Islam
Some countries in the Middle East have seen political Islam become a dominant political force. This is good news for the region, as it could help in the region's development. The Muslim Brotherhood, once the largest non-state organization in the region, had hundreds of thousands members and a large mobilizing capacity. 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 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. Religious radicalism is increasingly threatening these Christians. There has been a decline in the number of Christians in some countries like Lebanon since the late 1970s. These changes can also be attributed to low birth rates and increased immigration as well as wars.
Although Christians made up 12.7% in the area's population in 1900 they now make up only a fifth. They are expected to make up 3% of the population by 2050. This will make Muslims the majority population in the region.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism has been practiced by peoples from Iran and Iraq. It is a Gnostic religion with 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 also believe there are two worlds, one for light and one for darkness.
The Mandaean people have suffered from persecution for thousands of years. They are a minority group in an Islamic society and have long been 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 faith in the Middle East has roots from 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 across the region. Many of his followers became hermits. These people became Maronite Christians when they built monasteries.
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. This preparation table is the first. The priest will then make a confession and ask for 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. While Shiites await this event, Sunni Muslims view it in a wider context. Sunni Muslims are often claimed to be the Mahdi by many, including the Sudanese ruler Muhammad Mahdi (1844-1885), Mirza Ghulam Ahmad from India and Pakistan.
The consensus view is that the conflict is within Islam. Rivalry between the two groups has been ongoing since the passing of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. For explaining this conflict, the concept of ancient tribal hatreds seems to be appropriate. However, such a view does not account for the diversity of Muslim communities in the Middle East.