A new study found that about 23% of the world's population is Muslim. According to the study, "Mapping the Global Muslim Population," by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, there are 1.57 billion Muslims around the world, representing nearly one out of every four humans. The countries with the highest number of Muslims are:
1) Indonesia (203 million)
2) Pakistan (174 million)
3) India (161 million)
4) Bangladesh (145 million)
5) Egypt (78.5 million)
6) Nigeria (78 million)
7) Iran (73.77 million)
8) Turkey (73.6 million)
9) Algeria (34.2 million)
10) Morocco (32 million)
From the study, "Of the total Muslim population, 10-13% are Shia Muslims and 87-90% are Sunni Muslims. Most Shias (between 68% and 80%) live in just four countries: Iran, Pakistan, India and Iraq."
Update: Many have posted suggesting that Saudi Arabia should be on the above list. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is only home to 25 million Muslims so it doesn't even make the top ten. In fact, even Ethiopia (28 million) is home to more Muslims than Saudi Arabia. Also, for those who have questions about the data, please just follow the link above to the study itself.
Comments
Salam there!! Thanks a lot for the affort! I just want to say that this new report smashes the idea that Islam is an Arab religion!!
Thank you
So many thanks for your valuable site, As an Iranian shia Muslim, I have a question. Why the majority of prophets, had came in the Middle East? Why the other continent as Europe, America, Africa, Australia and the other parts of Asia have not any prophets. What are the Geographical causes of this? If it’s possible please discuss this matter in your site.
Dr. Feridoun Babaei Agdam,
Assistant Professor in Urban Planning,
Geography department,
University of mohaghegh Ardabili.
Web: http://www.uma.ac.ir
Email: freydoun2001@yahoo.com
fbabaie@uma.ac.ir
i think no one existed there yet
there is not a single place on earth where prophets have not been sent, says Allah in the Holy Qur’an…only 24 or 26 prophets have been mentioned in Holy Quran…out of the total 1,24,000 prophets…
Thanks Mr. Rosenberg,
This is an interesting fact n good study done about world’s muslim population. I really appreciate this.
My point is, if many big powers labelled muslims as fanatics, terrorists etx…they are wrong. Imagine one out of every four humans are terrorits, nobody survived on this planet. Not even a coacroach!
Peace!
The population figure of Muslims in Nigeria is not accurate because the last census was conducted in 2006 and religion was not asked on the questionnaire. So how did you get the 78 million, could you please explain?
The muslim population figure given in your report about Nigeria is false because I am a Nigerian,I live and work in Nigeria.You need to compare the number of churches in Nigeria to the number of mosques all across Nigeria, despite the persecution the church is being faced in the Northern and other parts of Nigeria.There is no city or village in Nigeria where you don’t find a church with massive number of worshippers,no matter how islamized the city or village is.On the other hand,there are some towns and villages in the South South and South Eastern parts of Nigeria where you won’t find a mosque.Nigeria has the world’s biggest church auditorium called Faith Terbernacle,Ota with over 80,000 worshippers gathering every Sunday to worship the only Living God.You need to check every church on worship days and see what is happening there.Many muslims are being converted on a daily basis especially when they need succor from the heat of life,they run to Jesus.Hardly will you see a christian in Nigeria being converted to a muslim if he/she knows what he/she is doing.The true gospel of peace is being preached by christianity and Nigerians are coming to this reality by every passing day.Therefore, the report about Nigerian muslim population is false.
Abul-Hish (Hisham Nadzri) is mistaken: NOBODY says, or can ever say, ALL muslims are terrorists.; there are educated liberals among muslims as in the general population.
terrorists may exist in any denomination. but what’s worrying is that fellow muslims do not denounce these hateful individuals.
btw, terrorists would not go around killing cockroaches:-)
muslim are like cattle herds ,,,they breed uncontrolled and still they beg for bread from develoved countries
do u mean from developed countries like qatar and kuwait?
There is no ‘idea’ that Islam is strictly an Arab religion – only an ignorant notion of same, a notion confused with an equally absurd notion that virtually all brown people – if not from India, are Arabs.
Using the numbers of houses of worship to calculate numbers of people is off-base. For instance, there are many more Protestant churches in New York City than Catholic churches. Yet Catholics outnumber Protestants in the City. I think the Nigerian religious affiliation estimates are achieved by estimation – both of the population of each district in the country and of religious percentages of each.
If you looked at this month’s National Geographic magazine and there’s an article about Indonesia. It’s an interesting article that I will be reading. Also, I have been to Malaysia and there’s Muslim there too. I am bot afraid of them and it is just that I have respect for them.
So long,
Robert
Mr. adegoke : here matter is Muslim population and not who is converted to which religion and as Mr. Zheehod said one cant calculate population with number of Worship house. and Please try to respect all religion and every religion preach peace and nothing bad. and for your information i want to tell you that even Muslims have faith in Jesus, the only difference is christian worship Jesus as son of God and we Muslims respect him as Messenger of God. one more thing Many muslims are being converted on a daily basis, how? one need to go behind the curtain and look at it. you will get the answer.
Hi neelam : Abul-Hish (Hisham Nadzri) is not mistaken: coz even many educated liberals say that including many leaders in all over that. I appreciate that you really think good and secular.
Mr. hameed cattu : Muslim are not like cattle herds and neither they breed uncontrolled nor they beg for bread from developed countries. if u search you will find many Muslims feeding others. if you read about Muslims rather they just listening to other you will definitely find your answer.
Mr. Robert : I appreciate you Mr Robert that you have good sense to understand people.
Thanks for this info Matt. I found the comments enlightening. I too shall go looking for the National Geographic article.
It is said that the Muslim religion is the fastest growing on earth. It baffles me because although they believe in God as do Protestants, Catholics and Jews, the Muslim religion is the only one that is intolerant of any other religion. Why would anyone choose to join under that circumstance?
ask yussuf islam,(cat stevens) or jermaine jackson or loon of bad boyz…they are converts and might just be ready to answer u……………………….or maybe the muslim religion is not intolerant. bcos why would people then join.”let there be no compulsion in religion for thruth stands out distinct from error”…..Qur 2:257
India is the world’s third largest of muslim population? Woow…it’s a Hindu rashtra actually!
