What If Islam Never Existed?

Imagine a universe where Islam never existed. In this alternate reality, it is highly likely that the Middle East would be Christian since Christianity was the dominant religion in the region for centuries before the rise of Islam, and it is likely that it would have remained so without the Islamic conquest.

However, it is also likely that Christianity in the Middle East would be quite different from Christianity in Europe where Christianity has been shaped by centuries of interaction with other religions and cultures, including Paganism. As a result, it has developed a number of unique doctrines and practices.

Middle Eastern Christianity, on the other hand, would have developed in isolation from other denominations and retained a closer connection to its Jewish roots. Perhaps, it would have developed some unique doctrines and practices of its own.

So, in this alternate universe, the Middle East would be Christian, but it would be a different kind of Christianity, which is mostly shaped by Romans, than the Christianity that we know today. The conflict between different denominations of Christianity would be just as intense, if not more so. Both sides would call each other heretics, and they would be willing to fight to the death to defend their beliefs.

To understand the dynamics of this alternative universe let’s dive into the lives of Al-Amins and the Al-Husseins.

In our alternative universe, the Al-Amins and the Al-Husseins are two Christian families who have lived in the same village in the Middle East for centuries. They are both devout Christians, but they belong to different denominations. The Al-Amins are Syriac Orthodox Christians, while the Al-Husseins are Roman Catholic Christians.

The two denominations have different beliefs about a number of theological issues, including the nature of Christ and the role of the Virgin Mary. They also have different practices, such as the language of worship and the way that the Eucharist is celebrated.

Despite their differences, the Al-Amins and the Al-Husseins have always lived peacefully together. They have intermarried and socialized with each other for generations. However, the conflict between different denominations of Christianity is becoming increasingly intense, and it is starting to strain the relationship between the two families.

One day, a group of Syriac Orthodox Christians attack a Roman Catholic Church, kill several people, and destroy the church’s interior, including the heretical idols of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The Al-Husseins are horrified by the attack, and they demand that the Al-Amins apologize.

The Al-Amins refuse to apologize, and they argue that the attack was justified. They say that the Roman Catholic Church is heretical and that it deserves to be punished.

The conflict between the two families escalates, and they eventually end up fighting in the streets. Several people are killed and injured on both sides.

The Al-Amins and the Al-Husseins are now enemies and can no longer live together in the same village. The Al-Husseins are forced to flee, and they leave their homes and businesses behind.

The conflict between the two families, which is rooted in deep theological and cultural differences, reflects the larger conflict between different denominations of Christianity in the Middle East. In our alternative universe, this conflict has been brewing for centuries, and it is likely to continue for many years to come.

In exploring the hypothetical scenario of a universe without Islam, it’s evident that Christianity would likely have retained its dominance in the Middle East. However, the absence of Islamic influence would have shaped Middle Eastern Christianity differently from its European counterpart. This divergence would have potentially maintained a stronger link to its Jewish origins, fostering unique doctrines and practices.

The narrative of the Al-Amins and the Al-Husseins illustrates the theoretical conflict that might have ensued between different Christian denominations in this alternate reality. Despite coexistence for generations, the deep-rooted theological disparities eventually erupted into violence, leading to the expulsion of one faction.

This clash reflects the larger historical struggle between Christian denominations in the Middle East, emphasizing the intensity of theological and cultural differences. It underscores the potential for intra-Christian conflicts, highlighting the human propensity to fight fervently for divergent beliefs.

Ultimately, the scenario not only shows the possible trajectory of Christianity in a universe without Islam but also serves as a reminder of the human inclination toward division, conflict, and the enduring struggle to reconcile differences, irrespective of specific religious or cultural contexts, as long as there is diversity in either one.

#AlternateHistory #MiddleEastChristianity #TheologicalConflict