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[[Islam]] is the most widely followed religion in the Middle East. About 20% of the world's Muslims live in the Middle East.<ref name=Islam1>{{cite web|title=Islam|url=http://religions.findthedata.org/compare/15-31/Sunni-Islam-vs-Islam-General|publisher=FindTheBest.com|accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref> Islam is monotheistic believing in [[Allah]] and follows the teaching of the written sacred text, the [[Qur'an]].<ref name=Islam1 /> Islam is believed to be an extension of Judaism and Christianity with the belief that Muhammad is the true prophet.
[[Islam]] is the most widely followed religion in the Middle East. About 20% of the world's Muslims live in the Middle East.<ref name=Islam1>{{cite web|title=Islam|url=http://religions.findthedata.org/compare/15-31/Sunni-Islam-vs-Islam-General|publisher=FindTheBest.com|accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref> Islam is monotheistic believing in [[Allah]] and follows the teaching of the written sacred text, the [[Qur'an]].<ref name=Islam1 /> Islam is believed to be an extension of Judaism and Christianity with the belief that Muhammad is the true prophet.
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]]. Sunni is the largest branch of Islam and dominates most countries in the Middle East. Shia have their largest populations in Iraq (60–65%), Iran (90–95%), Lebanon (45–55%), Yemen (30%) and Bahrain (65%) and are generally scattered otherwise.<ref name=Percents>{{cite web|title=World's Religions|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0855613.html|publisher=InfoPlease|accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref> Shias make up the majority of the Muslim population in Iran (around 90–95%), Iraq (around 60-65%) and Bahrain (around 65%).<ref name=Percents /> Minority Shia communities are also found in Yemen (30%) of the Zaydi sect, Turkey are of the Alevi sect (10–15%), Saudi Arabia (10%), and Syria (15%).<ref name=Percents /> Though these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after the Prophet [[Muhammad]]'s death.<ref name=Druze1>{{cite web|title=Religion: Religions|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/|publisher=BBC|accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref> 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.
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]]. Sunni is the largest branch of Islam and dominates most countries in the Middle East. Shia have their largest populations in Iraq (60–65%), Iran (90–95%), Lebanon (45–55%), Yemen (30%) and Bahrain (65%) and are generally scattered otherwise.<ref name=Percents>{{cite web|title=World's Religions|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0855613.html|publisher=InfoPlease|accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref> Shias make up the majority of the Muslim population in Iran (around 90–95%), Iraq (around 60-65%) and Bahrain (around 65%).<ref name=Percents /> Minority Shia communities are also found in Yemen (30%) of the Zaydi sect, Turkey are of the Alevi sect (10–15%), Saudi Arabia (10%), and Syria (15%).<ref name=Percents /> Though these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after the Prophet [[Muhammad]]'s death.<ref name=Druze1>{{cite web|title=Religion: Religions|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/|publisher=BBC|accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref> 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.
They annually fart in each others mouths.


===Judaism===
===Judaism===

Revision as of 21:10, 3 October 2012

The Middle East is very religiously diverse. The three major religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are interconnected and each originated within the Middle East.[1] Islam in its many forms is by far the most heavily represented religion in the region though many branches and sects diversify and segment it. In addition to the widely acknowledged religions, smaller, minority religions such as Bahá'í, Druze, Yazidi, Mandean, Gnosticism, Yarsanism, Shabakism, Zoroastrianism are also prevalent throughout the Middle East.

