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The largest Christian group in the Middle East is the originally [[Coptic language|Coptic]]-speaking, but now [[Arabic language|Arabic]]-speaking [[Coptic Orthodox Church|Coptic Orthodox]] Christian population. This Egyptian [[ethnoreligious]] community of [[Copts]], is cited by the official census as consisting of 6–11 million people in past decade,<ref name="EgyptCoptNumbers">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/coptic_1.shtml|title=Coptic Orthodox Church|publisher=BBC|access-date=27 February 2011}} "estimates [for the Coptic Orthodox Church] ranged from 6 to 11 million; 6% (official estimate) to 20% (Church estimate)"</ref> although Coptic sources cite the figure as being closer to 15–20 million.<ref name="unitedcopts">{{cite web |url=http://www.unitedcopts.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3073&Itemid=71 |title=? |date=29 October 2008 |publisher=United Copts of Great Britain |access-date=27 August 2010}} "In 2008, [[Pope Shenouda III]] and Bishop Morkos, bishop of [[Shubra]], declared that the number of Copts in Egypt is more than 12 million" (Arabic)</ref><ref name="alarabiya2808">{{cite web |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/08/28/55639.html |title=? |date=28 August 2008 |publisher=العربية.نت الصفحة الرئيسية |access-date=27 August 2010}} "In 2008, father Morkos Aziz the prominent priest in Cairo declared that the number of Copts (inside Egypt) exceeds 16&nbsp;million."</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/281789/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-meets-world-Evangelical-churches-deleg.aspx|title=Egypt's Sisi meets world Evangelical churches delegation in Cairo - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online|website=english.ahram.org.eg|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2017/03/02/Egypt-s-Coptic-Bishop-Morcos-We-need-to-build-4-000-churches-in-next-10-years.html#|title=Egypt's Coptic Bishop Morcos: We need to build 4,000 churches in next 10 years|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=March 2017|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/new-egyptian-constitution-holds-promise-for-copts|title=New Egyptian Constitution Holds Promise for Copts|website=National Catholic Register|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref> Copts reside in mainly Egypt, but also in [[Sudan]] and [[Libya]], with tiny communities in [[Israel]], [[Cyprus]] and [[Jordan]].
The largest Christian group in the Middle East is the originally [[Coptic language|Coptic]]-speaking, but now [[Arabic language|Arabic]]-speaking [[Coptic Orthodox Church|Coptic Orthodox]] Christian population. This Egyptian [[ethnoreligious]] community of [[Copts]], is cited by the official census as consisting of 6–11 million people in past decade,<ref name="EgyptCoptNumbers">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/coptic_1.shtml|title=Coptic Orthodox Church|publisher=BBC|access-date=27 February 2011}} "estimates [for the Coptic Orthodox Church] ranged from 6 to 11 million; 6% (official estimate) to 20% (Church estimate)"</ref> although Coptic sources cite the figure as being closer to 15–20 million.<ref name="unitedcopts">{{cite web |url=http://www.unitedcopts.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3073&Itemid=71 |title=? |date=29 October 2008 |publisher=United Copts of Great Britain |access-date=27 August 2010}} "In 2008, [[Pope Shenouda III]] and Bishop Morkos, bishop of [[Shubra]], declared that the number of Copts in Egypt is more than 12 million" (Arabic)</ref><ref name="alarabiya2808">{{cite web |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/08/28/55639.html |title=? |date=28 August 2008 |publisher=العربية.نت الصفحة الرئيسية |access-date=27 August 2010}} "In 2008, father Morkos Aziz the prominent priest in Cairo declared that the number of Copts (inside Egypt) exceeds 16&nbsp;million."</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/281789/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-meets-world-Evangelical-churches-deleg.aspx|title=Egypt's Sisi meets world Evangelical churches delegation in Cairo - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online|website=english.ahram.org.eg|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2017/03/02/Egypt-s-Coptic-Bishop-Morcos-We-need-to-build-4-000-churches-in-next-10-years.html#|title=Egypt's Coptic Bishop Morcos: We need to build 4,000 churches in next 10 years|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=March 2017|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/new-egyptian-constitution-holds-promise-for-copts|title=New Egyptian Constitution Holds Promise for Copts|website=National Catholic Register|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref> Copts reside in mainly Egypt, but also in [[Sudan]] and [[Libya]], with tiny communities in [[Israel]], [[Cyprus]] and [[Jordan]].


