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Ranking Islamic branches and their sub-branches by “radicalism” is a challenging and sensitive task, as the term “radicalism” is often subjective and can mean different things depending on the context—whether it refers to extremist ideology, political activism, militant behavior, or interpretation of religious texts. It’s important to note that radicalism is not inherently linked to any particular branch or sub-branch of Islam, but is often a product of specific historical, political, and socio-economic contexts.

That being said, Islamic communities generally strive for peaceful coexistence and moderation, but there have been extreme factions in each branch of Islam. I’ll try to give you a broad overview, acknowledging that radicalism can emerge in different forms across different Islamic sects and regions. However, most Muslims, regardless of their branch, reject extremism.

1. Sunni Islam

Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, making up the vast majority of Muslims worldwide. Within Sunni Islam, radicalism can be found in a few smaller extremist groups that advocate for violence or extreme political ideologies. However, these groups do not represent the mainstream Sunni community. Sub-branches and Extremist Groups in Sunni Islam:

Wahhabism/Salafism: Radical Elements: Wahhabism, which is primarily associated with Saudi Arabia, is sometimes labeled as radical due to its ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam. However, most Wahhabis focus on religious purity and reject violence. There is a radical offshoot, Salafi-jihadism, which is associated with militant groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Al-Shabaab. These groups advocate violent jihad and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Mainstream: The mainstream Wahhabi or Salafi community, however, is not violent and primarily focuses on religious reform and return to early Islamic practices.

Deobandi: Radical Elements: Deobandism is a Sunni movement originating from South Asia, and its mainstream teachings are not considered radical. However, a minority of Deobandi groups, particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other factions in Afghanistan (e.g., the Taliban), have adopted radical interpretations of Islam. The Taliban, in particular, enforces a strict version of Sharia law and has been involved in violent actions and terror. Mainstream: The broader Deobandi movement emphasizes religious scholarship and education without the violent extremism seen in the Taliban.

Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali (Sunni Jurisprudential Schools): Radical Elements: Most of these schools of thought are not inherently radical. However, radical groups may selectively use the interpretations of specific scholars within these schools to justify violent actions. Mainstream: The mainstream Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought advocate for more moderate interpretations of Islamic law and practice.

2. Shia Islam

Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam, and within Shia Islam, there are several different sects and movements. While Shia Islam as a whole is not inherently radical, there are some sub-groups that have been associated with political movements, especially in the context of revolutionary Shia politics and militant Shia groups. Sub-branches and Radicalism in Shia Islam:

Twelver Shia (largest sect within Shia Islam): Radical Elements: While the majority of Twelver Shia Muslims are not radical, certain groups in the Twelver Shia tradition have become politically involved in ways that some might view as radical. For example, the Islamic Republic of Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini promoted a politicized interpretation of Shia Islam that justified theocracy and revolution. Some followers have adopted revolutionary or militant stances, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War and in support of Shia militias in Iraq, Syria (e.g., Hezbollah), and Yemen (e.g., Houthi rebels). Mainstream: The majority of Twelver Shia Muslims, however, adhere to more moderate political and religious views, with an emphasis on piety, religious scholarship, and the veneration of the Twelve Imams.

Ismaili Shia: Radical Elements: Ismailis, especially those following the Aga Khan, are generally considered to be among the more moderate and progressive sects in Shia Islam, focusing on education, community welfare, and pluralism. While radical elements have occasionally emerged in different regions, they are not representative of mainstream Ismailism. Mainstream: Ismailis are known for their emphasis on spiritualism, intellectualism, and charity, with an emphasis on moderation and peaceful coexistence.

Zaidi Shia: Radical Elements: Zaidism, a form of Shia Islam found primarily in Yemen, has been associated with the Houthi movement. While the Houthis themselves are often seen as radical and have been involved in a violent insurgency, the broader Zaidism tradition is not inherently violent. Zaidi Shia are generally considered closer to Sunni Islam in their practices, and the tradition historically has been more moderate. Mainstream: The Zaydi Shia movement has historically had a reputation for political activism but without embracing extreme radicalism.

3. Sufism

Sufism is the mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam, emphasizing a personal relationship with God and the inner purification of the soul. Sufis are generally considered moderate and non-political, focusing on spirituality, peace, and compassion.

Radical Elements: Sufism itself is not radical. However, some radical groups may adopt a Sufi vocabulary or symbols to support their own agendas, but such examples are very rare. Mainstream: The vast majority of Sufi orders reject extremism, promoting tolerance, love, and peaceful coexistence. They are generally opposed to violent jihad and extremism.

4. Other Minor Branches

Ibadi Islam: Ibadism is a small, distinct branch of Islam predominantly found in Oman. Ibadis are known for their emphasis on tolerance, pragmatism, and moderation. They are generally not associated with radicalism.

Alawites: The Alawites, a sect primarily based in Syria, are often considered a heterodox branch of Shia Islam due to their unique beliefs, which incorporate elements of pre-Islamic traditions. Although they have faced persecution in the past, they are not generally associated with radicalism.

Conclusion

Radicalism is typically not an inherent feature of any particular branch or sect of Islam. The majority of Muslims, regardless of their branch (Sunni, Shia, Sufi, etc.), adhere to peaceful and moderate interpretations of their faith. Radicalism tends to emerge in specific historical, political, or social contexts, often linked to local struggles, injustices, or political ambitions rather than religious ideology alone.

If we had to list groups based on historical associations with radical ideologies, the following would be noted as having produced or been linked to violent radical movements, though it’s crucial to emphasize that these are outliers and do not represent the mainstream of the respective sects:

Salafi-jihadist (Wahhabism/Salafism) Deobandi (Taliban, TTP) Twelver Shia (Iran’s political revolution, Hezbollah) Zaidi Shia (Houthi rebels) Alawite Shia (Syria’s Assad regime)

Again, it is essential to recognize that radicalism is not tied to any specific sect, and the vast majority of Muslims—across all branches—reject extremism in favor of peaceful coexistence.