07/03/2026
The Pew Research Center, which identifies Islam as the world's fastest-growing major religious group. the Pew Research Center, which identifies Islam as the world's fastest-growing major religious group.
Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center
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Key Findings from the Pew Study
According to reports updated through 2025 and 2026, the growth of Islam is primarily driven by demographic factors rather than conversion:
Middle East Eye
Middle East Eye
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Fastest Growth Rate: The Muslim population grew by 21% between 2010 and 2020, reaching nearly 2 billion people. This rate is twice as fast as the overall global population growth.
Youthful Demographic: Muslims have the youngest median age among major religious groups (24 years old as of 2015/2020), meaning a larger share of the population is entering reproductive years.
Higher Fertility Rates: Globally, Muslim women have an average of 2.9 children, compared to 2.2 for non-Muslims.
Projections for the Future:
By 2050, the number of Muslims (projected 2.8 billion) is expected to nearly equal the number of Christians (2.9 billion) for the first time in history.
By 2070 to 2100, Islam is projected to overtake Christianity as the world's largest religion.
By 2050, India is projected to have the largest Muslim population of any country, surpassing Indonesia.
Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center
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About the Featured Site
The image depicts Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which houses the Kaaba. It is considered the most sacred site in Islam and is the destination for millions of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah annually. Recent reports also highlight it as the world's most expensive building, with expansion costs nearing $100 billion.