I donot agree with the Nigerian figure. Nigeria is reported to have a population of 146 million people. I wonder how your figure came about.If this is true how many are christians in Nigeria? This is quite amazing- half of the Nigerian population are muslims. The Christians need to do more. Matt, what about saudi arabia?
the way u feel is quite understandable……..the truth might be displeasing sometimes………………….
for ya all who say that the population of Nigerian muslims is wrong, you people only look at the southern part of Nigeria, which has many christain population and which is decreasing by number. The Northern part of Nigeria consist mainly of the muslims, which have more then half the population of Nigeria and dont forget too Lagos consist of many muslims and for your own info its the christian turning to God not muslims turning to jesus, i urge you to research more.
Thanks Mr.Rosenberg
but u miss alot of other arabic country like Saudia Arabia, don’t u thinke that saousies should be in that list
Abdul i dont think you know Nigeria with what you said. I am a Nigerian so i know better. Go look at the 1991 census that had religion on it. Secondly can you explain why the muslim leaders of Nigeria rejected the idea of including religion in the 2006 census. That is why the result for Nigeria is being disputed. If the author was making estimates from the 1991 census then he/she got it wrong. That is why i want to author to come out ant tell us the source of the results.On the contrary to what you are saying Abdul, Lagos does not have alot of muslim and dont forget that the north central (middle belt) is made up of more christians to muslims. Finally Abdul you got it wrong in Nigeria, more muslims are abandoning islam that believes in Allah and embracing christianity that believes in God. When you argue try and bring out facts please dont just talk for talking sake. If you are interested i can proof what am saying
wot do u mean david? ve u bn to the north before to c the population of muslims?am a igerian from the middle belt,ve stayed most of my life in the south with xtians and they r also my friends so am not being bias like u who ve rrefuse to open ur eyes to c the tuth.am a geographer and know more about nigerian people especially wit population. so pls david do more esearch its a free world.no one forced u into xtianity!
Fatimah i think you are lost of ideas.I have travelled round Nigeria and participated in the 2006 census so have done my research well. If you will want to know am also a geographer and did a masters in population that was why i was involved in the census exercise.Fatimah i want you to know that i was born in the north (Kaduna) to be precise and have been to the three zones of the north. Dont forget that the Kano result is still disputed in court. Kano was split into two (Kano and Jigawa) and yet they claim it has more population to Lagos. Fatimah let me ask you a question. Why did the muslim leaders kick against including religion in the 2006 census if they knew that muslims were more in the country. We know that people from Niger and Chad are sometimes counted and added to Northern Nigeria. Lets close the borders and count everyone to determine the religion. I was responding to Abdul who was insultive on Nigerian christians. Fatimah read what he said and stop being baised. It is Abdul who is biased and you have clearly supported him. I never expected otherwise from you
wow David. how do you know Fatima DIDN’T read abdul’s? well anyways. Your talking about the 2006 census this is 3 years later dont you think things have changed? I believe alot of those christians could have turned Muslim in 3 years dude. hey im no geographer im just saying.
IBelieve you see in population analysis, we dont work on believes but on figures that are well documented.So if you believe that alot of christians turned to muslim in the past 3 years,the onus lies on you to prove it with evidence. To believe is something different from proving.Well am happy you said its a “believe” and not from records so it is still not applicable here.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html
According to the CIA fact Book updated on OCT 28 2009
50% are Muslims and 40% are Christians
Nigeria has more Muslims than Christians. 50.3% of Nigeria is Muslim compared to 48% of Christians. And to sum it up, Nigeria has the LARGEST Muslim population in Africa.
Secondly, for all you Christians who say that Muslims are converting to Christianity need to look at world figures. Islam grows at 2.9% per year, compared to Christianity’s 1.3%. Christianity hasn’t grown in numbers since the past 100 years (worldwide).
Thirdly, in Europe and the Americas, Christians are turning more to Atheism. In fact, Atheism is heavy in both these continents. Church attending Christians is decreasing. In US alone, 86% of the population identified themselves as “Christians” back in 1970s. Now, only 75% of the US population label themselves as “Christians”. In Europe, like France, only 33% claim to be actual practicing Christians. You have more atheists in “Christian Countries” like Sweden and Estonia than you have actual Christians.
And to top it off, Islam is the dominant religion in Asia and Africa. It is the fastest growing religion in Europe. 25,000 Americans convert to Islam each year. It is only a matter of time when Islam will surpass Christianity.
Actually if you look at people who actually practice Islam vs those who actually practice Christianity, Islam can be considered the largest faith on this planet.
Whether muslims are more than Christians or not in Nigeria (which is d millenium biggest lie), the question is this: “why do muslims always want to kill christians” and why wud they always want to be looting Nigeria money even when they do not offer any source of revenue to Nigerian goveernment? God wud surely judge them sooner or soonest. Fatimah, u are a lady meant to be a home builder; so always learn to be truthful. I can assure u that the Christian lives that muslims have wasted/burnt in Nigeria added to the christians living now wud triple the number of muslims in Nigeria. If Christians were to be fighting and killing always as it is the manner of them, islam wont have stood by now. But finally, since GOD Almighty allows all of us to live- LET US LEARN TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER
my name is sharifa, i am only 14 years old and i live in india. but i am a nigeria,mr greeny i believe u are a christian,with all due of respect only the corrupt muslim take the money.and only a person who does not know the real meaning of islam will kill a christian.i am a small child u may say but i do know the meaning of islam.and mr david the way u wrote u guys worship God and we woship Allah dont say that,because it sounds like we worship something else.we also worship GOD.I AM NOT IN ANYBODY SIDE.and i dont know nigeria;s population and neither do u guys because we did not go door to door to in the whole nigeria to see the populaton of muslims and christians.i know u are all my elders but isee no reason for arguing whose populaton is high .ido respact every body’s point of view but we should not argue because i believe onLY GOD knows the exact population of nigeria.so every body should just be the religion he or she wishes and respect other people religion,and leave the populaion of muslim and christian to GOD ALMIGHTY.I DO RESPECT ALL OF U DIS IS JUST A PIECE OF MY HEART
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%
Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
i don’t agree with him because islam is started in sudia arab
i thing that sudia is the bigest country in muslim
The author listed 10 countries in order of muslim population but none makes noise like the empty Nigerians. Im a Muslim, wat does the population brings to the Muslim or to the christians in Nigeria. Does our population avail us like China? If all are to follow the teaching of their scriptures correctly we would not have been here deliberating who is the most populous. Every1 should please go and pray to his God and let us mend our ways. “LAKUM DI NIKUM WALIYADDEEN” To every 1 belomg his religion.
