The biggest belief on earth is atheism, and it is growing faster than any other.
Arguing that Islam is peaceful is ridiculous, and so is suggesting that all muslims have the same beliefs.Different muslim sects have been fighting each other for more than 1000 years

Jon, Manchester, UK.

As a former muslim Hafiz myself I have to include what Jesus said For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those that find it. The words of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:14).

abu, Bradford, UK

well..this is not a surptise at all....It's not just about Muslims having bigger families but the true fact is that people other Faiths are turning to Islam. that is because it is the best religion indeed.but u should frst know true islam.
u will say this is what i want for ever

amir, sharkia egypt,

It's not just about Muslims having bigger families but the true fact is that people other Faiths are turning to Islam.

That's the real reason why the Muslim population is growing.

Shaheda Mansur, Coventry, West Midlands

What population pressure? The earth is a very very big place. It's our own stupid fault for all cramming together in tight spaces. How can you say there are too many mouths to feed when some people have billions of £s in the bank just sitting there doing nothing but gaining interest&others have none

Naeem, London, UK

No one here seems to have mentioned population pressure. The world already has too many people on it to continue to be viable. The Christians are having smaller families, which is good news for the planet, while Muslims continue to add to the ever growing population.
It is possible that the Muslims may one day be the most significant force on the planet, but what sort of world will they inherit? Too many mouths to feed. Shortage of energy. A world where many countries will be uninhabitable?
Will they be able to persuade their people to have a much smaller family?
If you breed to dominate the consequences will surely come back to haunt you.
Which ever religion is best is immaterial if we do not do all that we can to reduce the population on this planet.

philip , Liverpool,

Dont worrry , everything that grows comes to an end someday ...
.numbers dont matter ....but humans do ...if by ur parents mistake ur a muslim or christian ...it shouldnt worrry you ...be a good human being ....world will be a nice place to be.... all you need is bloddy food, shelter and clothing... earn it intelligently and respectfully..

Raghav, hyderabad, india

This was contra argument to Dom's comment. Who has bombed in Afghanistan, Iraq and now planning to bomb Iran. Are you still saying that Christanity believes in tolerance. You can't punish the whole country for 1 or 2 hitlers. Who bombed Hiroshima? If you go back to the history, you will have answer to your own answer. No religion teaches hatred but circumstances changes the will of the people.

Parvez, Redhill, United kingdom

I’m an American Muslim who spent half of my life in Morocco (99% Muslims population.) I enjoy my religion in the USA amongst Christians as much or even better than I did in the homeland. I take every opportunity to tell others about my religion and faith, but I cannot tell you how disappointed I became when I read “Muslim” views, like those in this forum. Some Muslims are so caught up in the numbers, percentages, and being the majority while neglecting authenticity and quality. I’m honestly not looking forward a day when Muslims are the majority if (yes, there is an IF) the quality of that majority is the same as that of Morocco.

samad, usa, usa

Aslm alkm,
There's no point in discussing which religion is best or which religion has more number of adherents b'coz unarguably it is Al-Islam {The religion from Almighty Allah since the time of Adam (A.S) till the last human be on earth}. Al-Islam is destined to grow & Alhamdulillah it is growing at a rapid pace. Al-Islam is not merely a religion but it is referred to as Deen by Almighty Allah which means it has complete commandements for a human on how to lead his life. Al-Islam is the solution of mankind & strikes the very intelligence of even the intellect. Al-Islam is derived from 2 root words (1) Salam & (2) Silm. Salam meaning Peace & Silm meaning Submission. On whole, Al-Islam would mean Peaceful submission of our will to the will of Almighty Allah, which is no wonder, that many of them are doing today. Its also a promise from Almighty Allah that the religion of Al-Islam will prevail even though the disbelievers dont like or want it. Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar !

Mohammad Samiuddin, Hyderabad, India

Christianity believes in tolerance. It is high time people stop criticising other religions. If people of differnt religions learn tolerance they can become better human beings. The world will be free from suicide bombers and violence. Most of the suicide bombers are misguided muslims who are brainwashed by fanatic religious Imams.

Dom Pereira, Florida, U.S.A

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was concieved by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hadn of the Father. He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
AMEN.

