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Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in Syria

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Syria is a country conquered and inhabited by different cultures which results to the country having quite a number of religions practiced by its citizens. Even though the culture of Syria is varied, the Syrians value respect and equality among the members of the different religious groups.

Muslims comprise the majority of the country’s population. Almost 90% of the Syrians practice the Islam religion and most are of the Sunni branch (74% of the Muslims). Other Islamic religious groups include the Alanites, Twelvers and the Ismailis. Sunni Islam is the religion for majority of the country except for the regions of Al Suwayda and Al Ladhiqiyah where Druze and Alawis are the religions, respectively. There are also a number of Christians in Syria, especially in Damascus and Aleppo. It can be remembered that Christianity spread in the country when the Romans came and made majority of the country as Christians. The Christians are composed of different groups like the Roman Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox Church (which is the largest), Greek Catholic (Melkite Church), and the Syrian Catholic Church which is the largest Uniate Church in Syria. The Syrians depend on their religion and its powers to help them in times of trouble, provide solution for their problems, and make sure that they find success in all of their endeavors. The phrases bismallah (in the name of Allah) and inshallah (if Allah is willing) are often said by the Syrians which show their dependence on the divine powers of Allah for their own well-being.