from all i read up , all i see that Islam is growing so fast and one of the main reasons of this , is not Christian or other ppl convert to Islam …its because Muslim people give birth to more than three children and in the Arab world which i’m from , we as Christian give birth to one or two childes in which we want to raise and educate to be something in this world , as for our Muslim friends its more than 4 and in rural we can found families with 10 up to 20 people from several marriages…
so what ever studied is raised they always forget to mention that ..
The question is not about which religion has more population. The question is why are christians worried about it and why do christians kill muslims all the time with fire power and drones. Why did christians use nukes on japanese? and why did christians kill 6 million jews in europe.
Christians have killed people for centuries.
I do not understand why there is such a competition over the world populations attributed to various beliefs. The only reason those of us that claim to be Christians should feel a need to point out statistics about conversions and population would be out of a heart to see more people in good standing with God. Otherwise I do not understand the intent.
However, as I recall, the beliefs that I hold true tell me that the path to righteousness and the way to God is narrow, and even difficult to come by. To be a follower of Christ, I need to hold to his teachings, which will challenge me to lay down my life in faith, preferring God and others before myself. A personal and loving God is an appealing TRUTH, but the idea that with this God I may be led to give up my ideals- as the disciples took on full time ministry in leiu of the fishing profession:)- and pick up His teachings is difficult to swallow. I wouldn’t expect Christianity to have the fastest growing religion today, not in a culture that generally endorses self-gratification.
Furthermore, I doubt very much that the God I serve needs me to defend his popularity. Having more people sign up for your belief- be it Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism- does not speak to the validity of that faith or God. It simply speaks to a current trend. I assume my God would prefer me to spend my time and energy getting to know Him and seeking to help other people to get to know Him as individuals- not so that the ‘Christian’ statistics could rise, but so that those persons could know the abundant life he offers.
I am young and I understand there may be great reasons behind the debate of Muslim & Christian population. However, I simply don’t see the significance myself.
I AM A CHRISTIAN FROM THE NORTHERN PART OF NIGERIA, YOUR REPORT IS FALSE.EVEN IN THE NORTH THE RATIO OF CHRISTIAN TO MUSLIM IS 60:40 PERCENT I WANDER WHERE YOU GOT YOUR DATA FROM
our friend has got problems with ratio and a bit of arithmetics…..the difference btw 60 and 40% of a number may be so great that it can even out number 100% of another quantity…………….maybe 60%of northerners are so great that even if the whole of the south, east and west were to become xtians, their number cant just make up for the deficit 20%……..think it thru.
SLAMIC TERRORISM AND TYRANNY AND THE PROBLEM OF CITIZEN APATHY
We are living in a world of open system, democracy, and different philosophical positions. The fundamental choices are available for dealing with human problems including politics, economics, ethics, and working with human beings. Each system we follow will have implications and consequences. Democratic countries provide free choice, open systems, pluralistic philosophies, and individuals can enjoy freedom of thought. In our open system, liberty thrives, creativity is encouraged and individual can concentrate on creating conditions conducive to effective problem solving.
CLOSED SYSTEM OF ISLAM
In contrast to our open systems, Islam disapproves critical thinking, logical analysis, individual freedom, democracy, secularism and rationalism. Islam is a closed dogma. It is a closed system where free will of the populace is not recognized. Muslim’s behavior and their goals in life can be stated as “oughts” or “shoulds”. Islamic objectives are often expressed in terms of specific acts or behaviors and subjected to precise assessment by the Mullahs, Muftis, ulema, qadis, or Imams. As a closed system, Islam allows no individual freedom and its followers are required to follow precisely defined, orderly, step by step sequence designed in Arabia in the seventh century. Muslims are forbidden from introspection or to follow transcendental needs or rely on individual intelligence or motivation to reach for higher ideal.
Islamists criticize our open, systematic, freedom loving life style as mystical, pluralistic and irresponsible. Few people in our open society understand that Islamic closed system can cause colossal damage to our society. Unfortunately, the general public continues to regard Islamists who commit terrorism, and promote Islamic tyranny and martyrdom is a religion of goodness.
The history of Islamic faith, invasion plunder, looting and community life and individual life is tied directly to Mohammed’s messages. His messages are in the Islamic trilogy (Koran, Hadith, and Sira) Mohammed’s messages shape Muslim thought and practice. Muslims maintains that those who submit to Islam live in accordance with predetermined Islamic law. Muslims consider Islam as a complete and completed religion and that the Koran is the foremost authority in all matters, personal, family, social, spiritual and legal. A person faced with any problem need only consult the revelations from the Koran for solving common human problem. The Koran as it stands today is compiled in the seventh century in Arabia. It is puzzling to say that the outdated Koran passages can be applicable even in this 21st century. Muslims demand that the Koran text need to be followed by people who follow different culture, belief system and spiritual tradition.
Central to Muslim life is the application and interpretation of sharia law and conversion of infidels into Islam. The political undertones of Muslim’s plans for Dar-ul-Islam are clear. Those who question, criticize or disobey Islamic sharia law are labeled apostate, and beheaded.
