Understanding Islam
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Politics and Activism

Understanding Islam

Understanding Islamic culture and the reasons for the issues in the Middle East

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Understanding Islam
Islamic History Site

In the United States, there seems to be mass confusion and misunderstanding of Islam and its adherents. For example, many people do not understand that Islam is just as fractured as Christianity or Judaism. There are varying factions, all of whom disagree on certain topics within themselves. Obviously there are the two major groups, Shiite Muslims and the Sunni Muslims. However, even within these two broad spectrums of Islam, you have infighting over theological differences between groups. This, in some sense, can be seen as a continuation of the Arab tribal mindset from which Islam arose. Although Islam preaches oneness with the Umma or Islamic community, it like all religions and is open to differing interpretations.

In some cases, such as with the Alawite tribal group from the mountainous region of Syria, a certain sect is viewed unfavorably. It is from this tribe that the Al Assad family arose and took power in the region many years ago. Ironically, this group is viewed with disdain by many Muslims as being untrue to the faith. This is due to their secretive nature and the closed nature of their beliefs to those whom are not initiated in their faith. Historically, this group was persecuted by Sunni Muslims whom viewed the group as a blemish on Islamic society. Becoming too secular is another topic on which many Muslims disagree and has been contentious through Middle Eastern history. However, throughout history while these Arab nations tried to industrialize and they failed miserably leaving them in a worse position. Last is the case of Wahhabism or a branch of Sunni origin. This sect developed as a strict conservative literal interpretation of the word of God. Originating in the desert of Saudi Arabia, it is this group that has done the most damage to Islam’s perception around the world. It was from a mutually beneficial pact between a local Imam, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, and a local leader, Muhammad bin Saud. This partnership allowed Saud to gain the blessing of al-Wahhab and receive power of al-Wahhab’s followers. These ultra-conservative followers allowed the Saud’s to take and maintain power in Saudi Arabia. Of course, this allowed the rulers to defer power, prestige and money to al-Wahhab. It is from this sect of Islam that most terrorist and anti-American rhetoric developed. When faced with the dissatisfaction of these followers, the rulers shipped them off (with U.S. assistance, weapons and blessings no less) to fight as Mujahedeen in Afghanistan against the Red Army of the U.S.S.R.

This would backfire on the United States. This group saw the downfall of the Soviet’s and began to truly believe in their own power. It was from this point that the United States lost control of their proxy army and it plagues us to this day. Osama bin Laden would eventually use the Mujahedeen for his own evil purposes. It can be said he was simply the financier of their illicit terrorist activities through Al Qaeda. These are the factors that are most important that most Americans are simply ignorant about. In certain areas of the Quran, it says to use violence and jihad against infidels whom do not hold Islamic beliefs. In the Bible and in the Talmud it essentially says the same thing. However, these books are from a time that warfare was necessary for survival and does not necessarily hold a place in all of its follower’s hearts. While many would argue that Christians and Jews do not use terrorism to further their interest, we have other means at our disposal. The Middle East is poor and technologically inept. The West has the power, the industrialization and the militarization to where terrorism is not needed to make our objections and beliefs known to the world. Terrorism is the weapon of the weak and the desperate. Many Muslims would agree and many have condemned the actions of these rogue groups. Unfortunately, in our culture we cannot and will never understand the intricate tie between their governments and their religion. This is why education on the Middle East and understanding of the situations is crucial going forward.

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