There are divisions among Muslim societies in the Middle East over religion. Describe two of the groups, their beliefs, and what led to this conflict.
explains the two differing opinions about religious involvement in government
explains how the religious conflict started and why it continues
uses key facts, names, and vocabulary found in the lesson
One of the groups with differing opinions about religious involvement in government in the Middle East is the Sunni Muslims. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, and its followers are primarily based in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Sunni Muslims believe that the government should be separate from religious influence. The authority to make decisions and govern society is seen as the responsibility of political leaders and their appointed representatives, not religious figures. This belief is based on the historical consensus of early Islamic scholars who advocated for separation between politics and religion.
On the other hand, another group with a contrasting opinion is the Shia Muslims. Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam, and its followers are largely found in countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain. Shia Muslims believe that the government should be directly influenced and governed by religious leaders. These leaders, known as Ayatollahs, are considered to be the rightful successors of the Prophet Muhammad and have both religious and political authority. Shia Islam originated from a historical disagreement over the succession of leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad. The Shia believe that leadership should have been given to Ali, Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, and his descendants.
The conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims began soon after the death of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. This disagreement over leadership, known as the Sunni-Shia divide, led to a power struggle and political unrest. Over the centuries, the divide has been fueled by political ambitions, regional power struggles, and intensified by colonialism and Western intervention in the Middle East.
Today, the conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims continues due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, there are ongoing political rivalries between Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority countries like Iran. These countries compete for influence and leadership within the region, often exacerbating sectarian tensions. Secondly, extremist groups such as ISIS have exploited the Sunni-Shia divide to fuel violence and further their own agendas. Their acts of terror target civilians from opposing sects, deepening the sectarian divide and perpetuating the cycle of violence. Lastly, historical grievances and ongoing discrimination faced by minority Shia populations in some countries create a sense of marginalization and provide fuel for sectarian conflict.
In conclusion, the conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims in the Middle East is primarily driven by differences in religious beliefs regarding the role of religion in government. The Sunni Muslims advocate for a separation of politics and religion, whereas Shia Muslims believe in direct religious influence in governance. The conflict originated from a historical disagreement over leadership succession after the death of Prophet Muhammad and has been perpetuated by political rivalries, regional power struggles, extremist groups, and ongoing discrimination.
make it shorter
In the Middle East, there are divisions among Muslim societies over religious involvement in government. One group, the Sunni Muslims, believes in a separation of politics and religion. They see the responsibility of governing society as belonging to political leaders, not religious figures. On the other hand, Shia Muslims believe in direct religious influence in government. They see religious leaders, known as Ayatollahs, as having both religious and political authority.
This conflict originated from a historical disagreement over leadership succession after the death of Prophet Muhammad. It has been fueled by political rivalries, regional power struggles, extremist groups, and ongoing discrimination. The Sunni-Shia divide continues to impact the region, causing political unrest and violence.