There is no separation between Islam and the state. And since Islamic states follow imprecise and unsophisticated way of defining human freedom and reject rationality, Islamic states act brutally against infidels. Blasphemy law is common in all Islamic states. Islamic states allow polygamy, limb amputation, genital mutilation, stoning, oppression of women and discrimination against infidels. Islamic states are fundamentally aberrant and the consequences of imposing sharia law have severe disastrous consequences.
FACTS AND REALITY OF MUSLIM BEHAVIOR
Large numbers of Muslim immigrants are now living in western democratic countries. Israel and India have substantial number of Muslims. While infidels are harassed, murdered, or kicked out of Islamic countries, Israel and India provide all opportunities to live in a democratic, pluralistic society. Muslim immigrants in Europe, America and indigenous Islamic population in India and Israel are demanding special privileges and want to implement Islamic sharia law. We allow Muslim immigrants to construct Mosques, practice their religion and convert our population, Islamic states have no reciprocity.
How Muslim immigrants behave in democratic countries is a function of what they think and think about themselves and the world. No matter how strongly we bombard them with democratic principles, common civil law, liberty and open thought system, Muslim immigrant’s perceptual field of feelings, attitudes, ideas, and convictions remain forever. Any one Muslim in our country is what he/she believes is so. Since Islam forbids rational thinking, pluralism, secularism and religious tolerance, it is unwise on our part to expect that Muslims will integrate and adapt democratic principles.
We are democratic, secular and civic minded because the world around us is members of a common culture. So long as we stay in the same culture and follow our constitution and rule of law, we can enjoy our freedom and follow our own creativity.
Large number of Muslim immigrants with tunnel vision who want to establish dar-ul-Islam and sharia law may pose a threat to our culture, democracy and rule of law. Why are we unwilling to see the threat? The threat is great. Many people feel threatened by Jihadists in our community. It takes time to discover Jihadist threats if one is not directly faced the consequences of Jihad terrorism. If we believe Islam as a real religion inevitably determines the techniques we employ when dealing with Muslim immigrants. A clear understanding of Islam as a closed Arab political dogma for invasion, plunder, mass murder and looting and its brutal history may enable us to develop some logical and possible way of dealing with Islamic terrorism. There is a need for proper understanding of Islamic belief system, and how it affects their practices in a democratic society. We should not allow those immigrants who never believe in freedom to exploit our freedom to introduce Islamic tyranny.
The wish to kill infidels and destructive instinct is reinforced at the Islamic religious schools. Instead of inhibiting their aggressive and sadistic Islamic impulses, Muslims in democratic countries are exploiting our liberal legal system and ostensible kindness to continue their primitive behavior. Islamic communities in democratic countries provide opportunities for amplifying Islamic hatred against infidels.
Islam leaves no room for human freedom and moral responsibility. Muslims around the world including immigrants in our country are forced to follow the directives and interpretations of ulemas (those learned in Koran), quadis (Islamic Judges) and muftis (advisors) for proper behavior. They are concerned with what Muslims should do, not what Muslims must know and follow in a democratic country with constitution and civil laws. Muslims do not want to compromise with our constitution, administrative directives and state ordinances. Muslims advocate a return to the Koran as the standard of government and social life. Muslims claim that the Koran meets all of man’s needs. Muslim theologians insist that peace, progress and economic greatness can be achieved not by technological advances and scientific research but by confirming to the laws of the Koran. The statements in the Koran may be emotionally significant to Muslims, but they are not significant for non-believers.
Muslims act spontaneously from the passions or emotions and their whimsical actions produce discomfort, pain for law abiding citizens. One of the most complicated problems facing us is how we understand Islamic obscurantism and intransigence. How does sharia law deal with elements of authority, human rights, and liberty? Majority of American citizens are perplexed when Muslims demand and force county authorities to introduce ordinance to endorse sharia law and Islamic blasphemy law. In this age of political correctness there are several instances where cities submit to Muslim demand for Mosque construction (New York), accommodation for Islamic holidays (Eid-al-Fitr-in Tennessee) and arbitrary demand for anti Israel advertisement (Seattle). Muslims can terrorize phony liberal politicians and intimidate the public, but they could not necessarily convince or justify their dastardly behavior.
why do you always give islam a bad name and you make it sound like a bad religion
DELIBERATE IGNORANCE
The fact that most infidels are ignorant does not entitle Muslims to intimidate, terrorize and attempt to introduce Islamic tyranny. The massive ignorance of Islam should not be allowed Muslim Jihadists to think that we approve of their deviant behavior. Many pseudo liberals praising Jihadists does not mean that the majority accept Islamic absolutism.
Why do our phony liberals and political leaders ignore political, social and cultural threat from the Jihadists? It is a national malady that citizens are indifferent to our freedom, individual liberty, constitution and cultural values. Democratic countries fought against Nazism, Fascism and Communism and liberated millions from their shackles to freedom.
TOLERANCE IS NOT A PANECEA
Freedom loving people must make a choice. If they choose to disregard Jihad terrorism, give a damn about Islamic sharia and Islamic Blasphemy laws, or willing to fight the culture war, we will be subjected to Islamic brutality and political decay. Free citizens of democratic countries must think again not as subservient to Islamists. Freedom loving people should not tolerate intolerant ideology and intolerant people. Tolerance and compromise is not a panacea for dangerous political dogma paraded as a religion.
Fighting
Qur’an:9:88 “The Messenger and those who believe with him, strive hard and fight with their wealth and lives in Allah’s Cause.”
Qur’an:9:5 “Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.”
Qur’an:9:112 “The Believers fight in Allah’s Cause, they slay and are slain, kill and are killed.”
Qur’an:9:29 “Fight those who do not believe until they all surrender, paying the protective tax in submission.”
Ishaq:325 “Muslims, fight in Allah’s Cause. Stand firm and you will prosper. Help the Prophet, obey him, give him your allegiance, and your religion will be victorious.”
