Religion is the faith in and devotion to god. It can be said as a set of beliefs justifying the existence of the universe and giving meaning to it. Religion usually involves ritual and devotional observances, and often contains an ethical code administrating the conduct of human dealings. Religion has played a significant role in the history of the world. Did you know that Christianity has more than 33% world population as its followers? Here are some of the major religions in the world:
1. Christianity
Christianity covers almost 33% of the world population. It is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ – believed to be son of god. He was sent in this world to save humanity from sin and to make eternal life possible. People following Christianity are known as “Christians.”
2. Islam
It is based on the teachings by the Prophet Muhammad. He was an Arab born in Mecca, who is believed to be sent by Allah for guiding and being a messenger to his people. People following the ideas of Islam are known as Muslims. The meaning of word Muslim is “the one who submits” and Islam signifies “submission”. Approximately 21% of the world population follows Islam.
3. Hinduism
It refers to a religious mainstream, supposed to have developed organically and spreading over a large area. At present roughly 14% of the world population follows Hinduism. It manifests significant cultural and ethnic diversity. Hinduism believes the whole world as one family deifying the one truth. It recognizes all forms of beliefs and denies distinct religions which means division of identity.
4. Buddhism
It originated in India almost 2,500 years ago and later spread to other parts of the world. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, referred as Buddha – the awakened one. It is based on the principals of ethical behavior of non-violence, truth, abstinence and self-discipline. Almost 6% of the world population follows Buddhism.
Apart from this approximately 16% of the world population follows nonreligious beliefs which include atheism, humanism and agnosticism.