In Egypt, Copts have relatively higher [[educational attainment]], relatively higher [[wealth]] index, and a stronger representation in [[White-collar worker|white collar job]] types, but limited representation in security agencies. The majority of demographic, socioeconomic and health indicators are similar among Copts and Muslims.<ref>Mohamoud YA, Cuadros DF, Abu-Raddad LJ. Characterizing the Copts in Egypt: Demographic, socioeconomic and health indicators, QScience Connect 2013:22 <nowiki>http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/connect.2013.22</nowiki></ref> Historically; many Copts were [[accountants]], and in 1961 Coptic Christians owned 51% of the [[List of banks in Egypt|Egyptian banks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/comparative-studies-in-society-and-history/article/abs/accursed-superior-men-ethnoreligious-minorities-and-politics-in-the-medieval-mediterranean/EB9A103390FE521CB065862F5918BA07|title=Accursed, Superior Men: Ethno-Religious Minorities and Politics in the Medieval Mediterranean|date=3 October 2014|publisher= Cambridge University Press|quote=In the mid-nineteenth century, Lane reported that many Copts were accountants, who served primarily in government bureaus. As late as 1961, Coptic Christians owned 51 percent of Egyptian banks.}}</ref>
In Egypt, Copts have relatively higher [[educational attainment]], relatively higher [[wealth]] index, and a stronger representation in [[White-collar worker|white collar job]] types, but limited representation in security agencies. The majority of demographic, socioeconomic and health indicators are similar among Copts and Muslims.<ref>Mohamoud YA, Cuadros DF, Abu-Raddad LJ. Characterizing the Copts in Egypt: Demographic, socioeconomic and health indicators, QScience Connect 2013:22 <nowiki>http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/connect.2013.22</nowiki></ref> Historically; many Copts were [[accountants]], and in 1961 Coptic Christians owned 51% of the [[List of banks in Egypt|Egyptian banks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/comparative-studies-in-society-and-history/article/abs/accursed-superior-men-ethnoreligious-minorities-and-politics-in-the-medieval-mediterranean/EB9A103390FE521CB065862F5918BA07|title=Accursed, Superior Men: Ethno-Religious Minorities and Politics in the Medieval Mediterranean|date=3 October 2014|publisher= Cambridge University Press|quote=In the mid-nineteenth century, Lane reported that many Copts were accountants, who served primarily in government bureaus. As late as 1961, Coptic Christians owned 51 percent of Egyptian banks.}}</ref> According to the scholar Andrea Rugh Copts tend to belong to the educated [[Middle class|middle]] and [[Upper middle class|upper-middle class]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Christians in Egypt: Strategies and Survival|first=Andrea |last=B. Rugh |year= 2016| isbn=9781137566133| page =30|publisher=Springer|quote=}}</ref> and according to scholar Lois Farag "The Copts still played the major role in managing Egypt's state finances. They held 20% of total state capital, 45% of government employment, and 45% of government salarie".<ref>{{cite book|title=The Coptic Christian Heritage: History, Faith and Culture|first=Lois|last= M. Farag |year= 2013| isbn=9781134666843| page =83|publisher=Routledge|quote=The Copts, who were 7 percent of the population in the nineteenth century, still played the major role in managing Egypt's state finances. They held 20 percent of total state capital, 45 percent of government employment ...}}</ref>


===Maronites===
===Maronites===

Revision as of 08:57, 27 April 2022

Four major religious groups (i.e. the two largest religions in the world: Christianity and Islam, plus Judaism and Druze faith) originated in the Middle East.[1][2][3] Smaller minority religions, such as the Baháʼí Faith, Druze,[4] Alawites, Manichaeism, Bábism, Yazidism, Mandaeism (Sabianism), Yarsanism, Samaritanism, Shabakism, Ishikism, Ali-Illahism, Alevism, Yazdânism and Zoroastrianism are also present in the Middle East.

