The report shows Islam’s rapid growth worldwide, highlighting India’s significant Muslim population of 213 million
NEW DELHI — Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion over the past decade, adding more followers than any other faith, according to a comprehensive study released recently by the Pew Research Centre, a respected independent think tank based in Washington, DC.
Between 2010 and 2020, the global Muslim population rose by nearly 347 million, reaching an estimated two billion people worldwide. This growth marks Islam as the second-largest religion globally, following Christianity, which stands at around 2.3 billion. The study places Indian Muslims prominently in this demographic trend, with India home to the third-largest Muslim population in the world, numbering approximately 213 million.
This rise is remarkable, especially against the backdrop of growing intolerance and challenges faced by Muslims in India, where they remain a significant religious minority. Indian Muslims continue to contribute richly to the country’s cultural fabric and democratic values despite facing social and political difficulties.
The Pew report highlights that Muslims tend to have a younger population, with 35% under the age of 15 in 2010, compared to 31% for Hindus, India’s majority community. This younger age profile, combined with higher average fertility rates — Muslim women averaged 2.9 children per woman between 2015 and 2020, compared to 2.2 for non-Muslims — largely explains the growth of the Muslim population globally and in India.
Dr Imran Ansari, a sociologist based in New Delhi, said, “The growth of Indian Muslims reflects a natural demographic trend, which is consistent across many parts of the world. It is unfair that this growth is sometimes viewed with suspicion. Indian Muslims are part of the country’s rich diversity, and their contribution to India’s progress should be acknowledged, not undermined.”
Despite this steady growth, Indian Muslims continue to face widespread discrimination and communal tension in some areas. Various reports and human rights organisations have noted increasing incidents of hate speech, social exclusion, and political marginalisation of Muslims.
Asif Khan, a community leader from Uttar Pradesh, shared, “While our numbers grow, so do the difficulties. Many in our community live with a fear of violence and injustice. Yet, we remain hopeful and committed to peaceful coexistence with all Indians. Our faith teaches us tolerance and unity.”
This rise in Islam’s global numbers comes even as Hindus, who form the majority in India, grew at roughly the same rate as the world’s overall population. The Pew report states that 95% of the world’s Hindus live in India, where they represent 79% of the population — a slight decrease from 80% in 2010. This marginal decline is reflective of India’s changing religious demographics.
The study also shows that religious conversions have little net effect on Muslim population growth worldwide. About 1% of those born into Muslim families leave the faith, roughly balanced by a similar percentage of converts to Islam.
Globally, the largest Muslim populations are found in Indonesia (239 million), Pakistan (227 million), India (213 million), and Bangladesh (151 million). While the Middle East and North Africa host the highest concentration of Muslims by percentage — 94% in those regions — only about one-fifth of the global Muslim population lives there. India, with its vast Muslim population, plays a crucial role in the overall demographic picture.
Prof Farhat Abbas, an expert on religious studies at Jamia Millia Islamia University, said, “India’s Muslim population is a vital part of the global Muslim community. Despite being a minority in the country, Indian Muslims have always stood for unity and secularism. The Pew findings should serve as a reminder that India’s diversity is a strength, not a weakness.”
The Pew study does not ignore the socio-political climate in many countries, including India, where religious minorities like Muslims face growing intolerance. Hindu groups, often supported by sections of the ruling establishment, have increased hostility towards Muslims, leading to fears about the erosion of India’s secular fabric.
Khalid Sheikh, a rights activist in New Delhi, warned, “The rise of Hindu majoritarianism has resulted in attempts to marginalise Muslims politically and socially. The data showing Muslim growth should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity for India to reaffirm its constitutional commitment to equal rights.”
In many parts of India, Muslims experience difficulties in access to education, employment, and housing. This systemic marginalisation makes their social and economic advancement harder, despite their population growth.
Indian Muslims continue to promote peaceful coexistence and oppose communal violence. Many Muslim organisations actively work with civil society groups across religious lines to strengthen harmony.
Maulana Abdul Qadir, a respected cleric from Hyderabad, said, “Our religion teaches peace and brotherhood. The growth of Islam worldwide, including in India, is a sign of hope. We call on all communities to respect each other and work together for the progress of the nation.”
As the Pew report predicts continued growth of Islam globally in the coming decades, Indian Muslims are set to play a key role in this ongoing demographic shift. Their growth comes amid difficult times but also offers an opportunity for greater inclusion and mutual respect.
The findings challenge some of the negative narratives often pushed about Muslims in India. Instead, they highlight the community’s resilience, vitality, and potential.
India’s future depends on accepting and celebrating its religious diversity, ensuring that Muslims are treated fairly and equally as full citizens. As Dr Imran Ansari said, “India’s strength lies in its pluralism, and Indian Muslims are an essential part of that strength.”
