by Zohra Rangwala
For centuries there has been a divide between the 2 main sectors of Islam, the Sunni and the Shia. Today, approximately 85% of around 1.8 billion Muslims are Sunni, whilst 15% are Shia. This conflict started years into the religion over differing beliefs and has continued with optimal strength into the 21st Century.
As a result, there has been a long-running civil war in Syria, alongside fighting in Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and other majority Muslim countries, and it has only gotten worse within the country of Afghanistan.
Mid-April there was an attack against the Hazara Shia Muslims in Kabul, which resulted in the death of 6 people and 11 injured including young boys due to a bomb blast within the school. This was particularly devastating considering the attacks took place within the midst of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims reflect and aim to get closer to Allah.
However, it was suggested that “Despite the long-running nature of the Sunni-Shia divide, the fact that the two sects coexisted in relative peace for many centuries suggests their struggles may have less to do with religion than with wealth and power.”
As we move forward, the conflicts get longer and harder and seem to be a detrimental and life-threatening struggle for civilians in the country.
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