Political Ambitions Masked as Religious Dispute
The ongoing armed conflicts in several Muslim-majority nations are driven by politics, money, and human greed rather than theological disagreements, according to an opinion piece published by Free Malaysia Today.
Moaz Nair, the writer of the article, stated that the "Muslim divide" is fundamentally about power dynamics rather than piety. The text asserts that leaders routinely wrap political ambitions in religious rhetoric to manipulate populations, justify violence, and safeguard their own power.
Nair noted that while casual observers might assume Islam itself is the root cause of discord in these regions, the reality on the ground is fractured by different forces. The article argues that unity will only shift from a theological ideal to a political reality when leaders begin prioritizing stable governance, economic fairness, and basic human dignity over their political survival.
Historical Roots of Sectarian Conflict
The Sunni-Shia split, which is often cited as a primary source of division within the Muslim world, dates back to a seventh-century political disagreement over who should succeed Prophet Muhammad, according to the article.
Nair reported that communities in these regions lived side-by-side in relative peace for centuries before the divide was weaponized by authoritarian regimes and militant groups. These actors manufactured an "us versus them" mentality to serve their interests.
Geopolitical Rivalries and Resource Competition
The article identifies major geopolitical rivalries as a key driver of modern conflict. It reported that major powers, specifically Saudi Arabia and Iran, are locked in a rivalry that has turned vulnerable nations like Yemen and Syria into proxy battlegrounds.
Additionally, the text stated that many conflict zones are endowed with rich oil and gas reserves, making them attractive targets for foreign powers. The mismanagement of these natural resources leaves many states impoverished while simultaneously drawing predatory external interests.
Governance Failures and Economic Desperation
Internal conflicts in the Muslim world are described as old-fashioned power struggles where factions, regimes, and politicians compete for control, territory, and resources. The article noted that modern borders in the region are fragile and have been artificially cut across deep ethnic and tribal lines.
When central governments collapse, as seen in Iraq or Libya, it creates a power vacuum that local armed groups resort to violence to fill. Warring domestic factions often invite foreign intervention when facing defeat, with superpowers stepping in under the guise of aid driven by their own economic and strategic interests.
Nair stated that high poverty, lack of economic opportunity, systemic corruption, and oppressive governance create a recipe for desperation leading to sub-state conflicts and insurgencies.
The Global Ummah and Regional Violence
Despite the global ummah being bound by belief in one God and the guidance of the Quran, the article highlighted that several Muslim-majority nations are trapped in devastating wars and armed conflicts. These range from full-scale international warfare to intense civil strife and localized insurgencies.
Nair reported that Muslims are often locked in conflict with other Muslims in countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The piece emphasized that these conflicts are rarely about theology but are instead driven by the political and economic factors outlined above.
The views expressed are those of the writer.