Difference Between Sunni and Ismaili
Sunni vs Ismaili
The difference between Sunni and Ismaili is that Sunni Muslims believe in following the ways and verbal sayings of the last Prophet whereas Ismaili Muslims is a sect of Shia which differs from Sunni Islam. Sunnis believe strictly in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and strongly reject any introductions, exclusion and interpretations of Sunah.
Sunni Muslims are in majority whereas Ismaili exists in minority in some parts of the world.
Ismaili sect believes in the seven Imams and therefore is called the ‘Seveners.’ Ismaili followed the descendants of Imam Ismail and still follow up to the present day. The present Imam of Ismaili sect is called Prince Kareem Agha Khan who is the forty -ninth descendant from the fourth caliph, Ali. Sunni Muslims believe in a secular political leadership whereas the Ismailis believe in a religious ruler.
Sunnis also have many sub -sects like the Shiites such as deobandi, brailvi, wahabi etc. Ismailis pray in Jamaat Khana whereas Sunnis pray in the mosques. Ismaili men and women pray in a joint session whereas Sunni men and women pray separately. Usually Sunni women prefer to pray at home but some of them offer Juma or Friday prayers in mosques.
Agha khan, being the religious ruler holds the most significant place in the Ismaili sect. The Imam decides names for the newly born babies and couples are allowed to marry after he gives permission. Sunnis do not believe that any religious leader is a divine spirit as they consider it is shirk or an unforgivable sin.
Sunni and Ismaili rituals are also different. There is a difference in the way they pray. Ismailis unlike Sunnis do not sacrifice their animals in the name of Allah. Isamailis are very closely knit society. All the rich and influential help their community to keep it strong. Some of the ismaili in the northern parts of Pakistan are very mild in nature. They do not get into feuds . They are a female- dominated society as females are more educated and there are more girls’ schools then boys ‘ schools in that area. The Ismailis of North have a closely knit social and security setup which does not allow any other religion or sect to interact with them at a personal level.
Summary:
1. Ismaili and Sunni both have different kalma or difference in the verses of Quran such as ismailis having an extra verse added beyond what Shias recite.
2. Sunni Muslims are strict in following the Prophets teachings and practices and do not accept any interpretations, additions or omissions.
3. Ismaili sect is a sub sect of Shia Muslims who believe in the religious leadership whereas Sunni Muslims believe in a secular political leadership.
4. Sunni and Ismaili Muslims have major differences in their prayer and other rituals.
5. Sunni Muslims are in majority as compared to Ismailis which is a sect.
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.. ismaili also sacrifice there animals but the way of distribution is different. In bakra Eid . areas wise all animals who wish to sacrifices them. are bring to one place . and the meet is distributed to all families of that area..also there is no begging system in ismaili community
There is not much difference between them the person who wrote this article don’t know mush about the Sunni and Ismaili Muslims
this has many false statements… it sounds like the writer for this website is a sunni and is writing what an ismaili is in his/her perspective. thats not right.
“does not allow any other religion or sect to interact with them at a personal level”
The above sentence indicates ismailis and their relegion is not open and inviting relegion. Is that tru?
The author of this article has very less research regarding practices of Ismailis. Following statements are wrong ;
1.”The Imam decides names for the newly born babies and couples are allowed to marry after he gives permission.”
No such thing exists in Ismaili practices. Some of the followers ask Imam of the time for the Name of their Child , but it is general norm in every society or religion for suggesting names. Secondly, permission for marriage not required in Ismaili faith.
2. “Ismailis unlike Sunnis do not sacrifice their animals in the name of Allah”
This is not true.
3.”They are a female- dominated society as females are more educated and there are more girls’ schools then boys ‘ schools in that area”
The ismailis believe in equality of rights of women towards education & other fields of life. The man are also educated & are working together for the betterment of their life & society.
Please amend these points in your article.