WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Middle East is perceived as predominantly “Islamic” due to the Muslim majority of the region’s population, but large numbers of non-Muslims reside there, and pre-Islamic influences remain significant.

Detailed explanation-2: -The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God” is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book of divine revelations.

Detailed explanation-3: -Dr Anna Sapir Abulafia looks at three of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and explores the role and narrative surrounding the figure of Abraham in their sacred texts and traditions.

Detailed explanation-4: -Zoroastrianism (1500-1200BC) is considered the first Middle Eastern religion expressing all of these previous concepts, although some of its adherents believe in the duality of God. According to these adherents there is a good God (Ahura Mazda) and an evil one (Angra Mainyu).

Detailed explanation-5: -A disagreement over succession after Mohammed’s death in 632 split Muslims into Islam’s two main sects, Sunni and Shia.