Rondreasha Smith, Paris,

"ISLAM is protected by ALLAH and it will expand though out the world and RULE the world AGAIN. ISLAM is the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE religion. ALLAHU-AKBAR!!!

ISLAM is the ONLY true religion - and it WILL PREVAIL ALL OVER THE WORLD SOON, almighty willing!"

The Bible teaches that in the end times there will be a religious-political system run by two entities (the Antichrist and the False Prophet) dominating the whole Earth and that Christians will be a minority and will be persecuted along with the Jews (Revelation 13).

Islam teaches that in the end days Muslims will prevail, running the world thru the (Muslim) Messiah and the Mahdi, persecuting and killing Christians and Jews.

Oh well ! Maranatha!

carmine cicchiello, adelaide, australia

Christianity was a total lost. It didn't reserve its book, it didn't reserve its history, it didn't reserve its habits, and now, it didn't reserve its number of people. Christianity is not the chosen religion for mankind because their book had lost its authenticity, and it is just there because of the too many people who follow traditions and never use their minds in verifying their religion's source and books. And it mostly expanded by manipulation or being a better religion for atheists.
The more people who use their minds in their book, the more converts to Islam, or at least, the more exit from Christianity.

Amer Alsabbagh, Riffa, Bahrain

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-nir-Raheem
(In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
(Holy Quran 2:256)

Islam is the religion which was given to Adam, the first man and the first prophet of Allah, and it was the religion of all the prophets sent by Allah to mankind. The name of God's religion lslam was not decided upon by later generations of man. It was chosen by Allah Himself and clearly mentioned in His final revelation to man. In the final book of divine revelation, the Qur'aan, Allah states the following:
"This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (Holy Quran 5:3)
"Abraham was not a Jew nor Christian; but an upright Muslim." (Holy Quran 3:67)

Khalid Ahmed, Chennai, India

Vatican officials offer the most plausible explanation of the increase in the number ot muslims - they have more children. Catholic men have one wife with a few children. Muslim men have several wives and have many, many children. Look at the number of brothers and sisters Osama bin Laden has! As a Roman Catholic, I am tolerant of other beliefs and respect them because the God I believe in loves all, including those who do not love him back because he is also very merciful and forgiving. I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son fo God. I do not believe Mohammed is a prophet, but I do believe muslims believe that and I respect that belief. To Robert in the UK - I accept your apology on behalf of your "brothers/sisters". I will continue to pray for you also, that you are guided in the right direction.

Kelly, Minot, USA

Islam is the most simple and natural religion in the whole world.A Muslim is one who has a personal relationship with his/her Allah(everyone is special in Islam) so no intermediators. Mohamed is a perfect example (human) to every Muslim whose every single word and action was recorded to act as guidance for every Muslim. Quran is purely Allah's words revealed to Prphet Mohammed by Gabriel to the mankind not only Muslims.Jesus,Moses and all the rest of the Prophets are highly regarded in Islam. Mohammed called them his brothers in faith the way Muslims call each other brother. No Muslim is a Muslim if s/he doesnt believe, respect, love and follow Jesus. But Jesus is simply not God. Mary is the best lady ever lived on earth.

Muslims cant understand the concept of trinity, simply coz not even one christian can explain it, "divine mystery" so is that our fault?

Unlike Chrisitans we (whether sunnis,shias,wahabi,sufis) ALL believe in one Allah, Muhammad, same Quran.5 daily prayers etc

hayder, glasgow, uk

ISLAM is protected by ALLAH and it will expand though out the world and RULE the world AGAIN. ISLAM is the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE religion. ALLAHU-AKBAR!!!

din, ph, philippines

I will be very honest with you, do not look at the character of some Muslims and get put of by it. Rather, be open minded and open the Quran and read it. The first verse says'Thanks to god who made mankind', etc and the authenticity is remarkable.

Please do have time to read the english translation of the Quran by either Pikthal or Yusuf. If you havn't read the Quran and are making judgements from the Media then your in the wrong directions.

I appologise if any of my brothers/sisters insulted you in such way,
I pray to Allah to guide you in the right direction, Ameen

robert, london, uk

People say Islam oppresses women in Burqa and so on. Why have so many homogeneous (White) women reverted to Islam in the UK? they make up now most of the revert in Islam in the UK.

