Religion in the Middle East - Research Paper Example

Religion in the Middle East Middle East similar to numerous global regions based on religion is diverse (Pankhurst, 2010). This is contrary to numerous people’s perceptions that deem the sole and notable creed characterizes the region is Islam. Hence, peace is inevitable owing to the extremist conduct of their followers, which varies with other numerous states globally, for illustration the America. The region comprises of three dominant religions besides other minor creeds, though the latter have small people‘s representation.

The dominant religions in this region encompass Christianity, Judaism and Islam besides their individual minor subdivisions that cause wrangles amid them (Pankhurst, 2010). Mainly, these wrangles besides emanating from their diverse convictions, strong urge for power aggravates them, especially in the Islam whose actions in the region are evident. This entails attacking other people while claiming to exercise their religious duty, which dictates that they should protect their creed (Jihad wars), hence prompting the attacked to avenge with a similar force (Gunderson, 2004).

Consequently, religion diversity coupled with a strong desire for power assumes the center stage in this region leading to conflicts. Middle East acts as the center and source of the dominant religions currently evident in the world. Since, the three religions regardless of having numerous divisions among them usually trace their origin from Israel and recognize Jerusalem as the holy city (Gunderson, 2004). This is evident from the holy books, which these religions normally esteem and utilize as a guide, for illustration, Torah.

Besides, owing to the numerous and common aspects, which these creeds share, certain studies refer them as Abrahamic religions (Gunderson, 2004). Since, they normally esteem Abraham as their ancestor besides referring him an example of how a person ought to exercise his faith (Gunderson, 2004). Despite these dominant religions having numerous aspects in common, their diversities have yielded to grievous sufferings to the natives (Gunderson, 2004). Mainly, these emanate from the religion’s intolerance of the other and insatiable desire meant to attain power in the region (Gunderson, 2004).

Consequently, this has yielded to diverse religion-related wars that have extended to other global states and resulting to irremediable damages. For illustration, the Muslims’ jihad wars, where the Islam’s principles dictate its congregations ought to take measures meant to guard their faith. Consequently, this has yielded to the emergence of religious extremists conflicts evident in Israel-Palestinian unending war (Gunderson, 2004). Others encompass the terrorists who have resulted to using Jihad wars as masks meant to pursue their interests and avenge themselves.

For illustration, the Al-Shabaab, which the AMISOM is currently trying to eliminate from the Somali and stabilize the state against Al-Qaida attacks (Weitz, 2011). Religion related conflicts also emanate from inside differences in the respective mainstreams while struggling for power whereby to the present they are still evident, hence causing tensions among the faithful (Pankhurst, 2010). This is evident with Islam mainstream where sunis and shias for long have fought over leadership issue. Consequently, this has extended to other religions creating unending hatred and an unaltered negative perception; that Muslims are terrorists.

Besides, resources in this region have also aggravated the religion related conflicts, for illustration, the Islam’s minor sects (sunis and shias). This is apparent in Saudi Arabia where the state’s regime utilizes wahhabism ideology, a strategy meant to segregate other mainstreams from holding the top offices (Commins, 2006). Religion in Middle East holds an irrefutable significance among its natives, which is contrary to both the western and American states. Since, the working week normally starts on Sunday and ends on Wednesday or Thursday in the morning (Sue, 2011).

The remaining days are specifically for worshiping and other religious activities, where doing things in contrary to the Islam (main creed in the region), earns an individual severe punishment. Hence, the region lags behind economically besides being unevenly stable wealthily except a few states, for illustration, Israel and United Arab Emirates (Sue, 2011). Therefore, there is no comparison amid the religion and business in these regions. This is because of their religions’ extremism especially the Islam, whereby it is hard for its congregations to work on the prohibited days.

However, Christianity owing to its lenience has not been able to improve the economy singlehandedly. Since, the top regime’s officials profess Islam where it hard to fail in adhering to the creed’s statutes. Besides, this has posed a challenge to other global investors in investing in this region owing to the fear of incurring expenses. This is because of their strong beliefs where to present some states have refuted the connection of social sites like Facebook (Sue, 2011). They claim their norms are divergent to region’s culture and religion’s statutes.

Additionally, market entrance in the Middle East is an art through negations with diverse authorities where only the natives manage to thrive (Sue, 2011). Work Cited Weitz, R. (2011). War and governance: International security in a changing world order. Santa Barbara, Calif: Praeger. Pankhurst, R. (2010). Muslim contestations over religion and the state in the Middle East. Political Theology, 11(6), 826-845. doi:10.1558/poth.v11i6.826 Gunderson, C. G. (2004). Religions of the Middle East. Edina, Minn: ABDO & Daughters.

Commins, D. D. (2006). The Wahhabi mission and Saudi Arabia. London [u.a.: Tauris. Sue, Fox. (2011). Business Etiquette For Dummies. New Hersey: John Wiley & Sons.