices that reflect their beliefs, including:
- Daily Prayers: Observing the five daily prayers is a central part of a Sunni Muslim's life.
- Fasting: Fasting during Ramadan is a time for reflection, worship, and community.
- Charity: Giving to the poor and needy is not just encouraged but is a religious obligation.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj): The annual pilgrimage to Mecca is a major religious event and a once-in-a-lifetime goal for many Muslims.
- Fellowship and Learning: Mosques serve as community centers where Muslims gather for prayer, education, and social activities.

### Diversity and Unity:

While Sunni Muslims share these core beliefs, there is a wide range of diversity within the Sunni community. Different cultural expressions of Sunni Islam can be found around the world, from the Sufi orders of South Asia to the more legalistic interpretations of scholars in the Middle East.

It's also important to recognize that within Sunni Islam, there are various schools of thought and jurisprudence, such as the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali madhhabs, each with its own interpretation of Islamic law.

In conclusion, Sunni Muslims constitute a vast and diverse community with a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices centered around the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. Their faith is a source of identity, community, and moral guidance for millions around the world.

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As of 2009, Sunni Muslims constituted 87-C90% of the world's Muslim population. Sunni Islam is the world's largest religious denomination, followed by Catholicism. Its adherents are referred to in Arabic as ahl as-sunnah wa l-jam--?ah ("the people of the sunnah and the community") or ahl as-sunnah for short.read more >>