From Babri Masjid to France Hijab ban: Conflicts rooted in religion worldwide

shia sunni conflict

Most Muslim nations have conflicts between two sects of Muslim religion, Shia and Sunni. In countries like Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, where one of the two sects is discriminated against and oppressed, The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran is exploiting these sectarian tensions, which could reshape the future of the Middle East. 

muslim hindu conflict india kashmir

The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir between its Hindu and Muslim populations can be traced back to 1947, when partition took place during independence. Kashmir has been a site of religious contestation between Hindus and Muslims since then, which has consequently led to riots, clampdowns on movement, internet and more.

Pope blessings for Same-sex couples

The LGBT community has always hoped to be recognized and blessed by the highest authority in Christianity. In 2023, the Pope said that same-sex couples are blessed; however, in 2024, in Rome, at a closed-door meeting with 800 Roman clergy on January 13, 2024, Francis stated that LGBT associations could not be blessed. Both announcements have been received with mixed reactions.

Ayodhya-BAbri masjid issue

The Ram Mandir is situated on disputed property in what is now Ayodhya. The location was the scene of a religiously charged confrontation that began in 1990 when activists from the Vishva Hindu Parishad and other groups went on to destroy the Babri Masjid, causing riots. The disagreement has perpetuated the cycle of generational trauma caused by religion and stoked hostility based on religion.

hijab restriction in iran

Wearing hijab has always been a feminist issue, related to freedom of choice and freedom of expression, including religious beliefs. However, in Iran, due to military power and the autocratic military oppressing women and restricting their movements, the imposition of hijab as a religious symbol and necessity is a conflict that is gendered and rooted in religion.

Khwaja sara, hijra rights in Pakistan

Khawaja Saras is a community of non-binary queer people in Pakistan. They are constantly dehumanized. There are laws recognizing them in Pakistan, but putting those laws into reality is not something that takes place. The community has been shunned, oppressed and discriminated against, considering the very rigid and oppressive social and religious fabric of Pakistan.

China's minority Uyghurs Muslims

China is frequently held accountable for the Xinjang genocide against the Uyghurs. According to human rights organizations, China has imprisoned hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs for life and held over a million of them against their will in a vast network of re-education camps during the past few years. Discrimination against religious minorities based on their faith.

france hijab ban

The highly controversial ban on hijab in France is a violation of both freedom of religion and expression. In 2004, the French parliament voted to ban headscarves in schools, outlawing “symbols or clothing that conspicuously demonstrate a pupils religious affiliation. Which was a highly debated religious, expression, and feminist issue.