Do away with sectarianism

Some time ago, I was sitting in a cafe and heard a commotion at a nearby table.

Apparently, two teenage boys were debating about something that was different between them. That difference was actually about one being a “Shi’ite” and the other being a “Sunni”.
And for the first time I witnessed a clash between two teenagers, like myself, influenced by sectarianism.
They shouted at each other using their religious differences as a reason for not getting on with each other.
I have to confess that I, like everyone else, have been involved in many conflicts at school where most of the arguments where about the correct procedures while praying and how opposite everything appeared to be between the two sides of the Sunnis and Shi’ites.
However, at the end of the day, it all boils down to that we all worship the one and only God, Allah which is the most important thing, in my opinion.
Sectarianism is a tough and troubling issue that many Arab countries are facing.
Sectarianism has created many conflicts, notably the on-going current troubles which exist in Iraq. However, it is present in Bahrain and does exist among the young.
Should we be arguing about this at all? We all worship the same God, don’t we? 
It is pretty funny that a few months ago when I was introduced to some new friends who, instead of asking my name, asked: “Are you a Sunni or a Shi’ite?” My only reply was: “I am a Muslim”.
The solution that should be taken is that schools should take part in educating the younger generations that sectarianism should not be tolerated and that we can all live under one roof without it.
Therefore my messages to all of the young people of Bahrain is let us not fight but unite. No Sunni, No Shi’ite but only Muslim.
If the expats in Bahrain – with all their different religious beliefs – can live together and work together in harmony so can we.

YouthTalk
By Ismaeel Na’ar