The smaller, religiously unaffiliated population is forecast to grow 56%, from about 2 million to more than 3 million.[citation needed] Hindus, adherents of folk religions and Buddhists are expected to experience the greatest growth as a percentage of their modest 2010 counts[citation needed]

Christianity

See also: Christianity in the Middle East
Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Christianity originated in the region in the 1st century AD,[5] and was one of the major religions of the region until the Muslim conquests of the mid-to-late 7th century AD. Christianity in the Middle East is characterized by its diverse beliefs and traditions compared to other parts of the old world.

Christian communities have played a vital role in the Middle East.[6] Scholars and intellectuals agree Christians in the Middle East have made significant contributions to Arab and Islamic civilization since the introduction of Islam, and they have had a significant impact contributing the culture of the Mashriq, Turkey, and Iran.[7][8]

Christians now make up 5% of the population, down from 20% in the early 20th century.[9] The number of Middle Eastern Christians is dropping in some regions in the Middle East due to such factors as extensive emigration (usually to escape religious persecution), and the religious persecution itself. Besides, political turmoil has been and continues to be a major contributor pressing indigenous Near Eastern Christians of various ethnicities towards seeking security and stability outside their homelands. Christian Palestinians face the same oppression as their Muslim compatriots.[10]

Copts

See also: Copts

The largest Christian group in the Middle East is the originally Coptic-speaking, but now Arabic-speaking Coptic Orthodox Christian population. This Egyptian ethnoreligious community of Copts, is cited by the official census as consisting of 6–11 million people in past decade,[11] although Coptic sources cite the figure as being closer to 15–20 million.[12][13][14][15][16] Copts reside in mainly Egypt, but also in Sudan and Libya, with tiny communities in Israel, Cyprus and Jordan.

In Egypt, Copts have relatively higher educational attainment, relatively higher wealth index, and a stronger representation in white collar job types, but limited representation in security agencies. The majority of demographic, socioeconomic and health indicators are similar among Copts and Muslims.[17] Historically; many Copts were accountants, and in 1961 Coptic Christians owned 51% of the Egyptian banks.[18] According to the scholar Andrea Rugh Copts tend to belong to the educated middle and upper-middle class,[19] and according to scholar Lois Farag "The Copts still played the major role in managing Egypt's state finances. They held 20% of total state capital, 45% of government employment, and 45% of government salarie".[20]

Maronites

See also: Maronites

Arabic-speaking Lebanese Maronites number some 1.1–1.2 million across the Middle East. They occasionally avoid an Arabic identity in favour of a pre-Arab Phoenician-Canaanite heritage.

Syriacs and Assyrians

Syriac Christians of various non-Arab ethnoreligious heritages number roughly 2 to 3 million. The indigenous Eastern Aramaic speaking Assyrians of Iraq, south eastern Turkey, north western Iran and north eastern Syria have suffered both ethnic and religious persecution over the last few centuries such as the Assyrian genocide, leading to many fleeing to the west or congregating in areas in the north of Iraq and Syria. In Iraq numbers of indigenous Assyrians has declined to somewhere between 500,000 and 800,000 (from 0.8–1.4 million before 2003 US invasion) or 6% of the population of 23 million.[21]

Currently, the largest community of Syriac Christians in the Middle East resides in Syria, numbering 877,000–1,139,000. These are a mix of Neo-Aramaic speaking Assyrians and largely Arabic-speaking Christians (original speakers of the almost extinct Western Aramaic language) who ethnically identify as Syriacs.

Armenians

In the Middle Eastern states, there is a large community of Armenians. The Armenians in the Middle East number around 350,000-400,000[22] and are mostly concentrated in Iran, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, although well-established communities exist in Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, and other countries of the area. Some other sources claim that the Armenians number around half a million, with their largest community in Iran with 200,000 - 300,000 members.[23] The number of Armenians in Turkey is disputed having a wide range of estimations. More Armenian communities reside in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and to lesser degree in other Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq and Israel. The Armenian genocide during and after World War I drastically reduced the once sizeable Armenian population.

