Islam is the fastest-growing religion in Asia (and globally), showing significant absolute growth due to high birth rates and younger populations, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, while Hinduism also continues to grow, though Buddhism is declining demographically. Muslims increased by 16% in the Asia-Pacific region between 2010-2020, with projections showing they will surpass Hindus in the region by 2050.
The Muslim population grew the most in the Asia Pacific region, which is home to the largest Muslim population, increasing by 16.2% between 2010 and 2020. Meanwhile, Christianity declined by 1.8%, mainly due to larger population growth among non-Christians.
By 2050, Christianity is projected to remain the world's largest religion, but Islam is expected to nearly equal it in numbers, with both groups comprising around 30-31% of the global population, driven by higher birth rates in Muslim-majority areas and significant growth in Christian populations, particularly in developing regions, according to Pew Research Center analyses.
77% of new converts to Islam are from Christianity, whereas 19% were from non-religion. Meanwhile, among American-born Muslims who have left Islam, about 55% now identify with no religion, 22% identify as Christian, and another 21% identify with other faiths.
The 2021 Census found 43.9 per cent of people in Australia identified as Christian. This was down from 52.1 per cent in 2016, and 61.1 per cent in 2011 and marks a 17.2 per cent decrease over a decade.
A comprehensive religious forecast for 2050 by the Pew Research Center predicts that the global Muslim population will grow at a faster rate than the Christian population – primarily due to the average younger age, and higher fertility rate of Muslims.
In 2030, Muslims will experience a rare "double Ramadan," fasting twice within the Gregorian calendar year (early January and late December) due to the lunar Islamic calendar's shift; demographic trends suggest continued significant growth, with India potentially having the largest Muslim population and substantial increases in Europe and the U.S., while religious practices will focus on increased devotion and reflection during these two holy months.
Islam has continued to spread through commerce and migrations, especially in Southeast Asia, America and Europe. Modern day Islamization appears to be a return of the individual to Muslim values, communities, and dress codes, and a strengthened community.
The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest surviving religion in the world, it is also described by the 19th century term Sanātana Dharma ( lit. 'eternal dharma'). Vaidika Dharma ( lit. 'Vedic dharma') and Arya Dharma are historical endonyms for Hinduism.
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in India. Growth rate of Muslims has been consistently higher than the growth rate of others, ever since the census data of independent India has been available. For example, during the 1991–2001 decade, Muslim growth rate was 29.5% (while others were 19.9%).
As a result of the rapid growth of the Muslim population, the gap between the global number of Muslims and Christians is shrinking. In 2010, Muslims made up 23.9% of the world's population and Christians accounted for 30.6%. By 2020, Muslims accounted for 25.6% and Christians 28.8%.
Muslims and Buddhists today are however, part of a religious community that is connected with each other and living a harmonious life, especially in the context of the region.
National surveys conducted during the early 21st century estimated that an estimated 80% of the Chinese population practice some form of folk religion, for a total of over 1 billion people. 13–16% of the population are Buddhists, 10% are Taoists; 2.53% are Christians, and 0.83% are Muslims.
In Islam, the raised index finger (al-musabbiḥa) symbolizes the core concept of Tawhid, the indivisible oneness of God (Allah) and the declaration of faith (Shahada), affirming there is no god but God. Muslims use this gesture during prayer (Salah) and sometimes when saying the declaration of faith, pointing to the singular nature of God, signifying faith, unity, and praise.
Pure religion is having the courage to do what is right and let the consequence follow. It is doing the right things for right reasons. To be righteous or serving or loving or obedient to God's laws just to earn praise or recognition is not pure religion.
Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions in the world, with approximately 2.3 billion and 2 billion adherents, respectively. Both are Abrahamic religions and monotheistic, originating in the Middle East.
Gen Z's turn toward Christianity reflects a desire for stability, community, and meaning in uncertain times.
Religion in Australia
Catholicism is globally growing, especially in Africa and Asia, with the total number of Catholics increasing, but it's declining as a percentage of the population in some Western countries like Europe and the US, where church attendance and affiliation are falling, though younger generations show varied engagement, with some finding renewed interest. The overall picture is complex: rapid growth in the Global South contrasts with contraction in the West.