Middle Eastern Religions

Islam

Islam is the most widely followed religion in the Middle East. About 20% of the world's Muslims live in the Middle East.[2] Islam is monotheistic believing in Allah and follows the teaching of the written sacred text, the Qur'an.[2] Islam is believed to be an extension of Judaism and Christianity with the belief that Muhammad is the true prophet. 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. Sunni is the largest branch of Islam and dominates most countries in the Middle East. Shia have their largest populations in Iraq (60–65%), Iran (90–95%), Lebanon (45–55%), Yemen (30%) and Bahrain (65%) and are generally scattered otherwise.[3] Shias make up the majority of the Muslim population in Iran (around 90–95%), Iraq (around 60-65%) and Bahrain (around 65%).[3] Minority Shia communities are also found in Yemen (30%) of the Zaydi sect, Turkey are of the Alevi sect (10–15%), Saudi Arabia (10%), and Syria (15%).[3] Though these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad's death.[4] 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. They annually fart in each others mouths.

Judaism

Judaism is concentrated in Israel. There are few other countries in the Middle East with a significant Jewish population, but there are small, scattered populations. Even Israel’s population is only 77% Jewish (17). The main text of Judaism is the Torah, the Hebrew bible. It is a monotheistic religion with a belief in the God of Creation, Yahweh (15). Judaism was also founded in the Middle East. One of Judaism’s foundational ideals is that God ensured the Jews a Promise Land, modern Israel, if they followed the guidelines delineated in the covenant. One of stance in the Israeli-Palestine conflict is the Jewish belief of ownership of the Israeli land. Judaism still awaits a messiah to come that will bring the age of peace.

Christianity

Similar to Judaism, Christianity in the Middle East has a scattered presence. Lebanon, with 39% Christian population, and the United Arab Emirates, with 10%, and Jordan, 6%, have the largest Christian populations in the Middle East (17). Christianity also lays claim to Israel as a Holy Land for its religion and has its origin in the Middle East. Christianity is a monotheism that believes Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God, was the messiah. The Hebrew bible is referred to as the Old Testament and is interpreted as prophecy for the coming of Jesus.

Bahá'í Faith

Within the Middle East, Bahá'í has noteworthy representation in Iran, United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Turkey. Founded in Iran in 1863,[5] the Bahá'í Faith is one of the youngest world major religions.[5] Baha’u’llah, a young Iranian, was the founder who called himself The Bab. He claimed that another of God’s messenger descendent from Muhammad, Moses, and Jesus Christ would be coming soon. The Bahá'í Faith is founded on the principle that each of the world’s religions has truth. In the line of prophets of the past and to come, God’s message will continue to be revealed; this is the Bahá'í Faith’s idea of progressive revelation.[5] Another aspect of the ideal of common truth, is unity in Bahá'í faith. The Bahá'í Faith holds that all people must feel united with one another with a goal of improving all of humanity.[5] According to most encyclopedias, in the early 21st century there are estimated between 5 and 6 million Bahá'í across the globe. Second to only Christianity, the Bahai Faith is considered one of the most geographically diverse religions spreading across the globe to every country except North Korea and Vatican City.[6]

Druze

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.[7] It is a strict monotheism, they call themselves muwahhidun, meaning monotheists.[7] The Druze prohibit all conversation to the religion.[4] Much of their practices and beliefs are kept secret from outsiders because of its esoteric nature and even within the faith only an elite group called the uqqal (“knowers”) are fully aware of Druze practices.[7]

Yazīdī

Yazidi, Yezīdī, Azīdī, Zedī, or Izdī is found in Iraq, Syria, and Iran.[8] It is a fusian of Zoroastrian, Manichaean, Jewish, Nestorian Christian and Islamic elements.[8] They do not see themselves as descendent from Adam and maintain complete segregation from the rest of the population (5). They number fewer than 100,000 and worship a main divinity called Yazīdī is Malak Ṭāʾūs (“Peacock Angel”).[8]

Mandeanism

There are between 60,000 and 70,000 Mandaeans worldwide[9] and within the Middle East they are found in Iraq and Iran.[10] They reject Jesus of Nazareth and view Christianity negatively, but are worshipers of Adam, Abel, Seth, Enosh, Noah, Shem, Aram and especially John the Baptist. It is a form of Gnosticism without a true religious doctrine and, instead, a focus on common heritage.