Maryam Conner, luxemburg,

"Ulitmately the freedom and equality that led to the success of our western civilization are more important than any religion. These fundamental values are clearly more enshrined in countries with a Judeo-Christian culture than an Islamic one."

True. But how these things came about? At the expense of innumerable sufferings to humanity (wars, isms, bloody revolutions, etc). The civilization is so hypocritic a notion that its proponents actually have to assert and make people adopt it rather than voluntury embracement. On the other hand, people listen about, read and study Islam, and embrace it on their own volution without political pressure or threat of sanctions or even use of force.

Abdul Khaliq, Iowa City, United States

J from London, you simply stated that the religion grows from incessant breeding, and then state that these newborns dont even see a mature age. This proves that it is not the breeding that is increasing the population but it also involves converts otherwise the population would not be stable but have a rocky trend (which it doesnt have). And religion is not on a decline in civilized states, its still growing, but ignorance is more rank in these states and its actually atheism and agnosticism that is increasing.
James from Birmingham, I have given a reason why our apparent "vocal adherents" are violent (because of the media). And to allow the science of hermeneutics into Islam would be devastating. Look at what analysis has done to Bible. There are hundreds of translations and interpretations which are all referred to as the Bible yet have some passages that are extremely questionable and contradictory. The Quran has not been changed since it was first received. ITS indubitable.

Haseeb, Toronto,

Your petty arguments are all very interesting. The truth is that as science advances there are a growing number of aetheists who have not been indoctrinated by religion to believe the world and all upon it are given to them for their use.
We believe that all on this planet are equal and deserve respect, we need religious 'laws' to tell us to be good to each other..., it's COMMON SENSE.
Have you figured where this is going?
Yes very soom the atheists will outnumber you all.., it may already have happened since many are assumed in these pointless headcounts to be 'believers'
We don't try to do good because someone stands in a church, synogogue or mosque and tells us we should to get to heaven. We try to do good because it''s the right thing to do.., and we don't care what religion you are if you need our help.
As our ranks swell so humans will get along better, with each other, and the planet.

P D Cunningham BVSc, Camden, USA/SC

My invisible sky daddy is greater than your invisible sky daddy! Oh no he's not! Oh yes he is!

Someone please stop the world I want to get off (and find somewhere more sane).

Russ, Reading, UK

If people don't want to believe in Allah...who cares? Its there choice and they will see what happens in the Day of Judgment who the real god is, so we really shouldn't care what others think because what do they know about Islam? Except what they show on TV, Most of them just spread lies just trying to make us look bad.

Os, Jersey,

Actually Kevin Miller brings a good point into the discussion. There have been countless Islamic authorities who have condemned suicide attacks, that they are not what Islam is about, and that these actions are utterly and completely WRONG. Its the media that only shows the extremists, the suicide bombers, and the bad side of Islam. When the cartoons of the prophet (SAW) came out, the media shows protests where violence broke out (which protest does not have some aggression involved?) but it didnt show countries like Mauritania where peaceful protests and moral actions were being carried out.
Colin from london--47.8% are not atheist Alhamdulillah! its actually more like 16% or so that are non-religious, and 15% hindus, and then other religions.
Gvin you are totally right, respecting religions is one thing that our prophet (SAW) is well-known for, and I have always had great respect for the other religions of the book (Christianity, Judaism) because we all worship the same ONE God......

Haseeb, Toronto,

E.Hodgson, don't just condemn people to hell. ITS NOT COOL! and Jesus (A.S) was a mortal man as well, who worships the same God that we Muslims, Christians, and Jews do. Jesus "came to fulfill the Torah" (Matthew 5:17) This is why the Old Testament is still an essential part of the Bible, because other than this the New Testament books are all human-made. All of these three faiths are similar in monotheistic ideas. The trinity is not even mentioned in the Bible and yet it is such a major part of Christianity; if your source for the religion is other than scripture and what the Prophets (A.S) had stated (the original statements not interpretations) then you have gone astray.
Phil, Preston, if you are Christian then you have contradicted yourself because the original is actually Judaism which is what your religion is based on. Once again Jesus (A.S) came to fulfill the Torah not to create a seperate ideology. Once again you have displayed the ignorance that is so common...

