I don't know what to say. You’re not paying attention to what I am saying. Yes, that's absolutely what Islam is about. Its also about radical egalitarianism among Muslims.
If you struggle with understanding now, I don't know how to put it in simple terms for you
In what way is islam egalitarian among muslims? The different sects scorn each other. It was an blood letting frenzy in Iraq and Syria once the secular governments were toppled.
You are mixing things.
Sects within Islam are huge. Fiqh, ie Islamic jurisprudence, competing schools, often get along just fine.
Sufis mix with Sunis and Shia with little friction.
Historicaly Shias, (ie Alids) and Sunnis have gotten along just fine.
Extremism has always been a problem for Islam, something the caliphs have had to deal with. Most often the extremists have been radical egalitarians. Wanting to erase all class distinctions. That's most often been the thing within Shia (unless the Shia are in power, and then they forget about it).
The sectarian Islamic violence has almost always been politics and power play. Not doctrinal differences.
The fact that Muslims have been so good at getting along with eachother is why the various caliphates were so massive and stable over time.
The sectarian violence we see today in Islam comes from two movements, which are arguably the same movement.
1. The Muslims brotherhood. Started as an anti-colonial movement in Egypt around 1840, whose goal it was to make Muslims ungovornable by Christians. Unfortunately they have also made Muslims ungovornable by other Muslims.
2. Turkish and Arabic Islamic nationalism. Also Iranian, Egyptian and Berber Islamic nationalism. Started with Atatürks Young Turks in the 1920's. And was Atatürks attempt to beat Europe by becoming more European. Now known as Islamism.
Neither of these movements are particularly old and are purely a respons to European imperialism.
There's more to say on this. When Islam first came slaves were freed en masse (after converting) Because it was hard to justify slavery when their creed emphasized equality among Muslims.
Islamic dress is all about all Muslims looking the same, as to erase the ability to tell which Muslims are rich or not. Any ostentatious display is frowned upon.