Other Christian groups

Married Eastern Orthodox priest from Jerusalem with his family (three generations), circa 1893

In the Persian Gulf states, Bahrain has 1,000 Christian citizens[24] and Kuwait has 400 native Christian citizens,[25] in addition to 450,000 Christian foreign residents in Kuwait.[26] Arab Christians, and those who tend to identify as Arabs, are mostly adherents of the Greek Orthodox Church. In 2010 they numbered 1.1 million in Syria, 350,000 in Lebanon, 250-300,000 in Jordan, 150,000 in Israel and Palestine and smaller numbers in Turkey (18,000)[27] and Iraq. Protestant converts number around 400,000. Melkite Catholics, who are Eastern Catholics of the Greek Rite, comprise almost 600,000.[28] Syrian Orthodox number about 1 million in Syria, Iraq, Turkey,[29] Jordan and Lebanon, with the great majority being in Syria.

The ethnic Greeks, who had once inhabited large parts of the western Middle East and Asia Minor, have declined since the Arab conquests and recently severely reduced in Turkey, as a result of the Greco-Turkish War, which followed World War I. Today the biggest Middle Eastern Greek community resides in Cyprus numbering around 793,000 (2008).[30] Cypriot Greeks constitute the only Christian majority state in the Middle East, although Lebanon was founded with a Christian majority in the first half of the 20th century.

Smaller Christian groups include; Georgians, Messianic Jews, Russians and others, such as Kurdish, Turcoman, Iranian, Shabak, Azeri, Circassian and Arab converts exist in small numbers. There are currently several million Christian foreign workers in the Gulf area, mostly from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Middle Eastern Christians are relatively wealthy, well educated, and politically moderate,[31] as they have today an active role in various social, economical, sporting and political aspects in the Middle East.

Islam

Islam is the most widely followed religion in the Middle East. About 20% of the world's Muslims live in the Middle East.[32] Islam is a monotheistic religion, teaching belief in one God (Allah) and is based on the Quran.[32] Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet of God in a long chain of prophets, from Adam on down to John the Baptist, Jesus, and finally Muhammad. The majority of the Muslims are Sunni, followed by Shi'a. Smaller sects include the Ahmadiyya.[33] However, Ahmadis are considered by the majority of Muslims as heretical.[34]

A major source of conflict in the Muslim Middle East is the divisive nature between the two main sects of Islam: Sunni and Shi'a. Although these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Quran, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death.[35] The Battle of Siffin was a significant schism between the two sects. Throughout the years, other differences have arisen between practices, beliefs and culture. Many conflicts between the two communities have occurred.

Country Total Population Muslim Percentage Muslim Population
 Bahrain 1,505,003 73.7%[36] 1,109,187
 Cyprus 854,800 18.0%[37] 153,864
 Iran 81,871,500 98%
 Iraq 39,339,753 97.0%[38] 38,159,560
 Israel 8,930,680 17.7% 1,580,730
 Jordan 10,261,300 94.0% 9,645,622
 Kuwait 4,420,110 74.6%[39] 3,297,402
 Lebanon 6,093,509 55%[40] 3,515,955
 Oman 4,664,844 85.9%[41] 4,007,101
 Palestine 4,780,978 99.0% 4,733,168
 Qatar 2,561,643 67.7%[42] 1,734,232
 Saudi Arabia 33,413,660 100.0%[43] 33,413,660
 Syria 18,284,407 87.0%[44] 15,907,434
 Turkey 80,810,525 99.8% 80,648,903
 United Arab Emirates 9,992,083 76%[45] 7,593,983
 Yemen 28,915,284 99.1% 28,655,046
Middle East 336,700,079 85.53% 287,986,537

Sunni

Main article: Sunni Islam

Sunni is the largest branch of Islam and dominates most countries in the Middle East.

Shia

Further information: Shia

Although there are many Shia subsects, modern Shia Islam has been divided into three main groupings: Twelvers, Ismailis and Zaidis, with Twelvers being the largest and most influential group, making up perhaps 88 percent of Shias.[46][47][48][49] Twelver Shia have their largest populations in the Middle East in Iran (90–95%),[50][51] Iraq (60%), Bahrain (55-60%), Azerbaijan (65%), Lebanon (30%), and Kuwait (30%).

