This is a complex and sensitive question that has no simple answer. There are many factors that contribute to the conflicts in Muslim countries, such as historical, political, economic, social, and religious issues. Some of the possible causes are:

The Sunni-Shia divide

This is the oldest and most enduring source of tension within Islam, dating back to the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE and the dispute over his succession. The majority of Muslims are Sunnis, who believe that the first four caliphs were the rightful successors of Muhammad. The minority are Shias, who believe that only Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, and his descendants were the legitimate leaders of the Muslim community.

Sunni-Shia divisions would fuel a long-running civil war in Syria, fighting in Lebanon, Iran,Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere, and terrorist violence on both sides.

The Saudi-Iran rivalry

This is the modern manifestation of the Sunni-Shia divide, as Saudi Arabia and Iran are the leading powers of the two sects respectively. They compete for influence and dominance in the oil-rich Middle East and surrounding regions, often by supporting opposing sides in various conflicts, such as in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. They also have ideological differences, as Saudi Arabia follows a conservative and puritanical version of Islam known as Wahhabism, while Iran follows a revolutionary and anti-Western version of Islam known as Khomeinism.

The Arab-Israeli conflict

This is the longest and most intractable conflict in the region, dating back to the creation of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent wars and disputes over land, borders, refugees, and Jerusalem. The conflict has involved many Arab and Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, as well as non-Arab and non-Muslim countries, such as the United States, Russia, France, and Britain. The conflict has also spawned  various militant groups, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and al-Qaeda that have carried out attacks against Israel and its allies.

The legacy of colonialism and imperialism

Many Muslim countries were colonized or influenced by European powers, such as Britain, France, Italy, and Spain, in the 19th and 20th centuries. These powers often drew arbitrary borders, exploited natural resources, imposed foreign cultures and laws, and supported authoritarian regimes that oppressed the local populations. The resentment and resistance against colonialism and imperialism led to many nationalist and independence movements, such as in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Iran, as well as anti-Western and Islamist movements, such as in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sudan.

The lack of democracy and development

Many Muslim countries suffer from political and economic problems, such as corruption, nepotism, dictatorship, poverty, inequality, unemployment, and illiteracy. These problems create social and civil unrest, as well as fuel radicalization and extremism among the frustrated and marginalized segments of society. The lack of democracy and development also makes it difficult for Muslim countries to resolve their internal and external conflicts peacefully and cooperatively.

These are some of the possible causes of conflict in Muslim countries, but they are not exhaustive or definitive. Each conflict has its own specific context and dynamics, and may involve other factors that are not mentioned here. Therefore, it is important to avoid generalizing or stereotyping all Muslim countries or all Muslims as being violent or intolerant. There are also many examples of peaceful and tolerant Muslims and Muslim countries that are working to overcome the challenges and promote harmony and coexistence.

Unlike so many Muslim countries, why Malaysia is so peaceful?

Malaysia is a country that has a diverse and multicultural society, with different ethnic, religious and linguistic groups coexisting peacefully. Malaysia’s foreign policy is based on the principles of neutrality, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation with all countries, regardless of their ideology or political system. Malaysia is also an active member of various regional and international organisations, such as ASEAN, OIC, NAM and the Commonwealth, that promote dialogue, cooperation and solidarity among nations.

Malaysia has also established diplomatic relations with China since 1974, and has maintained friendly ties with other Muslim countries in the Middle East and Africa. These factors have contributed to Malaysia’s peace and stability, as well as its economic and social development.