Islam
In some Middle East countries, political Islam is a prominent political force. This is good news, as it could aid in the development of the region. The Muslim Brotherhood was once considered the most influential non-state organisation in the region. With its hundreds of thousand members and huge mobilising ability, it was once a powerful group. However, as many Middle Eastern countries have experienced instability in recent years, it is difficult to predict how this trend will continue.
Faksh is a contributor to the expanding literature on Muslim fundamentalism. He analyzes the rise in fundamentalist groups such as those in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Algeria. His view of Islamism is the most significant challenge facing the globe today.
Christianity
Around 10-15 million Christians live in the Middle East. The majority are from the Arab world. These Christians are being threatened by religious radicalism. Some countries, like Lebanon, have seen a dramatic decline in Christian population, especially since the 1970s. These changes can be attributed mainly to decreased birth rates, increased immigration and wars.
Christians were 12.7% of the entire population of the region in 1900. However, today their number is only about a fifth. They are projected to account for only 3% by 2050. This will make them the largest group in the region.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism, a religion that people in Iran and Iraq practice, is called the Islamic Mandaeism. It is a Gnostic religion with dualistic worldview. Its followers worship the prophets Adam, Seth, and reject Abraham. They believe Adam and his descendants are the sons of God. Mandaeans believe there are 2 worlds. 1 is light, and the other dark.
The Mandaean have suffered persecution for thousands years. They are considered a minority within an Islamic society and are treated as second-class citizens. They may be acknowledged for their expertise in science, medicine, and craft but they are often treated with contempt. They are often a target of attacks, rape, looting, and robbery.
Maronite religion
Maronite faith in the Middle East has roots from Syria and Lebanon. It is influenced by monastic tradition and history of retreating to the mountains. Its early believers included hermits such as St. Maron who lived in the mountains close to Antioch. His fame spread across the region. Many of his followers became hermits. These people built monasteries and became Maronite Christians.
Maronite Church, for its part, has adopted the tradition of offering an offering prior to mass. The preparation table is usually located right next to the main altar. It is the first part of the preparation process. This is when the priest will confess to the altar and ask God for his spiritual help.
Sunni Shiite Islam
Sunnis and Shiites differ in many aspects, including their beliefs regarding the Mahdi, or the end-times leader who will bring justice and peace to all of humanity. Shiites wait for this event, while Sunni Muslims look at it in a broader context. Many Sunni Muslims have claimed to be the Mahdi, including the Sudanese ruler Muhammad Mahdi (1844-1885), and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of India and Pakistan.
According to the dominant wisdom, the conflict is an Islam-based conflict. There has been rivalry since the time of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's death. It seems that the conflict is best explained using the notion of ancient tribal hatreds. However, such an approach does not account the diversity of Muslim communities throughout the Middle East.