Islam embraces a wealth of traditions, legal schools, schools of thought, scholarly approaches, and intellectual movements which can be confusing to the outsider. This is a quick guide to groupings within Islam.

Differences occur on different levels. There are two main branches of Islam, the Sunni and the Shi'a, a division that arose in different understandings about the Prophet's (pbuh) intentions for the leadership of the Muslim community.

One can also describe different groupings that arose for religious reasons. These groups may have palpable differences in their religious culture without being divided on fundamental matters of faith and belief, or aqidah. It is also possible to distinguish different legal schools or 'madhahib' (plural of madhhab).

Finally, there are tendencies of approach in matters of faith and understanding. Some are more inclined to understand the texts and sources of Islam literally; some are more attracted to the suggestion that one must understand and interpret them in the light of our times, and apply them to contemporary situations in a fresh way.

Click through the menu at the right to learn more about each of these groupings.