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/
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