Qur’an:8:39 “Fight them until all opposition ends and all submit to Allah.”
Qur’an:8:39 “So fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief [non-Muslims]) and all submit to the religion of Allah alone (in the whole world).”
Ishaq:324 “He said, ‘Fight them so that there is no more rebellion, and religion, all of it, is for Allah only. Allah must have no rivals.’”
Qur’an:9:14 “Fight them and Allah will punish them by your hands, lay them low, and cover them with shame. He will help you over them.”
Fighting
Qur’an:9:88 “The Messenger and those who believe with him, strive hard and fight with their wealth and lives in Allah’s Cause.”
Qur’an:9:5 “Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.”
Qur’an:9:112 “The Believers fight in Allah’s Cause, they slay and are slain, kill and are killed.”
Qur’an:9:29 “Fight those who do not believe until they all surrender, paying the protective tax in submission.”
Ishaq:325 “Muslims, fight in Allah’s Cause. Stand firm and you will prosper. Help the Prophet, obey him, give him your allegiance, and your religion will be victorious.”
Qur’an:8:39 “Fight them until all opposition ends and all submit to Allah.”
Qur’an:8:39 “So fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief [non-Muslims]) and all submit to the religion of Allah alone (in the whole world).”
Ishaq:324 “He said, ‘Fight them so that there is no more rebellion, and religion, all of it, is for Allah only. Allah must have no rivals.’”
Qur’an:9:14 “Fight them and Allah will punish them by your hands, lay them low, and cover them with shame. He will help you over them.”
Ishaq:300 “I am fighting in Allah’s service. This is piety and a good deed. In Allah’s war I do not fear as others should. For this fighting is righteous, true, and good.”
Ishaq:587 “Our onslaught will not be a weak faltering affair. We shall fight as long as we live. We will fight until you turn to Islam, humbly seeking refuge. We will fight not caring whom we meet. We will fight whether we destroy ancient holdings or newly gotten gains. We have mutilated every opponent. We have driven them violently before us at the command of Allah and Islam. We will fight until our religion is established. And we will plunder them, for they must suffer disgrace.”
Qur’an:8:65 “O Prophet, urge the faithful to fight. If there are twenty among you with determination they will vanquish two hundred; if there are a hundred then they will slaughter a thousand unbelievers, for the infidels are a people devoid of understanding.”
Ishaq:326 “Prophet exhort the believers to fight. If there are twenty good fighters they will defeat two hundred for they are a senseless people. They do not fight with good intentions nor for truth.”
Bukhari:V4B52N63 “A man whose face was covered with an iron mask came to the Prophet and said, ‘Allah’s Apostle! Shall I fight or embrace Islam first?’ The Prophet said, ‘Embrace Islam first and then fight.’ So he embraced Islam, and was martyred. Allah’s Apostle said, ‘A Little work, but a great reward.’”
Bukhari:V4B53N386 “Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah alone or pay us the Jizyah tribute tax in submission. Our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says: ‘Whoever amongst us is killed as a martyr shall go to Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever survives shall become your master.’”
Muslim:C34B20N4668 “The Messenger said: ‘Anybody who equips a warrior going to fight in the Way of Allah is like one who actually fights. And anybody who looks after his family in his absence is also like one who actually fights.”
Qur’an:9:38 “Believers, what is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forth and fight in Allah’s Cause you cling to the earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? Unless you go forth, He will afflict and punish you with a painful doom, and put others in your place.”
Qur’an:9:123 “Fight the unbelievers around you, and let them find harshness in you.”
Qur’an:8:72 “Those who accepted Islam and left their homes to fight in Allah’s Cause with their possessions and persons, and those who gave (them) asylum, aid, and shelter, those who harbored them – these are allies of one another. You are not responsible for protecting those who embraced Islam but did not leave their homes [to fight] until they do so.” [Another translation reads:] “You are only called to protect Muslims who fight.”
Muslim:C9B1N31 “I have been commanded to fight against people till they testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and believe in me (that) I am the Messenger and in all that I have brought.”
Bukhari:V9B84N59 “Whoever says this will save his property and life from me.’”
Qur’an:8:73 “The unbelieving infidels are allies. Unless you (Muslims) aid each other (fighting as one united block to make Allah’s religion victorious), there will be confusion and mischief. Those who accepted Islam, left their homes to fight in Allah’s Cause (al-Jihad), as well as those who give them asylum, shelter, and aid – these are (all) Believers: for them is pardon and bountiful provision (in Paradise).”
Tabari IX:69 “Arabs are the most noble people in lineage, the most prominent, and the best in deeds. We were the first to respond to the call of the Prophet. We are Allah’s helpers and the viziers of His Messenger. We fight people until they believe in Allah. He who believes in Allah and His Messenger has protected his life and possessions from us. As for one who disbelieves, we will fight him forever in the Cause of Allah. Killing him is a small matter to us.”
Qur’an:48:16 “Say (Muhammad) to the wandering desert Arabs who lagged behind: ‘You shall be invited to fight against a people given to war with mighty prowess. You shall fight them until they surrender and submit. If you obey, Allah will grant you a reward, but if you turn back, as you did before, He will punish you with a grievous torture.”
Qur’an:48:22 “If the unbelieving infidels fight against you, they will retreat. (Such has been) the practice (approved) of Allah in the past: no change will you find in the ways of Allah.”
Qur’an:47:4 “When you clash with the unbelieving Infidels in battle (fighting Jihad in Allah’s Cause), smite their necks until you overpower them, killing and wounding many of them. At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly, making (them) captives. Thereafter either generosity or ransom (them based upon what benefits Islam) until the war lays down its burdens. Thus are you commanded by Allah to continue carrying out Jihad against the unbelieving infidels until they submit to Islam.”
Qur’an:47:31 “And We shall try you until We know those among you who are the fighters.”
Tabari VI:138 “Those present at the oath of Aqabah had sworn an allegiance to Muhammad. It was a pledge of war against all men. Allah had permitted fighting.”
