Islam
Many of our encounters with Islam are unfortunately negative, seen through the eyes of media reports on "Islamic terrorism" or Islamic fundamentalism. Many of my previous assumptions were based on stereotypes ranging from the burka to jihad. This academic introduction to Islam has shattered most of the negative beliefs I have held about the religion. The religion itself is complex and heterogeneous. There are many ways of practicing and approaching Islam, and many factions within the religion. To assume that Islam is monolithic is one of the greatest mistakes I had made before studying the religion. The new knowledge I have gained has changed my perception of Muslims mainly by showing that not all Muslims are the same. Many are deeply religious but care nothing at all for the fundamentalism and would like to see more liberal approaches to their faith. My perception of the conflict in the Middle East has also changed, especially since learning about the history and evolution of the Islamic establishment since the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
2. The resolution to the conflict between Shi'as and Sunnis is unlikely to happen anytime soon, given that the conflict extends far back into the history of the Muslim religion. Their differing beliefs about the caliphate cut to the heart of Islam including Islamic law. Because many Muslims believe that the state should be connected with Islam in some way, the conflict between Shi'as and Sunnis has always been a political problem. The only way to resolve the conflict between the two factions is to encourage peaceful coexistence and ongoing dialogue. If more Muslim states become secular, the conflicts between Shi'as and Sunnis would migrate to the mosques instead of being a political and social issue that causes bloodshed. The initiators of the resolution would likely be young and liberal Muslims, those who are well educated and believe wholeheartedly in peace and the recognition of diversity within Islam.