Haseeb, Toronto,

I think the Vatican spokeperson was trying to playdown the fact - a reality can be seen all over the world, that is, more and more people are converting to Islam everyday. While converting to Islam has become an order of the day and goes without notice, it certainly was a big event when a Muslim converted to Christianity-so big that the Vatican has to publicize it. This fact alone flies in the face of the claims that Islam is a religion of hate or violence and that Islam is growing because Muslims are having more kids.

Abdul Khaliq, Iowa City, United States

The facts are still undeniable that Islam is on the rise and Christianity on the wane. Like it or hate it, the numbers are pretty clear.

Robert, Toronto,

Islam - Religion of Nature !

Ashik, bangalore , India

It is not about quantity but quality. Most of the worlds great scientists, thinkers, artists and visionaries either were born and raised in western countries or choose to work and live there. How many inspirational people of such high calibre choose to live in Islamic countries? Ulitmately the freedom and equality that led to the success of our western civilization are more important than any religion. These fundamental values are clearly more enshrined in countries with a Judeo-Christian culture than an Islamic one.

David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.

"For the first time in history, WE are no longer at the top"

So you see, Catholics have distanced themselves from the rest.

And well said Mansur.

Abdul , Manchester, UK

We christians (catholics, protestants, orthodox, others) need to work together on Christ's mission to achieve men's salvation. Growing numbers in atheism and religions God has not authored unfortunately increases the numbers who won't be joining us in heaven. So lets pray and act so that through the glory of the Lord in our lives people will be reconciled to God through the our Saviour.

Nick, London, UK

Zakaria from Bristol and many others. I spent a long time trying to understand Islam when I shared a flat with a particularly pious Pakistani friend however my main conclusion is that I simply cannot believe in a religion whose most vocal adherents practice the most vile forms of oppression and that cannot brook any kind of intellectual criticism or simple textual analysis of the kind Christian Europeans appplied to the Bible hundreds of years ago. If a faith cannot stand to be questioned then it is not a faith worth having.

James, Birmingham, UK

Islam has contributed us (westerners) to a great extent in every field including medicine, mathematics, sciences, philosophy, theology, etc.

Rāzi (Rhazes). He was an early proponent of experimental medicine and is considered the father of pediatrics.

Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna) His most famous works are The Book of Healing, a vast philosophical and scientific encyclopedia, and The Canon of Medicine.

Ibn-Rushd (Averroes) was the first to define and measure force as "the rate at which work is done in changing the kinetic condition of a material body" and the first to correctly argue "that the effect and measure of force is change in the kinetic condition of a materially resistant mass."

These scholars from Andulucia (south Spain) have spent their whole lives studying subjects which has benefited us now. Islam was at its peak during the Moorish era in Spain. Europe didn't have a slightest idea of sciences, etc. And we had to translate text from Arabic to Latin which made our lives easir..

alex benjamin, london, uk

Why treat the catholics as a seperate Christian religion while not considering the violent differences between the shiite and sunni versions of Islam as equually seperate? Only in Rome.

Jack, Calera,

Run for the hills!

Bob, london,

i seen some comments left on this article and its a great example of islamophobia . Britain and its citizens apparently pride themselves on Multiculturalism well that is obviously not being shown by some people who think that saying offensive comments is alright . dont spread your discrimnating views and keep them to yourselves . if you do not understand the religion of islam dont comment on it .

I am a practising muslim and have chosen my religion because of MY beliefs .

zakaria , bristol , england

Human nature just seems to need something to have 'faith' in.

I find it interesting that a recent report showed a massive increase in the belief in ghosts amongst Brits over the past 50 years. As people stop relying on a god to provide the answers they start introducing other mystic elements.

Having recently had children I can see the attraction in having a 'greater power' to explain all the wonders of the world - Without modern knowledge how did people answer the question 'where does the sun go to at night?' never mind all the terrible ones about the death of a loved one.

So it would seem a much more relevant question to wonder why we seem to need these beliefs rather than which of a rather assorted set is the right one.

Mike, nr London, UK

Hey..

Live & Let Live....

