Question

the majority religion of the region is i which is practiced by almost 90% of the people living there. it is subdivided into two major branches: sunnis (85%) and shias (15%). the division of the muslim faith occurred because of a dispute over who should have succeeded (taken power after) the religion’s founder, m, after his death in 632 ad. the two branches remain at odds to this day. distrust and outright violence between sunnis and shias is not uncommon. the kingdom of saudi arabia exerts the greatest influence of sunni islam since two of the religions most sacred cities – mecca and medina – are both located there; shia islam, meanwhile, is heavily influenced by the religious leaders of iran.

Explanation:

Islam is the majority - religion in many regions, with a split between Sunnis and Shias due to a succession dispute after the death of the religion's founder Muhammad. Saudi Arabia is influential in Sunni Islam and Iran in Shia Islam.

Answer:

I: Islam; M: Muhammad