suní

Suní, also written Sunni or suní in some languages, refers to Sunni Islam, the largest denomination of the Muslim faith. The name derives from sunna, the customary practice of the Prophet Muhammad, which Sunnis regard as a model for judging matters of faith and daily life.

Sunni Islam arose in the early Islamic community after the death of Muhammad, amid disagreements over succession. Sunnis emphasize the authority of the community (the umma) and its elected or accepted leaders rather than a single divinely appointed imam. The first four caliphs, known as the Rashidun, are especially significant in Sunni tradition.

Sunni theology accepts the Qur'an and the hadith collections as primary sources, and it supports the development of religious law through four mainstream legal schools: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. Key principles include the acceptance of ijma (consensus) and, where appropriate, qiyas (analogical reasoning).

Demographically, Sunni Muslims form the majority of Muslims worldwide. They are concentrated in many regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Exact shares vary by country, and regional identities often blend religious, ethnic, and cultural elements.

Sunni Islam coexists with Shia Islam and other branches, sharing core beliefs such as the Qur'an and the prophethood of Muhammad. Differences historically center on leadership and jurisprudence, not on the essential tenets of faith, though political factors have contributed to tensions in some areas.