Religion is a school of thought that includes some beliefs, practices, traditions and rituals followed by people by referring to a higher power or a deity or the final truth. Religion is closely bound to the society one lives in. It may have some mythological or moral or supernatural roots.

The top 10 most followed religions in the world today are:

1. Christianity

With almost 2.1 billion following this religion, it takes the top slot for the most followed religion. This religion is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The followers of this religion – Christians, believe that Jesus is the son of God and is therefore, referred to as Christ or Messiah. The sacred book of teachings of the Christians is the Bible.

2. Islam

Almost 1.3 billion people in the world follow the religion of Islam. This religion is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Islam followers have come to be known as the Muslims. The book of teachings of the Muslims is the Quran.

3. Hinduism

Approximately 851 million to a billion people worldwide follow this religion. This religion is predominantly followed in the subcontinent of India. The sacred book of teachings for the followers of this religion (called Hindus) is the Bhagwad Gita.

4. Buddhism

About 385 million people are the followers of this religion. The people who follow this religion are called Buddhists. This religion is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha.

5. Sikhism

Approximately 25 million people all over the world follow this religion. This religion is believed to have been founded in the 15^th century by Guru Nanak Dev. The followers of this religion are called Sikhs and their Holy book, the Adi Granth has been written by their fifth guru.

6. Judaism

About 15 million are believed to be followers of this religion. This religion follows the teachings of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh. The followers of this religion are called Jews. As per Jewish beliefs, Judaism started with the agreement between God and Abraham.

7. Bahai

Approximately 7.5 million worldwide are believed to be followers of the Bahai religion. This religion was founded in the mid 19^th century by Mirza Husayn Ali or Bahá’u'lláh in Persia. The three basic principles of this religion are believed to be the unity of God, the unity of religion and the unity of humankind.

8. Confucianism

About 6.4 million are believed to be followers of this religion. This is a Chinese school of thought created from the teachings of Confucius, who was a Chinese philosopher. It seems to have a big influence on the people of Eastern Asia. China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam are Singapore are considered major followers of this religion. Most worship centres of this religion offer prayers to those who have died.

9. Jainism

About 4.5 million Jains in the world follow this religion. This religion was createds by Mahavira. This is an ancient religion that has its roots in India. This religion is ingrained with the belief that there should be no violence of any sort, whatsoever, in the world. Jainism is a religion that encourages spiritual growth in a person. The main teachings of this religion, apart from non-violence, are celibacy, no stealing, speaking the truth, no possession of material things and objects.

10. Shintoism

On an average, about 3 million people are believed to be followers of this particular religion. The followers of this religion are called Shintos. This religion originated in the country of Japan and has its roots in Buddhism and other Chinese religions. The Shintos have shrines in many countries worldwide.

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Since the late 19th century the demographics of religion have changed worldwide. There is no really clear data available on how many religions there are in this world, nor on how many people profess to follow each religion. But, taking approximate figures, these are the 10 religions which have the most followers.

1. Christianity  –  approximately  2.1 biillion
Christianity is based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Their Scriptures are called The Bible, including the Old and New Testament. They have many sub-sects, but the three main ones are Roman Catholics, Protestants and Eastern Orthodoxy.

2. Islam  –  approximately 1.3 billion
Islam is a monotheistic religion, derived from the teachings of Mohammed, a 7th century Arab religious figure. The Qurán and the Sunnah are regarded as the main sources of their beliefs. There are two major denominations in Islam – Shia and Sunni.

3. Hinduism –  approximately  851 million
The world’s oldest organised religion, it has no founder as such, since it is a combination of various beliefs and tenets. Their main scriptures are the Vedas and the Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita, excerpted from the Mahabharata is considered to be the summary of their ancient teachings and beliefs.

4. Buddhism  –  approximately 385 million
Gautam Buddha or the enlightened one founded this religion in India in 5th century BC. There are many sects to Buddhism, but they all believe in four basic principles – That Buddha is their teacher: that they all follow the Middle way; that both monks and laymen can teach you how to achieve enlightenment; and that Buddhahood is the highest seat they can attain.

5. Sikhism  –  approximately 25 million
Guru Nanak, Sikhism’s first Holy Guru founded the religion in the late 15th century. He was followed by a lineage of nine other Gurus, and their religious scripture the Adi Granth was written by their fifth Guru. Their focus of worship is this Holy Book, which is placed in all their places of worship and their homes.

6. Judaism  – approximately  15 million
The Jewish religion is based on the principles embodied in the Tanakh and the Talmud. They believe Abraham to be their patriarch, and they still follow the covenants laid down between him and God. Today they have three groups – Orthodox, Conservative and Liberal.

7. Bahai  –  approximately 7.5 million
Mirza Husayn Ali founded this religion in the mid 19th century. They believe that all religions teach the same truth, and they include Mohammed, Jesus and Adam among their prophets. They lay a lot of stress on peace, education and equality among sexes.

8. Confucianism  -  approximately  6.4 million
The sage Confucius taught a set of political and ethical tenets in 600 BC, which later became the foundations of Confucianism as a religion. It has had a major influence on East Asia even till the present day. There are no dogmas attached to this religion, and most worship centres around offerings to those who have died.

9. Jainism  -  approximately  4.5 million
Founded by Mahavira  (the latest among a long line of teachers), it is one of the oldest religions in the world. They do not believe in earthly possessions, and do not pray to any God. They seek enlightenment through self denial and through a life of austerity and charity.

10. Shintoism – approximately 3 million
Shintoism originated in Japan and has its foundations in Buddhism and other Chinese religions. They believe in a variety of Gods, and do not have a set of written dogmas to follow. They trace their origins to 300 BC.

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