The article clarifies the origins of Islam and the conflict between Shiites and Sunnis

The origins and divisions of Islam

The emergence of Islam can be traced back to the 6th century AD in the Arabian Peninsula, when the original beliefs were mainly primitive religions and Christianity. Against this background, Muhammad, an Arab merchant, declared that he had received a revelation from the angels and began to spread a new religion, Islam.

Muhammad claimed to be the last chosen prophet of God, and the teachings he preached were compiled into the Qur'an. Islam spread rapidly in the early days, establishing the Muhammadic regime centered in Medina. However, after the death of Muhammad, there was a split within Islam.

The controversy focused on the question of Muhammad's successor. Sunnis believe that a new leader should be elected, while Shiites believe that only Muhammad's descendants are eligible to inherit the leadership. The controversy eventually led to a split within Islam, with the formation of two major sects, Sunni and Shia.

The contradictions between Sunnis and Shiites have intensified in the course of history. In 657 AD, a fierce civil war broke out in Syria, which eventually led to the division of the Arab Empire. After that, the Sunnis established the Umayyad dynasty, and the Shiites formed their own political power.

To this day, contradictions between Sunnis and Shiites remain. There are fundamental differences between the two sides in terms of doctrine, law, politics, etc., and there are conflicts between the two factions from time to time. This has led not only to divisions within Islam but also to conflicts with other religions, such as Christianity and Judaism.

In general, the emergence of Islam and its internal divisions are closely related to the question of Muhammad's successors. The contradiction between Sunnis and Shiites has become an important source of long-standing contradictions within Islam and throughout the Middle East. This division has exacerbated the conflict between Islam and Christianity and Judaism, plunging the entire Middle East region into protracted turmoil.

The contradictions within Islam have not only caused a long-term confrontation between Sunnis and Shiites, but also affected the relations between Islam and other religions. In the case of Judaism and Christianity, the contradictions between them and Islam can be traced back to very early times.

Islam claims to be God's final revelation from the very beginning, and believes that all previous religions have gone astray. This naturally provoked discontent in Judaism and Christianity. Coupled with the dispute between the two sides over the holy city of Jerusalem, the contradictions intensified.

In 1095, the Pope launched a crusade that shocked the world in an attempt to reclaim the Holy Land occupied by "infidels". This marked a new phase in the conflict between Islam and Christianity. The 200-year contest ended in defeat for the Crusaders, but the hatred between the two sides was not eliminated.

In the 20th century, with the Jewish Zionist movement in Palestine, the contradictions between Judaism, Islam, and Christianity intensified. The establishment of Israel triggered a long-term Arab-Israeli conflict, and one war after another broke out between the Palestinians and Israelis.

It can be said that the division of Islam caused not only internal turmoil, but also long-term confrontation with other religions. Such religious disputes have not only affected peace and development in the Middle East, but have also become an important source of global contradictions.

We should adopt an inclusive and understanding attitude towards different religious beliefs, strive to eliminate prejudices and misunderstandings among each other, and promote peaceful coexistence among various faiths. Only by doing so can religious conflicts in the Middle East and around the globe be resolved and humanity move towards a better future of harmonious coexistence.