The Myth of Unity: Uncovering the Internal Divides in Sunni Islam

When people hear "Sunni Islam," they often picture a single, unified group one half of the Sunni–Shia divide. But what if that label hides centuries of internal debate, theological disagreements, and even sectarian rejection from within?

In this episode, Ali and Fatima unpack the deep and often overlooked complexities within Sunni Islam. From the Hanbalis to the Maturidis, the Ash'aris to the Salafis, this discussion explores how diverse and sometimes conflicting these internal schools really are.

This episode is based on insights from a powerful lecture by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, whose analysis sheds light on how sectarian identity, theology, and historical narratives have evolved across centuries.

They explore:

• What Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah really means
• Key theological differences over God’s nature, predestination, and prophetic infallibility
• Why many Muslims haven’t read their own creedal texts
• How a claim to unity may be more constructed than inherited

This episode is an invitation to go beyond the headlines, question assumptions, and reflect deeply on what religious identity truly means.