Islam
Some countries in the Middle East have seen political Islam become a dominant political force. This is a good thing for the region and could be a catalyst for its growth. The Muslim Brotherhood, once the largest non-state organization in the region, had hundreds of thousands members and a large mobilizing capacity. It is difficult to predict how instability will continue in the Middle East, since many countries in this region have been experiencing instability in recent decades.
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
The Middle East has about 10-15 million indigenous Christians, with the majority living in the Arab world. These Christians are now under increasing threat from religious extremism. A significant drop in Christian numbers has occurred in certain countries, including Lebanon, since the late 70s. These changes are due to lower birth rates. Increased immigration and wars.
While Christians made up 12.7% of the region's population in 1900, their numbers are only about a fifth of that number today. They will make up only 3% in 2050 of the total population. This will make the Muslim population the majority of 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 worship the prophets Adam, Seth, and reject Abraham. They believe Adam, and his descendants, are the sons God. Mandaeans believe in two worlds. One is of light, the other is of darkness.
Since thousands of years, the Mandaean population has been under persecution. They are considered a minority within an Islamic society and are treated as second-class citizens. Although they may be recognized for their knowledge and skills in medicine, science, and crafts, they are often treated as infidels. Because of this, they are a frequent target for attacks, rape, and looting.
Maronite religion
Maronite Christianity in the Middle East has roots in Syria as well as Lebanon. Its ideals have been influenced by the monastic traditions and the history retreating into the hills. Some of its early believers were hermits, such as St. Maron, who lived in the mountains near Antioch. His fame spread throughout this region. Many of his followers became hermits. These people built monasteries and became Maronite Christians.
Maronite churches also practice the traditional tradition that an offering must be made before the mass. This preparation table can be found to the right side of the main altar in most churches. It is the first stage of the preparation. This is when the priest will confess to the altar and ask God for his spiritual help.
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. While Shiites await this event, Sunni Muslims view it in a wider 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.
The majority opinion on the conflict states that it is a conflict within Islam. Rivalry has existed between these two groups since the death of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. For explaining this conflict, the concept of ancient tribal hatreds seems to be appropriate. But such a view is not able to account for the diversity within the Middle East's Muslim communities.