Major World Religions: Understanding Key Beliefs and Practices

World religions have shaped civilizations and cultures throughout history, influencing millions globally. While there are countless belief systems worldwide, some are categorized as the major religions due to their vast numbers of followers, historical depth, and cultural impact.

1. Christianity: With over 2 billion followers, Christianity is the largest religion globally. Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, it emphasizes love, salvation, and faith in God.

2. Islam: Islam has over 1.9 billion adherents and is rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Its central text is the Quran, and it highlights submission to God (Allah) and following the Five Pillars of Islam.

3. Hinduism: One of the oldest religions, Hinduism has nearly 1.2 billion followers. Centered in India, it embraces diverse beliefs and practices, including concepts of karma, reincarnation, and moksha.

4. Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), Buddhism has around 520 million followers. It focuses on the path to enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

5. Judaism: Judaism, with about 15 million followers, is one of the earliest monotheistic faiths. It emphasizes the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as documented in the Torah.

World religions are diverse and multifaceted, each contributing uniquely to global culture and human understanding. Studying them fosters respect and intercultural dialogue.