Armed revolutions and conflicts in several Muslim-majority countries are driven by a complex mix of historical, political, economic, and social factors, rather than religion alone.

The primary causes are rooted in the legacy of colonialism, poor governance, economic hardship, and regional power struggles. 

Key contributing factors include:

• Legacy of Colonialism: The arbitrary borders drawn by European colonial powers often ignored ethnic, religious, and tribal divisions, leading to states with little internal cohesion and inherent instability.
• Authoritarianism and Governance Failures: Many of these nations have long been ruled by authoritarian regimes that suppressed dissent and lacked legitimacy, leading to widespread social discontent and a desire for political change. The “Arab Spring” uprisings were a direct expression of this dissatisfaction, though they led to civil strife in several countries (e.g., Syria, Libya, Yemen).
• Economic Challenges and Resource Mismanagement: Despite vast natural resources like oil in some areas, many citizens face high unemployment, corruption, and inequality. Economic grievances are a significant source of frustration, especially among the large youth population (youth bulge) Gen Z, which can act as a catalyst for unrest and recruitment by armed groups.
• Sectarian and Ethnic Divisions: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to diverse groups (Arabs, Kurds, Persians, Sunnis, Shiites, etc.). Long-standing rivalries, particularly the “cold war” between Saudi Arabia (Sunni-led) and Iran (Shiite-led), often play out as destructive proxy wars in smaller countries like Yemen and Syria, deepening divisions and fueling violence.
• Foreign Interventions: Interventions by major international powers (such as the US and Russia) have often exacerbated conflicts and created power vacuums, which are then exploited by local militias and extremist groups (e.g., the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq).
• Rise of Non-State Actors: The collapse of central authority in some states has allowed well-armed, non-state groups and militias (like the Islamic State or Hezbollah) to take control of territories, further destabilizing the region. 

These interconnected issues create a cycle of violence and instability that allows armed conflicts and revolutions to persist in specific, often small or fragile, Islamic-majority states.