Keep the Peace!

Muhammad, Manchester, UK

Islam is a "single denomination"? What about the division between Sunni and Shi'ite? Sufi versus Wahhabi? It's like saying "Christianity" is a single denomination - you only get the idea that it is one single religion by ignoring the internal diversity.

Brett, Salt Lake City, USA

Most of you are scared of Islam which is a good thing because Islam is growing in your nations and no doubt we will conquer without the sword. We Muslims don't even need to fight because people are seeing the truth. You don't like us because we are not like you. You want accept us because were Muslim.

We Christians, Jews and Muslims share something in common;
We believe in the Almighty God

johnny, valencia,

Isn't the world's largest religion 'Don't know'?

Jessica, Reading, UK

I'm muslim and i can assuringly speak for a large majority of muslims in England. We do not want world denomination, frankly it doesn't matter which religion is larger then the other......everybody just wants to live in peace and freedom!

Both muslims and other religions should respect each other.

Sarah, London, England

Having read some of the racist comments from the muslim population, I now understand how the crusades came about! I cannot believe that in 2008, there are those who openly demean women as second class citizen! Shame on you! Where is the left wing now? They used women in order to gain power by promising them equal rights, and are now happy to live along side people who want to make family pets more important than women! If Islam took over, then I would kill my wife and daughters myself rather then let Islam put its hands on them!

Trevor, London, UK

Haseeb, Islam is not spreading through converts but by incessant breading. Most overly religious countries are failing states, and so these new recruits will likely be ravaged by war famine and disease before reaching maturity.

Religion in civilised, stable nations is on the decline. It just doesn't stack up as our knowledge of reality grows.

J, London,

Not really sure what the point of the article but the comments are quite interesting. 'Islam is the only true religion', sorry but says who? Who are you to say its the only true religion when its a faith and cannot be proved.

Why are people trying to belittle others faiths and comparing them with each other? Bunch of insecure people, just lead a good life and help your fellow man/woman regardless of their religion.

Ree, London, UK

Islam is based on hate and supression. Christianity on love and forgivness. I don't think there is much of a "struggle" going on here....

Seb, London,

Honestly all this conversion back and forth, the growing and shrinking of other religions, is all pointless. When will people learn and accept that there is no god, period?
It won't be more than another two or three decades before atheism takes the position as top belief. Humanity needs to move on, and rid itself of imaginary friends.

Joseph Piatt, Bandon, Oregon

Islam is inherently violent and repressive. You don't join - you are MADE to join by bribes or physical abuse.

And you only have to read both the Bible and Islamic scriptures to realise that Islam has nothing to offer that's not already in the Bible - in fact a considerable amount looks like they've been copied -- with some dubious bits added on. So if you really want to be religious, go with the original and not the copy -- at least you know that the 'main' man was a preacher & healer and not a killer.

Phil, Preston,

Mr. Mujahed from Toronto is sadly mistaken.Islam is a false religion which was started by a mortal man & the truth is far from them.Christ is the only answer & unless you beleive that Jesus was the son of God & was crucified for the redemtion of all mankind you are doomed to an everlasting hell.So on a more personal note I'm sure that all your suicide bombers will soon meet the real creator who will demand to know why they choose their path in life & be sent to hell forever.Save your breath in response as I've heard it all before.....

E.Hodgson, Saskatoon,

A consequence of the counter-productive anti-Islamic aggression by Waterboarder Bush?

alan, cologne,

The smug Muslims seem to have missed the bit that mentions that they're still vastly outnumbered by Christians.

M.R., stockport,

"ISLAM is the ONLY true religion - and it WILL PREVAIL ALL OVER THE WORLD SOON, almighty willing! "

Give over. Islam isn't getting bigger because it's so great, it's getting bigger because a lot of Muslims live in countries where people have more kids. More kids, more Muslims.

Why don't you just worship your God and leave others alone. Why does your religion have to "prevail"? What's the point? I thought it was about worshipping, not world domination (and that doesn't just apply to Muslims).

M.R., Stockport,

"Do you want women to walk in the streets dressed up in latest fashion and teased by hulligans?"

Isn't that exactly what you and your friends do? Attack women when they're not dressed the "proper" Muslim way?

