Top 10 Largest Religions In The World: Islam Or Hinduism- Check Which Faith Has The Most Followers Worldwide

Top 10 Largest Religions In The World: Religion plays a significant role in shaping cultures, traditions and lifestyles around the world. The top 10 largest religions are followed by billions of people, each with unique beliefs and practices. Among these, Islam has more followers than Hinduism, with around 1.8 billion Muslims compared to 1.1 billion Hindus. Christianity leads the list with approximately 2 billion followers, followed by Islam, Hinduism. Other religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism and Shinto are also in the top ten list. These religions are spread across various countries, influencing the social and cultural landscapes. 

For example, Islam is mainly practised in Middle Eastern countries, Indonesia, and Pakistan, while Hinduism is primarily practised in India and Nepal. Each religion has its rich traditions and festivals, such as Ramadan for Muslims, Diwali for Hindus, and Christmas for Christians. Understanding the spread and influence of these religions helps in appreciating the diverse beliefs that shape our world today.

Top 10 Largest Religions In The World And Their Culture: Know Which Country Hosts What Religion

In this article, we have listed the top 10 largest religions in the world based on their population. Also know about their culture, traditions and which countries host which religion most. The data is taken from "World Atlas."

1. Christianity (2 billion followers)

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Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with over 2 billion followers worldwide, mainly in the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia, as well as across much of Europe. Christians are followers of Jesus, and the texts of the Holy Bible guide their faith and practice. Christmas and Easter are the two major Christian celebrations, celebrating the birth of Jesus and Easter. Churches are the place where the Christian community practices prayer, baptism and communion. Christianity has various denominations, such as Catholicism, Protestantism and Orthodoxy, each with its customs and rituals.

2. Islam (1.8 billion followers)

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Islam is the world's second-largest religion with approximately 1.8 billion followers primarily in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. The followers of Islam are known as Muslims, and they believe in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad inscribed in the Quran. Major religious practices of Muslims are praying five times a day, fasting from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, and taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime. The two Eid festivals (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) celebrate the end of fasting and the sacrifice of animals, which celebrates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

3. Hinduism (1.1 billion followers)

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Hinduism is third third-largest religion in the world and has 1.1 billion adherents, most of whom are in India and Nepal and with smaller communities in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and around the world. Hindus believe in an afterlife through reincarnation, karma and the ultimate pursuit of moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). Some major festivals observed are Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights), Holi (the Hindu festival of colours), and Navaratri (a nine-night festival which focuses on the goddess Durga). Hindu culture includes temples, prayers and rituals, and family gatherings.

4. Buddhism (500 million followers)

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Buddhism is practised by 500 million people and is primarily located in China, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), Buddhism promotes a path to enlightenment, which, broadly speaking, includes meditation, right conduct and the pursuit of wisdom. The holidays important to Buddhism are Vesak, which celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. Buddhism's culture includes temples, meditation, monastic life, and the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

5. Shinto (104 million followers)

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Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan, is practised by 104 million people. Shinto is a faith centred around kami, or nature spirits, found in natural objects or natural phenomena (i.e., trees, rivers, mountains). Shinto rituals are performed at shrines. Rituals include offerings to kami, prayers to kami and festivals that involve communal celebrations. New Year's celebrations, matsuri or festivals, and a Shinto wedding ceremony represent important cultural traditions within Shinto. Shinto also carries significant cultural traditions, such as ancestor rituals and establishing a harmony with nature.

6. Sikhism (25 million followers)

Sikhism is, with an estimated 25 million practitioners, a religion that has a strong presence in India (especially in Punjab) but also significant communities in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. It was started by Guru Nanak. Sikhism teaches the oneness of God, equality and service. Sikhs follow the teachings of the ten gurus, written in the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs have various traditions such as wearing the turban (for men), seva (selfless service), and Langar (shared meal that is served to everyone at all Gurdwaras or temples).

7. Judaism (14 million followers)

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Judaism has 14 million followers and is primarily live in Israel and the United States, with adherents in Europe, Canada and Latin America. Jews follow the teachings of the Torah and believe there is one God. Jewish traditions include observing Shabbat (a weekly day of rest), Passover (remembering the Exodus from Egypt), and Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights. They emphasise family and community and adhere to kosher dietary laws and religious festivals.

8. Taoism (12 million followers)

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Taoism, which has 12 million adherents, is mostly practised in China and some parts of Taiwan. Taoism promotes balance and living life following the Tao, or the ultimate universal force that runs through all things and is said to give life to all things. Some practices included in Taoism are Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation. Rituals may take place at temples where followers also pray for guidance and give offerings to deities and spirits. Some festivals include the Taoist Lantern Festival, which celebrates important astronomical events and recognises the deities as well.

9. Confucianism (6 million followers)

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Around 6 million people, mostly from China, Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam, practice Confucianism, which was founded by Confucius. It focuses on ethics, social order, reverence of age and elder’s which makes it more of a philosophical system than a religion. Some Confucian traditions are ancestor worship, the celebration of significant milestones, and valuing hierarchy and learning. This philosophy is crucial in shaping the cultural values and familial ties in East Asia.

10. Caodaism (4.4 million followers)

Caodaism, with 4.4 million followers, is mainly practised in Vietnam, particularly in the southern region. Founded in the 1920s, Cao Dai blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Taoism. It believes in a supreme being (the Supreme Being or Cao Dai) and emphasises moral conduct, respect for ancestors, and the importance of peace and unity. Caodaist temples are notable for their colourful architecture, and the religion’s festivals focus on spiritual guidance and community worship.

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