MOST FOLLOWED RELIGIONS IN THE WORLD

  

Here is a brief blog on the most followed religions in the world:

Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and values that relates to the nature and purpose of existence, often involving a supernatural or transcendent dimension. Religion can provide people with a sense of meaning, identity, morality, and community. Religion can also influence various aspects of human society, such as culture, politics, economics, and history.

There are many religions in the world, each with its own distinctive features and followers. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2020, there were about 7.8 billion people in the world, and about 84% of them identified with a religious group.  The following are the most followed religions in the world, based on their estimated number and percentage of adherents:

●      Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with about 2.4 billion followers, or 31% of the global population. Christianity is based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. Christians worship one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christians follow the Bible as their sacred scripture, and practice various rites such as baptism and communion. Christianity has many branches and denominations, such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Anglicanism, and others. Christianity is widely spread across all continents, especially in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.

●      Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with about 1.9 billion followers, or 25% of the global population. Islam is based on the teachings and revelations of Muhammad, who is regarded as the final prophet of God. Muslims worship one God, called Allah in Arabic, and follow the Quran as their holy book. Muslims also follow the Sunnah, which are the traditions and examples of Muhammad and his companions. Muslims practice five pillars of faith: declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (sawm), and pilgrimage (hajj). Islam has two major sects: Sunni and Shia. Islam is mainly concentrated in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

●      Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with about 1.2 billion followers, or 15% of the global population. Hinduism is a diverse and complex religion that encompasses various traditions, philosophies, sects, and schools of thought. Hinduism has no single founder or creed, but rather draws from various sources such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and others. Hindus believe in a supreme reality called Brahman, which manifests in various forms such as gods and goddesses. Hindus also believe in reincarnation (samsara), karma (the law of cause and effect), dharma (the moral duty), and moksha (the liberation from samsara). Hinduism is predominantly practiced in India and Nepal, and also has significant presence in other countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

●      Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion in the world, with about 520 million followers, or 7% of the global population. Buddhism is based on the teachings and enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the Buddha, or the Awakened One. Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths, which are the diagnosis and cure of the suffering caused by ignorance and attachment. Buddhists also follow the Eightfold Path, which is the way of ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. Buddhism has three main branches: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Buddhism is mainly practiced in Asia, especially in China, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Tibet.

●      Folk religions are a category of religions that include various indigenous, ethnic, tribal, and local beliefs and practices that are not affiliated with any major world religion. Folk religions often involve animism (the belief that everything has a spirit), shamanism (the practice of communicating with spirits), ancestor worship (the veneration of deceased relatives), and magic (the manipulation of natural forces). Folk religions have about 400 million followers, or 6% of the global population. Folk religions are mostly found in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Some examples of folk religions are Chinese folk religion, Shinto, African traditional religions, Native American religions, and Australian Aboriginal religions.

These are some of the most followed religions in the world. Each religion has its own history, doctrine, ritual, and culture. Each religion also has its own challenges, opportunities, and contributions to the world. Religion is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that reflects the diversity and richness of human experience.