TOP 10 RELIGIONS

1. Christianity

It is the largest religion in the world and its 2.1 billion followers make up 33% of the world’s population. The religion is based on the teachings of Jesus who Christians believe is the Son of God.

2. Islam

Being the 2^nd largest religion in the world, the followers of the religion, Muslims, make 21% of the world’s population. That’s nearly 2 billion people. They believe in the oneness of God and in the Last Prophet, Muhammad. Their scripture, the Quran (holy book), is considered to be the word of their God, Allah.

3. Hinduism

With nearly a billion followers that make up more than 14% of the population, Hinduism is the 3^rd largest religion in the world. It prescribes following rules based karma, Dharma and other norms that will help one achieve morality.

4. Buddhism

Accounting for over 6% of the world’s population, Buddhism has a population more than 375 million. It originated in India and advocates the eradication of ignorance and temptation. This will help one achieve nirvana, the epitome of happiness.

5. Sikhism

Originated in the 15^th century in Punjab, this monotheistic religion was founded by Guru Nanak. It is the 5^thlargest religion in the world and has more than 23 million followers. A typical follower is obligated to exemplify a saint soldier who is able to control vices and expand virtues.

6. Judaism

This religion has around 14 million followers and holds a monotheistic view on religion. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and its believers consider the faith to be an expression of a treaty between God and the Children of Israel.

7. Bahaism

This faith supports the belief that mankind is spiritually united. It originated in the 19^th century in Persia by Bahaullah, which means “grandeur”. The religion has approximately 7 million followers spread out in more than 200 countries in the world. The faith advocates the institution of union, integrity and tranquility internationally. Its scriptures include the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Kitab-i-Iqan and The Seven Valleys.

8. Confucianism

This religion is built on the knowledge of the Confucius, the Chinese philosopher. It is more of a system revolving around ethics and philosophy with considerable emphasis being paid on the concept of humanism. The religion calls on its 6.3 million followers to be concerned with the worldly life and one’s family, instead of the afterlife and the supernatural beings. Countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Vietnam are just some of the countries that have been influenced by the faith. However, some see the faith as not more than “guidelines” that run along the lines of ideologies such as Marxism and democracy.

9. Jainism

Initiated in India, the religion ordains that its followers lead a non-violent life both for themselves and others. The followers believe that this message was preached by the 24 tirthankaras, or the disseminators of the faith. Egalitarianism of life and sacred self-determination are the concepts that are emphasized. Its 4.2 million people believe that to escape rebirth, one must be free from violence and have ultimate self-control.

10. Shintoism

This religion originated from Japan in the late 1800s and involved the worship of kami, mysterious forms of supernatural beings. There are various religious monuments dedicated to the kami in Japan where traditional festivals are also commemorated. There is no established day of prayer as people can visit the shrine anytime they wish and offer their prayers. The religion has been influenced by other religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism. It has a population of 4 million and some of its sects include Ten-rikyo and Folk Shinto.