Which religion is fastest growing in the world?
Islam is widely regarded as the fastest-growing religion in the world. Several factors contribute to this rapid growth:
1. High Birth Rates: Muslim-majority countries often have higher birth rates compared to many other regions, significantly contributing to the growth of the Muslim population.
2. Conversion Rates: There are substantial conversion rates to Islam, with people from various backgrounds embracing the religion, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Western world.
3. Young Demographics: The Muslim population tends to be younger on average, leading to higher rates of population growth compared to older populations in other religious groups.
4. Global Migration: Migration patterns have also played a role in spreading Islam to new regions, further contributing to its growth.
These factors collectively make Islam the fastest-growing major religion globally.
Why People accept Islam?
There are approximately 1.9 billion Muslims globally, making up about 24.9% of the world’s population.
1. Spiritual Fulfillment: Many converts find a sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment in Islamic teachings and practices.
2. Clarity and Simplicity: Islam's clear monotheistic belief and straightforward tenets appeal to those seeking a direct and uncomplicated relationship with God.
3. Community and Belonging: The sense of community (ummah) and the supportive environment within Muslim communities attract many people.
4. Influence of Muslim Friends and Family: Personal relationships with Muslims often lead individuals to learn about and embrace Islam.
5. Social Justice and Equality: Islam's emphasis on social justice, charity, and equality resonates with many people who are concerned about these issues.
6. Personal Study and Curiosity: Many converts come to Islam after a period of personal study and reflection, finding the religion's teachings logical and compelling.
7. Global Influence: Increased visibility of Islam through media, travel, and migration has also played a role in its growth.
What is difference between Muslims and Christians?
Muslims and Christians share some common beliefs but also have significant differences in their theology, practices, and religious texts. Here are some key distinctions:
Theology
Belief in God:
Muslims: Believe in one God (Allah), who is strictly singular, unique, and incomparable.
Christians: Believe in one God who exists as a Trinity—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ:
Muslims: Regard Jesus (Isa) as one of the greatest prophets, but not divine. They do not believe in the crucifixion or resurrection of Jesus, but that he was taken up to heaven by God.
Christians: Believe Jesus is the Son of God, part of the Holy Trinity, and that his crucifixion and resurrection are central to salvation.
Scriptures:
Muslims: Follow the Quran, which they believe to be the final and unaltered word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. They also respect previous scriptures like the Torah and the Bible but believe these texts have been altered over time.
Christians: Follow the Bible, which includes the Old Testament and the New Testament. They believe it is the inspired word of God.
Prophets
Muslims: Believe in many prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, with Muhammad being the last and final prophet.
Christians: Recognize many of the same prophets as Muslims (from the Old Testament) but believe Jesus is the final and central figure, not a prophet but the divine Son of God.
Salvation and Afterlife
Muslims: Believe salvation is achieved through faith in Allah, good deeds, and following the Five Pillars of Islam. They believe in a Day of Judgment where people are judged based on their deeds.
Christians: Believe salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, his death, and resurrection. Good works are a response to faith but not the basis for salvation.
Religious Practices
Prayer:
Muslims: Perform five daily prayers (Salah) facing Mecca.
Christians: Pray in various forms, including communal worship on Sundays and personal prayer, without a strict schedule.
Fasting:
Muslims: Observe fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Christians: Some denominations observe fasting during Lent and other specific times, but it is not as universally practiced as in Islam.
Charity:
Muslims: Are required to give zakat (a form of almsgiving) which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Christians: Encourage tithing and charitable giving but it is not mandated in the same way as zakat.
Pilgrimage:
Muslims: Are required to perform the Hajj to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they are able.
Christians: Do not have a required pilgrimage, though many visit holy sites.
Religious Leadership and Structure
Muslims: Have various scholars and leaders (imams, sheikhs) but no central religious authority. Different sects (Sunni, Shia) have their own structures.
Christians: Depending on the denomination, there can be a central authority (like the Pope in Roman Catholicism) or a more decentralized structure (as in Protestantism).
What is Quran said about Christian?
These differences reflect the unique theological foundations and practices of each religion, contributing to their distinct identities.
The Quran discusses Christians in several verses, acknowledging common ground while also highlighting theological differences.
Here are some key points the Quran makes about Christians:
Common Ground and Respect
People of the Book: Christians, along with Jews, are referred to as "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitab), meaning they have received earlier revelations from God.
"Indeed, those who believe [in the Quran], and those who are Jews and Christians and Sabians—whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteousness—will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve." (Quran 2:62)
Shared Beliefs: The Quran recognizes that Christians believe in one God and promotes peaceful coexistence and dialogue.
"Say, 'O People of the Book, come to a word that is equitable between us and you—that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah.' But if they turn away, then say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].'" (Quran 3:64)
Theological Differences
Trinity:The Quran explicitly rejects the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing the oneness of God.
"O People of the Book, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, 'Three'; desist—it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son." (Quran 4:171)
Divinity of Jesus: The Quran regards Jesus (Isa) as a prophet and messenger, not divine or the son of God.
"They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary' while the Messiah has said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Indeed, he who associates others with Allah—Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers." (Quran 5:72)
Crucifixion: The Quran states that Jesus was not crucified but rather that it appeared so to people, and that he was taken up to heaven by God.
"And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.' And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain." (Quran 4:157)
Interactions and Conduct
Fairness and Justice: The Quran advocates for fairness and justice towards Christians and encourages Muslims to engage in kind and respectful dialogue.
"Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes—from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." (Quran 60:8)
Marriage: Muslim men are permitted to marry chaste Christian women.
"This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers." (Quran 5:5)
These verses reflect the Quran's nuanced view of Christians, recognizing them as recipients of divine revelation while also addressing key theological differences.
The Quran explicitly rejects the notion that Allah has a son, which is a central belief in Christianity regarding Jesus Christ. Several verses emphasize this point:
1. Direct Rejection of the Sonship of Jesus:
"They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary.' The Messiah himself said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Indeed, he who associates others with Allah—Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.'"* (Quran 5:72)
2. Emphasis on the Oneness of Allah:
"O People of the Book, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, 'Three'; desist—it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son." (Quran 4:171)
3. Rejection of the Trinity:
"O People of the Book, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, 'Three'; desist—it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son." (Quran 4:171)
4. Clarification that Allah is Unique and Transcendent:
"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Quran 112:1-4)
These verses underscore the Quranic perspective that Allah is unique, without any partners or offspring, which contrasts with the Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus as the Son of God.