Pew Research Center Polls Reveal Interesting Insights About Islam

Pew Research Center polls conducted in 2011-2012 find high levels of concern about sectarian tensions in several countries where Sunnis and Shias live side by side. These concerns are particularly pronounced in Lebanon, where fully two-thirds of all Muslims, including about half of Shias and 80% of Sunnis, say sectarian tensions are a very big or moderately big problem. Roughly half of all Muslims in Iraq, more than four-in-ten in Afghanistan and nearly a quarter in Iran say the same. Some key findings are summarized below:

(1) In four of the five countries surveyed, sizable percentages of both Shias and Sunnis are concerned about sectarian conflict. 

(2) Substantial percentages of Muslims in four of the five countries surveyed say they are very or somewhat concerned about religious extremism. 

(3) In four of the five countries where substantial numbers of Shias and Sunnis were surveyed, most Muslims say they are very free to practice their faith. But only about half (48%) of all Muslims in Iraq – including 58% of Iraqi Shias and 42% of Iraqi Sunnis – describe themselves as very free to practice their religion.

(4) When it comes to religious beliefs and practices, the surveys reveal that Shias and Sunnis are united by key tenets or articles of the Islamic faith.

(5) Despite sharing many core beliefs and practices, Shias and Sunnis differ on the acceptability of certain practices.

This is a very interesting poll that provides key insights into Islam. It is definitely worth reading. It is found at -- http://www.pewforum.org/2013/11/07/many-sunnis-and-shias-worry-about-religious-conflict/