Two of the groups in the Middle East with differing opinions on religion are Sunni and Shia Muslims. Sunnis believe that religious leaders should not have a direct role in government, while Shia Muslims believe that religious leaders should have political authority. This conflict originated from a dispute over who should be the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad after his death, leading to divisions between Sunni and Shia Muslims that continue to this day. The ongoing religious conflict is fueled by political and social issues, as well as external influences seeking to exploit these divisions for their own interests.
