Are Afghanistan Sunni Or Shia: Unraveling The Religious Landscape

Pakistan’s religious landscape is predominantly Sunni, with approximately 76% of its population adhering to Sunni Islam. In contrast, the Shia Muslim community makes up an estimated 10-15% of the country’s population. Within both Sunni and Shia Islam, Pakistan hosts a diverse array of religious schools and traditions that are followed by its people. Additionally, Sufism, a mystical and spiritual aspect of Islam, enjoys popularity among both Sunni and Shia Muslims in Pakistan, contributing to the rich tapestry of religious practices in the nation.

Syria’s religious landscape primarily consists of two major Muslim denominations: Sunni and Shia Islam. Sunni Muslims constitute the majority, encompassing approximately 74% of the population. Among them, Arabic-speaking Sunnis are the predominant group, followed by significant Kurdish, Turkmen/Turkoman, Circassian, and Palestinian Sunni communities. This religious diversity underscores the rich tapestry of Islamic traditions within Syria.

Malaysia predominantly follows the Sunni branch of Islam, with the Shafi’i school of thought being the most widely practiced. However, it’s essential to note that the Malaysian government imposes strict restrictions on the practice of other Islamic denominations, including Shia Islam. This means that Shia Muslims face significant limitations on their religious practices and gatherings within the country. Therefore, Malaysia can be characterized as predominantly Sunni in its Islamic orientation, with limited space for the practice of Shia Islam due to government regulations.