Top 10 Most Followed Religions

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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