Zaydi

Further information: Zaidiyyah

Zaydi make up about 35% of the population of Yemen.[52] They emerged in the eighth century out of Shi'a Islam.[53] Zaidis are named after Zayd ibn ʻAlī, the grandson of Husayn ibn ʻAlī who they recognize as the fifth Imam.[53] Followers of the Zaydi Islamic jurisprudence are called Zaydi Shi'a and make up about 35% of Muslims in Yemen.[52]

Alawites

Further information: Alawites

Alawis, also rendered as Alawites, Alawīyyah or Nusạyriyya, is a syncretic sect of the Twelver branch of Shia Islam, primarily centered in Syria. The eponymously named Alawites revere Ali (Ali ibn Abi Talib), considered the 1st Imam of the Twelver school. However, they are generally considered to be Ghulat by most other sects of Shia Islam. The sect is believed to have been founded by Ibn Nusayr during the 9th century, and fully established as a religion, For this reason, Alawites are sometimes called Nusayris (Arabic: نصيرية Nuṣayrīyyah), although the term has come to be used as a pejorative in the modern era. Another name, Ansari (Arabic: انصارية Anṣāriyyah), is believed to be a mistransliteration of Nusayri. Today, Alawites represent 11 percent of the Syrian population and are a significant minority in Turkey and northern Lebanon. There is also a population living in the village of Ghajar in the Golan Heights. They are often confused with the Alevis of Turkey. Alawites form the dominant religious group on the Syrian coast and towns near the coast which is also inhabited by Sunnis, Christians, and Ismailis.

Alawites have historically kept their beliefs secret from outsiders and non-initiated Alawites.[54][55] At the core of Alawite belief is a divine triad, comprising three aspects of the one God.

Alawites have traditionally lived in the An-Nusayriyah Mountains along the Mediterranean coast of Syria. Latakia and Tartus are the region's principal cities. They are also concentrated in the plains around Hama and Homs. Alawites also live in Syria's major cities, and are estimated at about 12 percent of the country's population[56][57][58] (2.6 million, out of a total population of 22 million).[59]

Alevism

Further information: Alevism

Alevism is a small syncretic,[60] heterodox[61] form of Islam, following Shia, Sufi, Sunni and local traditions,[62] whose adherents follow the mystical (bāṭenī)[63] teachings of Ali, the Twelve Imams, and a descendant—the 13th century Alevi saint Haji Bektash Veli. There are between 8-12 million Alevi and they are found primarily in Turkey among ethnic Turks and Kurds,[64] and make up between 10-15% of Turkey's population, the largest branches of Islam there after the majority Sunni Islam.[62]

Some of the differences that mark Alevis from mainstream Muslims are the use of cemevi halls rather than mosques; worship ceremonies that feature wine, music and dancing, and where both women and men participate; non-observance of the five daily salat prayers and prostrations (they only bow twice in the presence of their spiritual leader), Ramadan, and the Hajj (considering true pilgrimage to be internal one).[62] Alevis have some links with Twelver Shia Islam (such as importance of the Ahl al-Bayt, the day of Ashura, the Mourning of Muharram, commemorating Karbala), but do not follow taqlid towards a Marja' "source of emulation". Some practices of the Alevis are based on Sufi elements of the Bektashi[61] tariqa.[65][66]

Judaism

See also: Judaism and History of Jews

For over 2,000 years of their history, a large portion of Jewish people resided across the Middle East. They are colloquially known as Mizrahi Jews. They include descendants of Babylonian Jews and Mountain Jews from modern Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Uzbekistan, the Caucasus, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Yemen. Since the 1950s because of growing anti-semitism, most of these Jews fled to Israel where they make up the majority of Israel's Jewish population and roughly a third of total world Jews. While they no longer live among a Muslim majority, they continue to follow many customs with strong Muslim and Middle Eastern influences making them distinct from European Jews. Today Judaism in the Middle East is mostly practiced in Israel. Israel's population is 75.3% Jewish, with the remainder made up of Muslims (20.6%), Christians, Druze, Baháʼí and various other minorities (4.1%).[67] There are few other countries in the Middle East with significant Jewish populations, but the communities are small and scattered.

Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith has noteworthy representation in Iran, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Israel, and Turkey. Its international headquarters are located on the northern slope of Mount Carmel at Haifa, Israel. Founded in Iran in 1863,[68] the Baháʼí Faith has an estimated 7 to 8 million followers across the world.[69]

Bábism

Main article: Bábism

Ishikism

Main article: Ishikism

Druze faith

Main article: Druze
The complex hosting the tomb of Nabi Shu'ayb, Israel

Druze, or Druse, is a monotheistic religion found in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Representation ranges from 100,000 in Israel to 700,000 in Syria. Developing from Isma'ilite teachings, Druze incorporates Jewish, Christian, Gnostic, Neoplatonic and Iranian elements.[70]

Mandaeism

Main article: Mandaeism
See also: Sabians

Mandaeism, also known as Sabianism, is a Gnostic and monotheistic religion.[71]: 4 [72] There are between 60,000 and 70,000 Mandaeans worldwide[73] and in the Middle East, they are found in Iraq and Iran.[74] They revere Adam, Abel, Seth, Enos, Noah, Shem, Aram, and especially John the Baptist. Mandaeans are a closed ethnoreligious group.

Samaritanism

Samaritanism is a closely affiliated religion with Judaism, practiced by the ethnoreligious Samaritan community, largely residing in Israel. In the past, Samaritans used to populate also Egypt and Syria, but their community had almost collapsed by the late 19th century. Today the Samaritan community has grown to about 800 persons from as few as 150 in the early 20th century.

Shabakism

There are about 60,000 Shabak people living today all in northern Iraq.[75] They are an ethnic group with a religion similar to orthodox Islam and Christianity. The Shabak have much in common with the Yazidis.

Yazidism

Main article: Yazidism

Yazidis (Yezidi, Ezidi or Ezdi) are a Kurdish-speaking religious group indigenous to Kurdish regions of Iraq, Syria and Turkey, in more recent times, they've also established communities in Russia, Georgia and Armenia after fleeing persecution from the Sunnis during Ottoman era.[76] They follow a monotheistic ethnic religion that has roots in a western branch of an Iranic pre-Zoroastrian religion.[77][78][79][80][81] Their religion is based on the belief of one God who created the world and entrusted it into the care of seven Holy Beings.[82][83][84] The leader of these Angels is Tawûsê Melek, who is symbolized with a peacock.[84][85]

Zoroastrianism

In the Middle East, Zoroastrianism is found in central Iran.[86] Today, there are estimated to be under 20,000 Zoroastrians in Iran.[87] It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions as it was founded 3500 years ago.[86] It was also one of the most powerful religions in the world for about 1000 years.[86] Now, however, it is considered one of the smallest religions with only 190,000 followers worldwide.[86] There are two deities: Azhura Mazda, who fights for a person's goodness, and Ahriman, who fights for a person's evil.[88] It is ultimately up to the individual to decide which deity they will follow. Zoroastrians follow the Avesta which is their primary sacred text.[88]

Unbelief

Main article: Irreligion in the Middle East

According to a 2012 WIN-Gallup International ‘Religiosity and Atheism Index’, atheists are a small minority in the Middle East with only 2% of those surveyed in the Arab World identifying themselves as "committed atheists".[89] Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, the branch of the Egyptian government that issues fatawa (religious edicts), gives lower (if less reliable) numbers, stating that there are 866 atheists in Egypt – "roughly 0.001% of the population"—325 in Morocco, and 32 in Yemen (defined as not only unbelievers, but secularists and "Muslims who convert to other religions").[90]

Some countries (Iraq, Tunisia) surveyed had 0% of respondents identifying as atheists.[91] Other countries indicated low percentages (Palestinian Territories 4%, Turkey, Uzbekistan 2%). However 18% of those surveyed in the Arab world identified themselves as "not a religious person" (Iraq 9%, Saudi Arabia 19%, West Bank and Gaza 29%, Tunisia 22%),[92] a higher percentage than in Africa, Latin America, or South Asia.[89]

According to unbelievers in the Arab world, their numbers are growing but they suffer from persecution.[93][94] Author and historian Faisal Devji notes that although Saudi Arabia punishes unbelief with death, 5% of those surveyed identified themselves as atheists (a slightly higher percentage than did in the United States) and 19 percent did not consider themselves religious.[93] Devji states there is "a new movement of atheists in countries such as Saudi Arabia ... which takes the form of secret societies", meeting "in internet chat rooms and unnamed physical locations, like the mystics of old".[93]

