Islam
Political Islam has been a significant political force in some Middle East countries. This is good news, as it could aid in the development of the region. With hundreds of thousands of members, the Muslim Brotherhood used to be the most powerful non-state group in the area. It also had a huge mobilizing power. Unfortunately, this trend has been reversible as many Middle Eastern nations have fallen into instability over the past few years.
Faksh contributes to the growing literature on Muslim fundamentalism by analyzing the rise of fundamentalist groups in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, 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. Religious radicalism is increasingly threatening these Christians. A significant drop in Christian numbers has occurred in certain countries, including Lebanon, since the late 70s. 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 expected to make up 3% of the population by 2050. This will make Muslim populations the majority in the area.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism is a religion practiced by people from Iran and Iraq. It is a Gnostic religion, with a dualistic outlook. Its followers revere the prophets Adam and Seth and reject Abraham. They believe Adam and Seth were the sons god's. Mandaeans also believe in the existence of two worlds, one of light and the other of darkness.
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. Because of this, they are a frequent target for attacks, rape, and looting.
Maronite religion
The Maronite religion in the Middle East is a religion with roots in Syria and Lebanon. The monastic tradition and the history that Maronite religion has been retreating into mountains have influenced its ideals. Some of its early believers were hermits such St. Maron (who lived in the mountains near Antioch). His fame spread across the region. Many of his followers were also hermits. These people eventually built monasteries and were known as Maronite Christians.
Maronite Church is also a firm believer in the tradition of making an offering before Mass. This preparation table is found in most churches to the right or center of the main altar. This preparation table is the first. This is when the priest will confess to the altar and ask God for his spiritual help.
Sunni Shiite Islam
Sunnis and Shiites have many differences, including their views on the Mahdi (or end-time leader) who will bring justice to the world. 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 dominant view on the conflict says it is an Islamic conflict. There has been rivalry since the time of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's death. This conflict can be explained by the idea of tribal hatreds from ancient times. This view doesn't account for the diversity among Muslim communities in the Middle East.