Islam
Political Islam has been a significant political force in some Middle East countries. This is good news as it can help the region's 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. It is hard to predict the future as instability has hit many Middle Eastern countries in recent years.
Faksh contributes to the growing literature on Muslim fundamentalism by analyzing the rise of fundamentalist groups in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria. He considers Islamism to be the most important challenge to the world today.
Christianity
In the Middle East there are about 10-15 million native Christians. Most of these Christians are located in the Arab region. But these Christians are increasingly under threat from religious radicalism. Some countries, like Lebanon, have seen a dramatic decline in Christian population, especially since the 1970s. These changes can all be attributed lower birth rates as well to 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 are projected at 3% of total population by 2050. This will make them the largest group in the region.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism is a religion practiced by people from Iran and Iraq. It is a Gnostic religion and has a dualistic view of the world. Its followers venerate the prophets Adam & Seth but reject Abraham. They believe that Adam and his descendants were the sons of god. Mandaeans believe that there are two worlds: one light, and one dark.
For thousands of years, the Mandaean people have been subject to persecution. They are a minority in an Islamic society. For many years they have been treated like second-class citizens. They are sometimes recognized for their talents, crafts, and knowledge of science, but are often treated as infidels. This makes them a common target for rape, looting and attacks.
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. One of its early followers was St. Maron, a hermit who lived in the mountains around Antioch. His fame spread throughout the region. Many of his followers lived as 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. This preparation table is the first. The priest will be required to make a confession at the altar, and then pray for his spiritual support.
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 prevailing wisdom on the conflict is that it is a conflict within Islam. Rivalry has existed between these two groups since the death of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. When explaining the conflict, it seems that ancient tribal hatreds are appropriate. But such a view is not able to account for the diversity within the Middle East's Muslim communities.