Tabari VI:139 “Allah had given his Messenger permission to fight by revealing the verse ‘And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah.’”
Qur’an:9:19 “Do you make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Mosque, equal to those who fight in the Cause of Allah? They are not comparable in the sight of Allah. Those who believe, and left their homes, striving with might, fighting in Allah’s Cause with their goods and their lives, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah.”
Ishaq:550 “The Muslims met them with their swords. They cut through many arms and skulls. Only confused cries and groans could be heard over our battle roars and snarling.”
Qur’an:2:216 “Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims), though you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and like a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.” [Another translation reads:] “Warfare is ordained for you.”
Qur’an:4:95 “Not equal are those believers who sit at home and receive no injurious hurt, and those who strive hard, fighting Jihad in Allah’s Cause with their wealth and lives. Allah has granted a rank higher to those who strive hard, fighting Jihad with their wealth and bodies to those who sit (at home). Unto each has Allah promised good, but He prefers Jihadists who strive hard and fight above those who sit home. He has distinguished his fighters with a huge reward.”
Bukhari:V4B52N44 “A man came to Allah’s Apostle and said, ‘Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad in reward.’ He replied, ‘I do not find such a deed.’”
Bukhari:V1B2N25 “Allah’s Apostle was asked, ‘What is the best deed?’ He replied, ‘To believe in Allah and His Apostle Muhammad.’ The questioner then asked, ‘What is the next best in goodness?’ He replied, ‘To participate in Jihad, religious fighting in Allah’s Cause.’”
Qur’an:33:22 “Among the Believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah and have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting). Some have completed their vow to extreme and have been martyred fighting and dying in His Cause, and some are waiting, prepared for death in battle.”
Muslim:C28B20N4631 “I heard Muhammad say: ‘I would not stay behind when a raid for Jihad was being mobilized unless it was going to be too hard on the believers. I love that I should be killed in Allah’s Cause; then I should be brought back to life and be killed again.’”
Qur’an:9:111 “Allah has purchased the believers, their lives and their goods. For them (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise). They fight in Allah’s Cause, and they slay and are slain; they kill and are killed.”
Bukhari:V4B52N196 “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘I have been ordered to fight with the people till they say, “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.”‘”
Qur’an:47:4 “So, when you clash with the unbelieving Infidels in battle (fighting Jihad in Allah’s Cause), smite their necks until you overpower them, killing and wounding many of them. At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly, making (them) captives. Thereafter either generosity or ransom (them based upon what benefits Islam) until the war lays down its burdens. Thus are you commanded by Allah to continue carrying out Jihad against the unbelieving infidels until they submit to Islam.”
Bukhari:V4B52N50 “The Prophet said, ‘A single endeavor of fighting in Allah’s Cause is better than the world and whatever is in it.’”
Noble Qur’an:2:190 Footnote: “Jihad is holy fighting in Allah’s Cause with full force of numbers and weaponry. It is given the utmost importance in Islam and is one of its pillars. By Jihad Islam is established, Allah’s Word is made superior (which means only Allah has the right to be worshiped), and Islam is propagated. By abandoning Jihad Islam is destroyed and Muslims fall into an inferior position; their honor is lost, their lands are stolen, their rule and authority vanish. Jihad is an obligatory duty in Islam on every Muslim. He who tries to escape from this duty, or does not fulfill this duty, dies as a hypocrite.”
Tabari IX:69 “Killing disbelievers is a small matter to us.”
Tabari VIII:141 “The battle cry of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah that night was: ‘Kill! Kill! Kill!’”
A true Christian:
1. Believes that Jesus is Lord: This is the pre-eminent characteristic of a true Christian because salvation hinges on it (Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11). Marked by:
* The public confession of faith (Matthew 10:32).
* A willingness to accept that God is the creator, not the ‘evolver’ of all (Romans 1:18-20).
* A desire to disciple and be discipled.
* A love for and determination to live according to the commands of God (1 John 5:2).
* Concerned about outreach – taking the gospel to the unsaved.
2. Accepts that the Bible is the full and final counsel of God: The true Christian acknowledges that the Bible is the means used by God to reveal his character and counsel for faith and life. The Bible is used to test everything, including experience, emotions, thoughts, prophecy and teaching. The Bible is accepted as infallible and accurate. Marked by:
* Regular critical reflection, based on the Bible, of any teaching or prophecy Jeremiah 23:28; Acts 17:11).
* The regular habit of Bible study (John 8:31; 2 Timothy 3:16).
* The ability/willingness to defend the accuracy/reliability and infallibility of the Bible (Jude 3; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
3. Holds to all of the essential doctrines of an evangelical faith: The true Christian knows and understands these essentials of the faith. Salvation is by faith alone, in Christ alone, understood through Scripture alone (Romans 10:14), by God’s grace alone to the glory of God alone (Ephesians 1:1-14). Marked by:
* A maturity in understanding that is not swayed or confused by unbiblical teaching or prophecy (Ephesians 4:14-16).
* An ability to teach others with gentleness and respect (Titus 1:11, 2:1; 2 Timothy 2:24).
* A willingness to admonish those who deviate from the essentials of the faith (Colossians 1:28, 3:16, 1 Timothy 1:3).
* A drive to demonstrate faith in works that build the Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14).
4. Is distressed by sin in the Church: In Hebrews 1:9, referring to Jesus Christ our Lord it is said that he ‘loved righteousness and hated wickedness’. The true Christian actively avoids sin in his own life and opposes it in the Church because it undermines our Christian witness before the unsaved (1 Peter 2:12). Marked by:
* A deep concern about unrighteousness in the World (2 Peter 2:8).
* An active interest in opposing sin in the World (Proverbs 25:26; Ezekiel 9:4; Psalm 119:158).
* A willingness to confront sin in the Church (Matthew 18:15-17).
* Personal honesty and reflection followed by the open confession of any known personal sin (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).