In Egypt, Al Jazeera reported a clandestine atheist group of over 100 in Alexandria in 2013.[94] The group complained of mistreatment of atheists by society and government. A Pew survey found 63% of Egyptian Muslims favored the death penalty for those who leave the religion of Islam. The Egyptian penal code punishes "contempt of heavenly religions", and as of 2013 Egyptians had been arrested and/or imprisoned for activities such as setting up a Facebook page calling for atheism, writing a book entitled Where is God?, and "defamation of religion".[94]

Other religions

Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism in the Middle East

It is estimated that in the Middle East around 900,000 people, perhaps more, profess Buddhism as their religion. Buddhist adherents make up just over 0.3% of the total population of the Middle East.[citation needed]

Although Buddhism has had a presence in the Middle East for over 1000 years, it has recently[when?] experienced a revival with an estimated 900,000 people (perhaps more) who profess Buddhism as their religion. Buddhist adherents make up just over 0.3% of the total population of the Middle East. Many of these Buddhists are workers who have migrated from other parts of Asia to the Middle East in the last 20 years,[when?] many from countries and regions that have large Buddhist populations, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. A small number of engineers, company directors, and managers from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea have also moved to the Middle East.

Hinduism

Main article: Hinduism in Arab states

Millions of members of the Indian diaspora, of different religions, reside and work in Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Many of them are Hindu. Many came due to the migration of Indians and Nepalese expatriates and employees to the oil-rich states around the Persian Gulf.

Hindu temples have been built in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Oman.[95]

Sikhism

Sikhism, the fifth-largest organized religion in the world after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, having over 25 million Sikhs worldwide, has a small presence in the Middle East too, mainly in the U.A.E, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran. Most of them are Punjabi-speaking Indian expatriates.[96]

Countries

Egypt

Religion in Egypt consists of Islam (mostly Sunni Muslim) 80-90%, Coptic Christians 10-20% and other Christians 1%.[97][98][16] As Egypt has modernized with new forms of media and the Egyptian press was liberalized in the 2000s, Coptic Christianity has become a main topic of religious controversy.[99] There is a degree of tension between the Muslims and Copts of Egypt as Copts argue for more representation in government and less legal and administrative discrimination. With this greater freedom of press, the Coptic issue has just begun to break into public awareness, but also due to a minority within both religious communities having extremist views, the media may also be exacerbating the sectarian tension by only publicizing examples of prejudice.[99]

Another current religious tension in Egypt is the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, founded by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt. Many countries have now developed their branches. Many are violent and most Arab governments actively try to restrain the group by arresting and killing members. Currently, as the new government of Egypt is trying to establish itself, many are concerned that a member of the Muslim Brotherhood will again step in and claim leadership. For the current candidates for the presidency, more than one is likely to be affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood is however unpopular among the majority of Egyptians on account of its fundamentalist views, its clampdown on tourism and its desire to impose Sharia law on the nation.

Iran

Religion in Iran is made up of 98% Islam (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%) and 2% Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baháʼí.[97] There was much religious oppression and executions of members of the Baháʼí Faith. Religious minorities are now beginning to hold a larger presence and significance in Iran and are being acknowledged as such.

The Islamic Revolution replaced an old-world monarchy with a theocracy based on the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Velayat-e Faqih) where a Shia cleric (faqih) is the ruler, though there are also competitive elections of candidates approved by another clerical body.[100] This is a mix of republicanism and religion where that would use religion to rule for elective and democratic institutions; it was to be a blend of liberalism and religious injunctions (abs). Islam would be protected under this Islamic Republic and unelected positions like the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council would have unlimited power over the nation. With the nuclear program developing in Iran and much conflict after September 22, 2001, Iran and the Islamic Republic are at a crossroads.[100]

Iraq

Religion in Iraq is represented by 97% Islam (Shiite 60%–65%, Sunni 32%–37%), and 3% Christian or other.[97] Because of this large majority of Shia over Sunni Muslim, there is much tension between the two groups.