M. R., Stockport,

To Mansur of Hyderabad, India and some other Islamic commentators.
Christians, and this includes Catholics believe in One God. In fact the same God (the prophet Mohammad calls Allah) as you !
We make the Lord's Prayer every sunday, and it opens with "We believe in One God, the father the almighty, maker of heaven and earth of all that is seen and unseen".
We do not believe in the three gods etc.. the Virgin Mary holds a special place for catholics, but is not a God, nor for that matter is the Trinity.
Hopefully, you would consider reading a simple book on Christianity. It might give you guidance on your prejudices. I have read the substantial parts of the Quran and advise you to do the same - Mohammad advises to respect other religons, your should take note of your faith's teachings.
Finally, regarding the decline in Christianity in the UK, this is in part due to the rise of consumerism and atheism UK. Is it no wonder we are richer now than ever, but unhappier than ever?

Gvin, London, United Kingdom

I personally don't care as Christianity is still the dominant faith in the world. As long as Islam doesn't become a majority in the Christian West then I don't care much though I must admit I love this growth of Evangelicals and the fall of the papacy. Long may it continue!

Daniel Fernandes, Middle England, UK

33% christian, 19.2% Muslim. That leaves 47.8% as what? Atheists?
I do hope so.

colin, london, englanistan

Sura (8:12) - "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them"

Join islam...OR ELSE!

Asim, Toronto, Ontario

Whatever the biggest religion may be, there are potentially a massive number of people who's entire belief system is based on falsehoods - possibly all of them. When you put your own religious beliefs to one side and step back and think about the bigger picture - THAT is scary!

julian, shrewsbury, uk

relax people, over 80% of the world aren't brainwashed. we're going to be fine

john, london,

There is nothing to blame anybody. It is due to collapse of family structure, too much liberal views, and lack of respect to their own religion in the West. In most of the western countries, where christian population is in majority, Marriage seems to be a joke there ... Divorce rate is high .... and so, there is nothing to pass on to the next generation or carry on ... Wake up Westerners .... It's a wakeup call ... Islam describes clearly what a person should do and what should not. And aslo ... every religion .... that makes life simpler and peace to mind ... Westerners seems to have forgotten what the Bible describes. I am a Hindu and I know to respect the elders and respect other religions too. In Hindi, religion means "Dharm" means "Duty" means how a man should live and Hinduism describes way of life. Bible too describes it. But, problem is that you have no time to read or understand it and search the same in other religions.
Respect your religion and follow it properly ....

Vitthal, Mumbai, India

It seems to me that while all Muslims share certain basic beliefs there are as many variations as there are Mosques and Mullahs. There is no central arbiter of what the Koran says or means. Hence different Islamic societies have very different interpretations. For example the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia is vastly different from Iran or Turkey.

So Islam is essentially no more homogeneous than is Christianity. What is worrying though is the absence of vocal moderate muslims in positions of authority who are willing and able to tell the extremists that their interpretation is not valid or is actually contrary to the Koran or the spirit of the Prophet's teachings. It seems that the extremists are making all the running.

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge,

Replacing one superstition with another makes no difference. Education is the only way for people to wake up and realise how ridiculous religion is and by education, I don't mean indoctrination.

Charlie, Munich,

The muslims here are displaying their true colours with words of domination and take over! It's time for the west to wake up and smell the coffee.

Troy is burning

Will, Oxford, UK

Seneca the Younger out it rather well in the 1st century: "Religion is something that the common people believe true, the wise false and the rulers useful". People are still as stupid as ever. Plus ça change...

Sam Martin, Brussels,

Before 911 common americans did not know about Islam/muslims a lot. Now the situation is amazing reversed - there are hundreds of americans(from various backgrounds - black/white/mexican/etc) who are becoming true followers of Islam everyday all over america - this change is happening even in the heartland of Bush, TX - you can search "texas muslim" on google/youtube videos to witness the change yourself!

So, It is "ignorance" that breeds hate - while "knowledge/knowing the reality" about Islam has turned the face of america today (whose godless rulers/elite are still trying their best to counter this wave).

ISLAM is the ONLY true religion - and it WILL PREVAIL ALL OVER THE WORLD SOON, almighty willing!

