From the Sunni perspective, the greatest strength of Islam lies in following the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah as understood by the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Companions. Sunni scholars have historically expressed concerns about several Shia theological doctrines, including the concept of divinely appointed Imams with unique religious authority, certain narrations that are not accepted in Sunni hadith collections, and practices that developed after the time of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.

Sunni scholarship maintains that leadership after the Prophet ﷺ was determined through consultation (shūrā) among the Companions, rather than through an explicit divine appointment. For this reason, Sunnis regard Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all) as the Rightly Guided Caliphs and reject any attempt to diminish the status of any of these Companions.

Many Sunni scholars have also criticized practices such as invoking deceased individuals for assistance, ritual self-flagellation during Ashura, or attributing extraordinary religious authority to the Imams beyond what is established in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. From the Sunni viewpoint, acts of worship should remain strictly directed to Allah alone, and every religious belief and practice should be supported by authentic evidence.

At the same time, mainstream Sunni scholars have consistently emphasized that theological disagreement should not lead to injustice, hatred, or hostility toward individuals. Discussions about creed should be based on knowledge, evidence, respectful dialogue, and sincere concern for the truth, while remembering the Qur’anic command to speak with wisdom and good instruction.