Islam
In some Middle East countries, political Islam is a prominent political force. This is a good thing for the region and could be a catalyst for its growth. With hundreds of millions of members and an enormous mobilizing capacity, the Muslim Brotherhood was once one of the most influential groups in the region. 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. He views Islamism today as the most pressing challenge.
Christianity
About 10-15 million Middle East Christians are indigenous to the region, the majority of them living in the Arab World. These Christians are being threatened by religious radicalism. There has been a decline in the number of Christians in some countries like Lebanon since the late 1970s. These changes can be attributed mainly to decreased birth rates, increased immigration and wars.
In 1900, 12.7% of the population was Christian. Today, Christians make up just a fifth. They are expected to make up 3% of the population by 2050. This will make the Muslim community the majority in the region.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism is a religion practiced by people from Iran and Iraq. It is a Gnostic religion that holds a dualistic worldview. Its followers are devoted to the prophets Adam (and Seth) and they reject Abraham. They believe Adam and his descendents were the sons or god. Mandaeans believe that there are two worlds: one light, and one dark.
The Mandaean people have endured persecution for thousands upon thousands of year. They are a minority in an Islamic society, and have long been treated like 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 religion in Middle East has its roots in Syria and Lebanon. Its ideals are influenced a monastic tradition and the history of retreating in the mountains. Some of its early believers were hermits such St. Maron (who lived in the mountains near Antioch). His fame spread throughout the region. Many of his followers also lived as hermits. These people eventually built monasteries and were known as Maronite Christians.
Maronite churches also practice the traditional tradition that an offering must be made before the mass. The preparation table is usually located right next to the main altar. It is the beginning of the preparation. During this time the priest will offer a confession to the altar and pray for the priest's spiritual support.
Sunni-Shiite Islam
Sunnis are more religiously orthodox than Shiites. They believe in the Mahdi or end-times leader that will bring justice and peace. Shiites wait for this event, while Sunni Muslims look at it in a broader context. Sunni Muslims claimed many things to be the Mahdi.
The consensus view is that the conflict is within Islam. 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. But such a view is not able to account for the diversity within the Middle East's Muslim communities.