There are many religions practiced around the world, with varying numbers of adherents. It is difficult to provide an exact number of people in each religion as the numbers can vary depending on the source and methodology of the data collection, as well as the definition of what constitutes a follower of a particular religion.
However, here are some of the major religions and their estimated number of followers as of 2021, based on various sources:
- Christianity: 2.4 billion
This is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible is the primary text.
- Islam: 1.9 billion
This is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. The Quran is the primary text.
- Hinduism: 1.2 billion
This is a polytheistic religion that originated in India. It is based on a collection of sacred texts called the Vedas.
- Buddhism: 535 million
This is a nontheistic religion that originated in India. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha.
- Sikhism: 25 million
This is a monotheistic religion that originated in India. It is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and the Guru Granth Sahib is the primary text.
- Judaism: 14 million
This is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Middle East. The Torah is the primary text.
- Bahá’í Faith: 7 million
This is a religion founded in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people.
- Confucianism: 6 million
This is a philosophical and ethical tradition that originated in China. The Analects of Confucius is the primary text.
- Jainism: 4.5 million
This is an Indian religion. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras,
- Shintoism: 4 million
This is a religion from Japan. Classified as an East Asian religion by scholars of religion, its practitioners often regard it as Japan’s indigenous religion and as a nature religion.
- Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
This is an Iranian religion and one of the world’s oldest organized faiths, based on the teachings of the Iranian-speaking prophet Zoroaster. It has a dualistic cosmology of good and evil within the framework of a monotheistic ontology and an eschatology which predicts the ultimate conquest of evil by good.
- Taoism: 2 million
This is a philosophical and religious tradition that originated in China. The Tao Te Ching is the primary text.
It is important to note that these numbers are estimates and the actual numbers of followers of each religion may be higher or lower. Additionally, there are many other religions and belief systems practiced around the world that may not be included in this list.
Peace be upon you! 