Gnosticism

In the Middle East, Gnosticism is practiced in Egypt, Syria and Iraq.[10]

Shabakism

There are about 60,000 Shabak people living today all in northern Iraq.[11] They are an ethnic group with a religion similar to orthodox Islam and Christianity. The Shabak have much in common with the Yazidis.

Zoroastrianism

In the Middle East, Zoroastrianism is found in central Iran.[12] Today, there are estimated to be under 20,000 Zoroastrians in Iran.[13] It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions as it was founded 3500 years ago.[12] It was also one of the most powerful religions in the world for about 1000 years.[12] Now, however, it is considered one of the smallest religions with only 190,000 followers worldwide.[12] There are two deities: Azhura Mazda, who fights for a person’s goodness, and Ahriman, who fights for a person’s evil.[14] It is ultimately up to the individual to decide which deity they will follow. Zoroastreans follow the Avesta which is their primary sacred text.[14]

Other religions

Main articles: Hinduism in Arab states and Buddhism in the Middle East

There are many Hindus in Arab states, many due to the migration of Indians to the oil-rich states around the Persian Gulf. Hindu temples have been built in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen and Oman.

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. Many of these Buddhists are workers who have migrated from other parts of Asia to the Middle East in the last 20 years, many from countries 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.

Sikhism is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with over 30 million Sikhs[15]

Countries

Egypt

Religion in Egypt consists of Islam (mostly Sunni Muslim) 90%, Coptic Christians 9% and Other Christians 1%.[3] As Egypt as modernized with new forms of media and Egyptian press was liberalized in the 2000s, Coptic Christianity has become a main topic of religious controversy.[16] There is much tension between the Muslims and Copts of Egypt as Copts argue for more representation in government and less legal and administrative discrimination; they also feel underprotected from religious hate-crimes . With this greater freedom of press, the Coptic issue has just begun to break into public awareness, but also due to rises in extremism in both communities, media may also be exacerbating the sectarian tension by only publicizing examples of prejudice.[16] 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 own branches. Many are violent and most Arab governments actively try to abolish the group by arresting and killing members. Currently, as the new government of Egypt is establishing itself, many are concerned that a member of the Muslim Brotherhood will step in and assume leadership. For the current candidates for presidency, more than one is likely to be affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Iran

Religion in Iran is made up of 98% Islam (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%) and 2% Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i.[3] Before the 2009 elections and demonstrations, the Basij and religious police were in a power position with the rights to arrest and punish people for acting immorally (i.e. wearing makeup or drinking alcohol). There was much religious oppression and executions of members of the Bah’ai 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 a grand position of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Velayat-e Faqih).[17] This is a mix of republicanism and religion 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.[17]

Turkey

Religion in Turkey is represented by 99.8% Muslim (mostly Sunni) , and 0.2% other (mostly Christians and Jews).[3] Originally a militarily secularized government, under the relatively new president Erdogan, religious freedom 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 really exemplified the tension between religious secularism, civil rights and the government’s power in Turkey.[18] The case revolved around a student at university being allowed to wear the Hijab in class.[18] 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 reevaluted, the question is whether religious education should be banned again, optional or if it should be obligatory and plural.

Iraq

Religion in Iraq is represented by 97% Islam (Shiite 60%–65%, Sunni 32%–37%), and 3% Christian or other.[3] Because of this large majority of Shia over Sunni Muslim, there is much tension between the two groups. While Saddaam Hussein was in power with his Ba’athism regime, there was much repression of Sunnis. Though Ba’athism officially claims to keep plural representation in government, this was not upheld under Hussein. Shia has been generally unified and strong.[19] They have held many power roles. On the other hand, Sunni has been somewhat fragmented.[19] After the Ba’ath decline in the insurgency, one of the Shia religious groups, the Salafis, had the political power and this caused even more tension.[19]