5. Is distressed by false teaching and prophecy in the Church: The prophets, our Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles all warned us that false teachers, apostles and prophets would be present in the Church Matthew 24:11; Acts 20:29-30; John 10:12; 2 Corinthians 11:13). The true Christian is always on his guard. Marked by:
* The diligent study of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15).
* Guarding the truth against error (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 4:15; 2 Peter 3:14-17) *.
* Active opposition to false doctrine and prophecy (Jude 3; Colossians 3:16).
* This is especially true for those Christians appointed as elders (Acts 20:31).
6. Always tests what they hear and do, against the Word of God: The Lord requires the Christian to test both themselves and what they see and hear against the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 8:8). True Christians measure their own thoughts words and actions against Scripture (Romans 12:2; Proverbs 3:21). They do the same in relation to others. Marked by:
6. Always tests what they hear and do, against the Word of God: The Lord requires the Christian to test both themselves and what they see and hear against the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 8:8). True Christians measure their own thoughts words and actions against Scripture (Romans 12:2; Proverbs 3:21). They do the same in relation to others. Marked by:
* Regularly appraises their own behaviour against the character traits known as the ‘fruit of the spirit’ (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 13:5).
* Does not automatically accept any teaching or prophecy just because it comes from a pastor or well known Christian (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:15; Philippians 1:9-11).
* Applies the ‘Berean principle’ to any teaching they hear (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
* Tests the actions of others against God’s commands and judges the person accordingly (1 Corinthians 5:12; Revelation 2:2).
7. Consciously models agape love: Love is the most important characteristic of any Christian (1 John 4:8) because the exercise of love as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 mirrors the character of God. Without love a Christian is no more than a ‘clanging cymbal’ (1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 John 3:14). Love is not an emotion. It is an act of will made more possible by the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the true Christian (John 14:21). Marked by:
* A love of God reflected in a sanctified life free of immorality, complacency and deceit. The love of God is reflected in the willingness to obey his commands for holy living (Matthew 22:37; 1 John 5:2-3).
* Love and forgiveness for those who hate and abuse the Christian (Matthew 5:44).
* A love of the truth and active opposition to what is evil (Romans 12:9; 1 John 3:18).
* A willingness to be patient, kind, forgiving, unselfish, persevering, trusting [in God], protective [of others and the truth] and hopeful [in our eventual glorification] (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
* An acceptance of Gods correction (Revelation 3:19).
* The conscious separation of the holy from the secular (Luke 16:33; 1 John 2:15).
* A loving concern for brothers and sisters in Christ, family and others [our 'neighbours'] (Matthew 19:19; 22:39; 1 John 3:17).
* A reduced fear of what might happen in this world and no fear about the certainty of salvation (1 John 4:18).
8. Fears God, holding Him in reverential awe: Unlike worldly fear, the fear of God is not a destructive emotion but a life giving, strengthening knowledge based on holding a perfect, holy God in reverential awe. The true Christian knows that God will hold us to account for everything we do, judging our actions, thoughts and motives. Scripture teaches us that fearing God is essential if we are to gain the wisdom and knowledge we need to live according to God’s principles and mirror His character (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7). Marked by:
* Actively searching the word of God for the Lord’s commands because to love God is to obey His commands (1 John 5:2-3).
* The living of an increasingly sanctified life [free of sin - Proverbs 14:27], through the knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:3; Titus 1:1).
* Freedom from anxiety, living at peace and seeing church growth (Proverbs 1:33, Acts 9:31).
* Is willing to examine and change habits (Psalm 55:19).
* Knows the protection and provision of God (Proverbs 2:1-8).
* Accepts any testing times as godly growing and learning experiences (Exodus 20:20).
9. Is concerned to spread the ‘Gospel of the Kingdom’: The true Christian recognises that our chief concern must be the proclamation of the ‘good news’ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; Revelation 14:6; Colossians 1:23). Any church that does not put the gospel first has lost sight of its calling. There are various aspects to what Jesus called ‘the gospel of the kingdom’ (Matthew 24:14; Mark 1:14; Matthew 9:35). Marked by:
* The ability to present the gospel of Jesus Christ [His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins] in different circumstances (Luke 4:18; Romans 10:5).
* Apologetic skills – the ability to show how the Bible proves itself [e.g. prophetic fulfilment, archaeological proof, scientific evidence] (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
* An emphasis on a gospel of repentance, not a cheap grace gospel – ‘Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life’ (Isaiah 59:20; Jeremiah 15:19; Mark 6:12; Luke 13:3-5; Acts 3:19; 20:21; 26:20).
* A concern to be a witness to their immediate family (1 Timothy 5:8; Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 30:17; Isaiah 58:7).
* A desire to witness by helping the poor and needy (Psalm 41:1; 72:4; Luke 7:22; Mark 10:21; Galatians 2:10; James 2:5).
10. Applies a Christian world view to our times: A world view is a consistent understanding of the times in which we live. The true Christian is so grounded in biblical and spiritual understanding that they can apply it to the whole of life and the times in which we live (1 Chronicles 12:32; Matthew 16:3). Marked by:
* Recognises that the Bible is the whole counsel of God. There is no segregation of ‘church life’ and secular life. The whole of life and all that is happening in society and the world is examined in the light of scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).
* An ability to discern and shun false ideas (Colossians 2:8; 2 Peter 3:17; Ephesians 5:6).
* A concern for righteous government (Romans 13:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).
These are 10 marks (there are many others), which demonstrate that a person has truly been ‘born again’. A true Christian will love God with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength, and will love his neighbour as he loves himself (Mark 12:30-31). Please take the time to examine the 10 Marks mentioned here, and make sure of your faith… (2 Corinthians 13:5)
all of these information about Muslim population around world is false. I think they afraid to tell the correct one which I think should be more than this. I believe we more than they guess
MUSLIMS IN INDIA IS THE 2ND LARGEST POPULATION IN THE WORLD.
PAKISTAN GIVES WRONG INFORMATION TO GET MORE AID FROM THE ARAB COUNTRIES AND THE WORLD AND PAKISTANI HAS 7% NONMUSLIMS.