Israel

Religion in Israel is represented by the following religious make-up: Judaism 77%, Islam 16%, Christian 2%, Druze 2% (2003).[97] As of 2013, the Israeli "Government - Christians Forum" was formed under the umbrella of the Ministry of Public Security, by Dr. Mordehcai Zaken, head of the Minorities Affairs Desk, to address and promote the concerns of Christian leaders and representative in their interactions with the State. Israel represents the religious Holy Land for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Baha'is. All religions are present in Israel and lay personal claim to the land. Due to the significant Israeli/Palestinian conflict, tensions are high in the religious community. The majority of displaced and upset Palestinians are Muslim and the majority of current Israeli citizens are Jewish so establishing the state borders is highly influenced by religion.

One of the main difficulties in establishing peace between the two countries is because of Jerusalem. Each of the three main religions is incredibly attached to this city and claim it as their own. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether Palestinian Territories or Israel will encompass this region. Maps produced within the territories represent Jerusalem differently. Palestinian maps draw Jerusalem as divided and Israeli maps show it as a part of Israeli territory.[101]

Jordan

Religion in Jordan is represented by 92% Muslim (Sunni), 6% Christian (mostly Greek Orthodox), and 2% other.[97]

Lebanon

Saint George Maronite Cathedral and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Beirut. 41% in Lebanon is Christians representing the mosaic of the Middle East, and contributing heavily in the Media, Politics, Entertainment, Banking... sectors in Lebanon and the World.

Religion in Lebanon is the most unique[clarification needed] in the Middle East, and a mix of religions make up Lebanon, represented by 54% Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni, Isma'ilite, Alawite/Nusayri), 41% Christian (Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Melkite, and Christian churches non-native to Lebanon like Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Catholic Church, Chaldean Catholic Church, Roman Catholic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Armenian Evangelical Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Protestant), while the rest 5% of Lebanon belongs to the Druze faith. Lebanon has a confessional political system in which, regardless of political parties, the President is always Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of the Parliament a Shi’ite Muslim, and the Deputy Prime Minister Greek Orthodox Christian. Also, the Army General has to be Christian and the Bank Governor has to be always Christian as well.[citation needed] In addition, 50% of the Parliament is represented by Christian Members, according to the law in Lebanon since the end of the war until today. This is the foundation of uniqueness of Lebanon and the source of much of its conflicts; and while changes have been made to attempt to make parliamentary representation more even, many are still urging for reform and change.[102] Some would like the confessionalist government to be abolished.[102]

Saudi Arabia

Religion in Saudi Arabia is allegedly 100% Muslim.[97] It is illegal to practice any other religion than Islam in Saudi Arabia. There is still tension, however, between the Sunnis and the Shias. Shiite Islamist revolution has never been a huge threat to the Saudi Arabian government, though, because it is such a small population.[103] Sunni Islamists, though, present a larger threat to the government because of their large Saudi Arabian population. These Sunni groups often dissent through violence targeted at government, Western or non-Muslims that threat the Muslim nation, Shiites, and sometimes generally directed against moral corruption.[103]

Syria

Religion in Syria is represented by 70% Islam (Sunni), 12% Alawite, 5% Druze, and other Islamic sects, 10% Christian (various sects), and there is some Jewish representation (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo).[97]

Turkey

Religion in Turkey is represented by 99.8% Muslim (mostly Sunni and approximately 20% are Alevi), and 0.2% other (mostly Christians and Jews).[97] Originally a militarily secularized government, under the relatively new president Erdogan, religious freedom for Muslims has become much more accessible in Turkey. There has been a growing religious resurgence in Turkey and more and more citizens find significance in their religious identities. The previous laws disallowing the Hijab, religious headscarf, in schools and public places has been a huge source of contention. Now, it is a matter of civil rights in courts. The case of Sahin 2004 was one that exemplified the tension between religious secularism, civil rights and the government's power in Turkey.[104] The case revolved around a student at university being allowed to wear the Hijab in class.[104] Religious education is also a topic of debate in Turkey. Before 1980, private religious education was banned and then it was changed to be required. As it is currently being reevaluated, the question is whether religious education should be banned again, optional or if it should be obligatory and plural.

Yemen

Religion in Yemen is represented by a majority of Islam (including Sunni and Shiite), small numbers of Jewish, Baháʼí, Christian, and Hindu.[97]

See also

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