Islam
Political Islam has been a significant political force in some Middle East countries. This is a good thing for the region and could be a catalyst for its growth. 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. It is hard to predict the future as instability has hit many Middle Eastern countries in recent years.
Faksh provides a contribution to the growing literature concerning Muslim fundamentalism. His analysis of the rise fundamentalist groups in Egypt and Saudi Arabia is an example of this. He believes Islamism is the greatest challenge facing the world today.
Christianity
The Middle East has about 10-15 million indigenous Christians, with the majority living in the Arab world. These Christians are being threatened by religious radicalism. In some countries, such as Lebanon, there has been a significant decline in Christian numbers, particularly since the late 1970s. These changes can be attributed to lower birth rates, increased immigration, and wars.
Christians made up 12.7%, but only a fifth of today's region's inhabitants. They are expected to make up 3% of the population by 2050. 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, with a dualistic outlook. Its followers venerate the prophets Adam & Seth but 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 a minority group in an Islamic society and have long been treated as second class citizens. While they are sometimes acknowledged for their skill, craft, knowledge of science and medicine, they are often treated like infidels. This makes them a common target for rape, looting and attacks.
Maronite religion
Maronite religion is found in the Middle East. It has roots in Syria, Lebanon 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 this region. Many of his disciples were hermits. These people built monasteries and became Maronite Christians.
Maronite Church also believes in the tradition of offering an offering before mass. In most churches, this preparation table is located to the right of the main altar. It is the first part of the preparation process. During this time, the priest will make a confession before the altar and pray for his spiritual support.
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. Sunni Muslims see this in a wider context, while Shiites are waiting for it. Sunni Muslims claimed many things to be the Mahdi.
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. When explaining the conflict, it seems that ancient tribal hatreds are appropriate. This view doesn't account for the diversity among Muslim communities in the Middle East.