APART FROM THIS, A LARGE NUMBER OF PAKISTANIS ARE CONVERTING TO OTHER RELIGION. MOST OF THEM DIED IN TERROR ATTACKS AND SOME OF THEM BY EARTH QUADE AND FLOODS.
My brother you are absaloutly wrong .Pakistan is a complete Muslim state .there are a very smile minorities in Pakistan but they are only 3% to 4%.The citizens of Pakistan are allowed to lead there life according to there religion ,not like India to force every body to follow only Hindu religion.
@ahmad aziz how can u say that…? i live in pakstan and i know how many muslims live here the figure given is accurate and almost 98% muslims in pakistan.
Shiias are in lebanon too btw .. ALOT!
yes indeed…. but the figure seems to be not accurate because the poplution of shias in lebanon is lot more than assumed!
I m surprised to read that one out of every four humans is a muslim.As i believe no religion of the world teach to his followers to commit such activities to harm the feelings of others.Islam is the most peacefull religion of the world .This is only America in the whole world ,who says that Muslim is against us.why they are not thinking that thy spoil the whol world for their own interest ,They killed million of innocent people and common citizen by their bombing in Afghanistan,in the same way in Iraq and other muslim countries.The only reason for these destruction which is seemed to be understand is the natural wealth of the mulim countries .The cruel America is using thre propeganda resource to declare The whole muslim world as a terrorist.
majority of nigerian population is in northern part more than 80 million people of which more than 70% are muslims,southern nigeria comprises of about 70 million of which 65% are non muslims(christians and traditional believers),number of churches does not mean anything as every christian has a chair to seat but if every muslims have a chair to seat can you imagine how many mosques will be built in nigeria? muslims pray close to each other on flat space no chair,if the largest church has 80,000 followers the largest mosque has one million worshippers,christian men and women go to church with their children while mainly muslim men go to mosques in the north and women and small children are left at home so count the number of women mosques to be built and you know the number of muslim women is graeter than men,one man four wife.
asslam o alaikum! jazzak Allah for such a precious and mind relishing information. may Almighty bless you alot for this and make oll other Muslims too to study about their uniqueness and precioiusness and we may heatly try and start implementing our best to better ourselves to be proves as the best Ummah as mentioned by Almighty Allah in the Holy Quran. ameen
mr.so called adegoke and hameed cattu, why are u people so worried with muslims population suppassing christian population in Nigeria?pls, call a spade a spade and not an axe.Muslims population in negeria far exceed christian population in nigeria this is because,the Muslims are more influencial in any sector of Nigerias economy and looking at the
Pls. Dont mind about those Nigerian christian, for the fact that Muslims are not given the right number, u are still complaining
It is so pathetic to see all talking over something very irrelevant. We have been discussing to know and uphold that a particular religion is more than the other in population and better to accept as a faith. Can anyone tell me if you had been to heaven before if there is a separate heaven for christian and muslim? We just developed hatred towards another just because we want to show supremacy and yet we are still where we are in Nigeria! I had taken pains to read through all the comments and felt sorry for Nigeria and the world as well. We are only using religion as a divide and rule tool. Many religion leaders tell tall lies just becasue they want to paint their religion good! Some religions leaders pay huge money to some popular individuals to accept their religion because they want people to accept their religion. What a shame! What do we stand to gain from killing ourselves? Why do we want to force people to accept our religion? Often times we infringe on the fundamental rights of human beings and yet nobody condemn our acts and we believe that what we do is right! We had deprived a lot of people right to life and right to worship what they believe. Are we God! Why do we judge other religion when you dont want your religion to be judged? We all have a lot to of questions to answer when we get to heaven and HONESTLY, GOD WILL TELL YOU THAT HE NEVER SENT YOU TO GO KILL UNJUSTLY! If some one comes to take your life or the life of your wife and children because he want you to accept his religion will you be happy? We need to be rationale in our thinking. We need to tolerate one another. We need to know that a day of reckoning is coming and we shall give detailed account of all we had done on earth with our mouths and hands. We are all a sinner! We need to pray God for forgiveness!
Muqqtar! Mr. pious its seems u dont really knw wot u are saying. Stay there and d frog kicks u. Religion is very vital in human life and as my religion says, it is the most essential in life, witout it life is meaningless. i quoted this from u “HONESTLY, GOD WILL TELL YOU THAT HE NEVER SENT YOU TO GO KILL UNJUSTLY”. How do u also knw dis and u hav not been to heaven b4. Open ur eyes, the only true way is ISLAM
I was born and brought up in Nigeria. The muslis population is more than bcos muslims in Nigeria are not practising family planning while christians do practice. Also muslims are practising poligamy marriage bcos u can a single muslim with four wifes and 30 children but in christians no. So that fact muslims outweight the number of christian.
Pls could jacob david disput the cia factbook refered above. US has the highest christian population in the world and their offiicial agency reported that there are more muslims in nigeria than christians. No wonder you disappear after the truth was presented to you
Muslims are called all sort of name well God knows best who ar the real terrorist. Not far fetched one only need to look at history to find out those that have champion a positive course for the up liftment of humanity. In as much as we trying to promote one religion over the other we should both have an indepth look of the true tenent of islamic teaching n the true teaching of Jesus with an opan mind for if u develop hatetrate for a poeple, it will block ur way towards the objectivity and value of the poeple then compere it with the western agender, from the angle of Democracy and Circular Democracy. Democracy will go well with muslim n christain alike but circular democracy? We could as well as our self y God distroy sodomon and gomorah cos this is one of the many ills that comes with circulalism.were the rules of God is not given priority over d rules of man. On conversion:there ar muslims converts to christainity also christaine revert to islam. The point of is that through out history there is no record of a single learned muslIm scholar converting to christanity while reverse is the case in islam. And it is these christaine learned scholars that ar championing the spread of islam to day in the west. Am a muslim from south south 75% of my town ar muslims