Hanafi Maliki Shafe'ee Hanbali

Among Sunnis; Hanafi, Maliki, Shafe’ee and Hanbali are considered as Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at. The basic difference among the four groups of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at is the FIQH (Jurisprudence of Islam). Otherwise, these four groups have unanimity in beliefs, traditions and the status of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), his SAHABAH (companions), his Aal (progeny) and the Aulia Allah (The very righteous people among Muslims) in Islam. Most of the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama’ah follow the tradition of SUFIS (mysticism of Islam). Brelvi school of thought is also considered as Ahle Sunnat wal Jama’at. They follow the Hanafi FIQH.

The basic differences between Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at and the other Sunni sects are as follows;

Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at believes that;
v Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is closer and dearer to believers than their own lives.
v A believer must seek the pleasure (REDHA) of both Allah and His messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
v Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is spiritually alive in his grave (QABR-E-ANWAR). He listens and responds to the salutations and Darood Sharif that the Ummatee (followers) recite on him.
v Allah keeps Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed about the conditions and situations of every Ummatee (follower). That is why he (peace be upon him) will be able to witness (SHAHEED) about the conditions of people on the judgement day in front of Allah.
v Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the leader of all prophets and messengers of Allah.
v Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will intercede (SHAFA’AT) for the sinners on the judgement day and his SHAFA’AT (intercession) will be accepted by Allah.
v Allah gave Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) the knowledge of unseen (GHAIB). He has the knowledge of past, present and future.
v All the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the most honourable people among the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
v The household (Ahle Bait) and the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the most honourable leaders of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
v The wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the mothers for all believers and must be respected and honoured.
v Calling Ya Rasool-ullah (peace be upon him) is permissible in Islam and a tradition of Salaf Saleheen.
v The Aulia Allah (the very righteous saints) are very honourable people. They are inspired by Allah and they are spiritually alive in their graves.
v Organizing the birthday celebrations of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and gatherings of Meelad Sharif are very noble and Islamic deeds.
v Standing up during SALAAM (salutation) on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an honourable action and shows love and respect towards Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
v Visiting the graves and shrines of Prophets of Allah and Aulia Allah (Sufis) is permissible deed in Islam and highly desirable tradition of Muslims.
v Organizing programs on the birthdays and death anniversaries (Urs) of Aulia Allah (Sufis) is permissible in Islam. “Giyarween sharif” of Sayyidna Abdul Qadir Jilani (May Allah’s blessings upon him) is permissible in Islam.
v Serving humanity is a part of EBADAH (worship) of Allah and the tradition of Sufis.
v Fanaticism, extremism and forceful conversion is an un-Islamic practice and is condemned by Islam.

The other Sunni sects such as Wahabis, Salafis (Ahle Hadith), Parvezees, Deobandis, etc.. do not believe or practice the above traditions of Ahle Sunnah.