Mujahed, TORONTO, CANADA

While I don’t think that you necessarily should breakdown Muslims into Sunni and Shia, if you do then it is roughly 85% Sunni and 15% Shia. That would mean that there are in the region of 1.07 billion Sunni Muslims in the world, compared to around 1.13 billion Catholics, so the gap in numbers is already very small and shortening all the time.

I think the point of this all is that more needs to be done to promote understanding between these two religions that share so much, rather then focusing on the differences and lack of trust , which are often based on ignorance and suspicion.

Mahfouz (formerly Matthew), Singapore,

Clearly a lot of ill will on both sides here. The vatican newspaper itself attributes this reality to the differing birth rates. Muslims simply have more children. Furthermore Muslims are not permitted to leave their religion-ethnic Malays born in Malaysia are constitutionally assumed to be Muslim and Sharia courts consider attempts at conversion to be apostasy. Yet freedom of religion is proclaimed for this democracy. Saudi Arabia permits no other religion. This is true of most Gulf countries. Coercion into membership of this religion is a fact of life in the most populous muslim countries. What about further statistics? Anyone care to speculate on average lifespan of adult members of each religion? How about children living beyond the age of 5 as a percentage of births? Children in education? Numbers living below the poverty line? Women's rights? There may well be more Muslims but given a choice I know which religion I would still choose.

Galen, Singapore,

Scary. It's 2008 and religions are still growing. Of superstitious ideologies, the most xenophobic one somehow was able to overtake Catholicism as the most popular.

Geoffrey Petersson, Atlanta,

As a hetero sexual male i shouldn't be worried. But i am worried for my daughters and grandaughters. I don't think there is any free thinking man in western europe that would not agree in the benifits womens EQUAL rights have brought our CIVILISATION. And to tariq from india i say that i know many women who are more than your equal. Indeed more than the equal of many of your brainwashed brothers. Maybe thats why you fear them so much.

Henry, Bristol,

It is the quality of the muslims which is going to make the difference rather than quantity. Anyways, It is indeed a good news for muslims all over the world.

sallu, bangalore, karnataka

All the Cristian brothers will obviously feel strangely jealous of the stats. Well let me tell them that it was the 'Christian west' that made sunni and shia separate to the extent of fighting just to satisfy their motives. So, when you count a religion count Islam as one. As for you people, you yourself divide your religion, not us. When you say Islam doesn't give freedom, think again. What for do you want women freedom. Do you want women to walk in the streets dressed up in latest fashion and teased by hulligans? We obviously don't give, and will never give, the women freedom like in America, a country which has the stats of highest no. of rapes per day. And this information is not from any Muslim country, it is from a US govt. dept. So, I would like all of you out there, ready to write against Islam, to think a second time, keeping in mind the new information you have got now.

Tariq, Patnq, India

Adnan's comment says it all. Convert before it's too late. This is a political movement bent on world domination, no more and no less.

Rick, Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada

Statistics like this are misleading. What, are they going to do a head count of the entire human population? All you can do is take a survey of what people admit as their religion, from a small group, and extrapolate it to a whole country. It has nothing to do with *how* people practice their religion. I could claim to be Muslim even if I never prayed and had never read the Quran, the same goes for Christians. It's not about theology, it's about labels.

I know plenty of such people who are "de facto" Christians, because of what is prevalent in their particular family or community. If we want to limit it to those who strictly follow the scriptures, the numbers would be significantly lower on all sides. In broader terms, as far as I know, Christianity has *one* pillar which is Jesus, and there's not so many Christians who don't believe in him =P

HB, FL,

A religion is a set of beliefs and practices often organized around supernatural and moral claims, and often codified as prayer, ritual, and religious law. We believe in Allah, and I am pretty sure that makes Islam a religion...

hamza, jersey city, New Jersey

Islam, like Christianity is a wonderful faith system at its sikmple, basic core.

But like all religions including Christianity (Christmas anyone?) , Isam it has been turned into a political and social vehicle that has added nonsense additions (burqa anyone) over the course of its history.

Do not confuse religion with faith, and do not confuse labels for truths. Islam and Christianity have been prostituted for political and power reasons. Please understand that and have the courage to stand up for what God wants - love of your God and neighbor on earth to earn joy in Heaven.