Saudi Arabia

Religion in Saudi Arabia is allegedly 100% Muslim.[3] It is illegal to practice any other religion than Islam in Saudi Arabia. There is still tension, however, between the Sunnis and the Shiias. Shiite Islamist revolution has never been a huge threat to the Saudi Arabian governemtn, though, because it is such a small population.[20] 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.[20]

Yemen

Religion in Yemen is represented by a majority Islam (including Sunni and Shiite), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu.[3]

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).[3]

Israel

Religion in Israel is represented by the following religious make-up: Judaism 77%, Islam 16%, Christian 2%, Druze 2% (2003).[3] Israel represents the religious Holy Land for Jews, Christians and Muslims. 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 main three religions are 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 actually represent Jerusalem different. Palestinian maps draw Jerusalem as divided and Israeli maps show it as apart of Israeli territory.[21]

Jordan

Religion in Jordan is represented by 92% Muslim (Sunni), 6% Christian (mostly Greek Orthodox), and 2% other.[3]

Lebanon

Religion in Lebanon is represented by 60% Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite/Nusayri), 39% Christian (Maronite, Melkite, Syrian, Armenian, and Roman Catholic; Greek, Armenian, and Syrian Orthodox; Chaldean; Assyrian; Copt; Protestant), and 1% other.[3] It has a confessional political system in which, regardless of party, the President is Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of the Parliament a Shi’ite, and the Deputy Prime Minister Greek Orthodox. This is the source of much conflict and while changes have been made to attempt to make parliamentary representation more even, many are still urging for reform and change.[22] Some, even, would like the confessionalist government to be abolished.[22]

References

  1. ^ "Middle East (region, Asia)". Britannica. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Islam". FindTheBest.com. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "World's Religions". InfoPlease. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Religion: Religions". BBC. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d "Bahai Faith". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  6. ^ The Economist. 309 (2009): 41. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ^ a b c "Druze". Encyclopedia Bitannica. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  8. ^ a b c "Yazidi". Encyclopedia Brittanica. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  9. ^ Thaler, Kai (9 March 2007). "Iraqi minority group needs U.S. attention". Yale Daily News. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  10. ^ a b Deutsch, Nathanial (6 October 2007). "Save the Gnostics". New York Times. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  11. ^ "Shabak". Encyclopedia of the Orient. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d "Zoroastrianism". BBC. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  13. ^ Foltz, Richard (2011). "Zoroastrians in Iran: What Future in the Homeland?". Middle East Journal: 73–84.
  14. ^ a b "Zoroastrianism". FindTheBest.com. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  15. ^ http://www.adherents.com/misc/rel_by_adh_CSM.html
  16. ^ a b Elsasser, Sebastian (12). "Press Liberalization, the New Media, and the 'Coptic Question': Muslim-Coptic Relations in Egypt in a Changing Media Landscape". Middle Eastern Studies. 46 (1): 131–150. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  17. ^ a b Rad, Anahita Motazed (2). "The Relation Between Religion and Government in Iran After the Islamic Revolution (1979)": 261. Retrieved 2 May 2012. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  18. ^ a b Durham, Cole (2012). Islam, Europe and Emerging Legal Issues. Ashgate.
  19. ^ a b c Paya, Ali (2011). Iraq, Democracy and the Future of the Muslim World. London. ISBN 0203848802.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  20. ^ a b Hegghammer, Thomas (15). "Jihad, Yes, But Not Revolution: Explaining the Extraversion of Islamist Violence in Saudi Arabia". British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. 36 (3): 395–416. doi:10.1080/13530190903338938. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ Collins-Kreiner, Y (11). "The Reflection of a Political Conflict in Mapping: The Case of Israel's borders and Fronteirs". Middle Eastern Studies. 42 (3): 381–408. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  22. ^ a b Makhzoumi, Fouad (25). "Lebanon's Crisis in Sovereignty". Survival: Global Politics and Strategy. 52 (2): 5–12. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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