Which religion has the most followers worldwide? From Islam and Christianity to Hinduism and Buddhism
There are an estimated 10,000 distinct religions worldwide but we look at the main belief systems
THERE are four main religions that dominate the world’s societies and people.
They are followed by about 80 per cent of the world’s inhabitants, which it estimated at 6.9 billion. Here is a briefing on the major belief systems.
What are the main religions of the world?
Christianity
This religion has the most believers in the world, some 2.1 billion of them worldwide.
It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land in what is now Israel about 2,000 years ago.
Any group can be called Christian if their beliefs are based on the teaching of Jesus.
Islam
The second largest religion in the world is Islam which has about 1.5 billion followers.
It began in Arabia and here Prophet Muhammad was revealed it to humanity.
Followers are called Muslims and believe that there is only one God whom they call Allah.
About 80 to 90 per cent of Muslims are Sunni and 10 to 20 per cent are Shia.
The Shia-Sunni split in the religion occurred because of the dispute over the succession after the prophet Muhammad died in 632.
Hinduism
About 900 million followers with the vast majority living in India and Nepal.
Worldwide there are more than 900 million adherents worldwide.
Unlike most other religions, it has no single founder, no single scripture and no agreed set of teachings.
Buddhism
Globally there are about 400 million followers with most living in Asia.
The religion is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
It focuses on personal spiritual development, striving for a deep insight into the true nature of life and do not worship gods or deities.
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Sikhism
There are 23 million followers, with most living in India.
Sikhism was founded in the Punjab by Guru Nanak in the 15th Century.
Many Sikhs believe religion should be practised by living in the world and coping with life's everyday problems.
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