Zeus Charles, Chicago,

You people are fighting over beliefs like this is big busine$$. Is that what it really is?

Ryan, Pittsburgh, PA

Fred, that wasn't what the point of the article was..they wanted to note that since catholicism is the largest denomination its interesting that Muslims have overtaken them. So, it is true, you cant really compare this properly. But don't get worried guys, We'll get to that point God-Willing when Islam comprises 34% of the worlds population. There's still some time left, and as you know, facts show that Islam is the fastest growing religion. O, and Alex Trieshi, read into Islam and find out the context that Muslims were in at its time of expansion before you go around spreading lies..we have given women many rights, minorities have been tolerated in Muslim countries for a 1000 years, and why would Islam be spreading so quick if it is only based on fear?! Do you think Muslims are forcing these converts?? Ignorance, Ignorance, Ignorance...

Haseeb, Toronto,

There is no difference between Suunies and Shias as there are differences between Christians. Islam is larger than Catholicism and will soon god willing be larger than Christianity. We are strong in our unity and we continue to grow everyday. We are all happy with these reports and some report thaht the number could even be as high as 1.8 billion. This may offend some people because they view Islam as a threat and they see it expanding but all they can do is watch. We hope that many learn from this and realise that we are the fastest growing religion and we will continue to grow so they should also convert if they have not already.

Adnan, Jugoslavia,

Islam is not a religion,it is a political idiology, that is spread by fear,and it suppreses individual freedom

Alex Trieshi, New York, NY.USA

Islam is not a religion,but it is a political-idiology,spread thrue repreason hate and fear,with no rights for whomen,minorities,or any individual rights.

Alex Trieshi, New York, New York,USA

islam is a true religion based on peace so anyone can revert in to the religion of peace when i say revert it means everyone born as a muslim.nothing is called sunni and sheah we all believe in one god.And islam is the world's fastest growing religion don't look at a particular muslim what is he /she doing check it out yourself definitely true picture of islam will come in to your mind.go for authenticated book that is quran.media presents islam as a religion of violence but you have a mind apply the logic and check what is true.may god will guide all of you towards the righteousness.(ameen).

Arif, srinagar, india

The stats are misleading. There are more Christians than Muslims and more Catholics than the major Muslim sect the Sunnis. Why they did not make the distinction? May be thinking all Muslims look alike!

Fred Hamel, Mississauga, Ontario/Canada

The answer to your questions are simple

The vatican consideres itself a separate entity and has had a brutal conflict with the Protestants … meaning they protested and thus it doesnt recognize other instutions as even christian

When it comes to islam the story is completely different . Shia and sunnah and some of the accepted forms of muslim worship are due to the fact of the rules They all use the same Quran and follow the same 5 pillars of worship
But differ in Other teachings of Hadith (sayings)
They recognize each other officially
But due to the fact that most Shia are inside of Iran this trows politics into the story .

All Sunnah and shia and Few others are considered muslim Due to accepting 5 pillars and using the same Quran

khaled, dubai, uae

Religions do not adopt. So one day there will be no Islam, no Catholism and propably no Scientology... Life is all about change. If the Pope in Rome would be a smart guy, he would accept that the party is over.

Padre Ralph, Paris, France

Even though Islam has many denominations, they all believe in one universal belief and philosophy, "Laailaaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah" translated as "There is only one God and Muhammad is His messenger". So we cannot split Islam into different beliefs. All the sunnis, shias, ismailies or whatever you bring out, they all have the same belief when it comes to God. Christians on the other hand have different denominations with different beliefs and theologies. Some believe Jesus as God, some believe Mary as God, some believe Trinity and the confusing list goes on. So never compare Christianity to Islam. Sunnis, shias etc all are one in belief.

Mansur, Hyderabad, India

Islam too has many denominations (i.e. Shia, Sunnis, Ishmailis, etc.). Hence, this article is comparing apples to oranges since Christianity is still the largest religion in the world at 33% to Islam's 19%.

Gary, toronto,

islam is strong religion its faith that naver die.
islam is not made for war it made for kown who is god and what is life.

alex, bronx , New york