The Muslim world is spread across more than 50 countries, where Islam is either the dominant religion or has a significant presence. It is diverse in terms of sects and schools of thought, reflecting both the geographical and theological diversity within Islam. Below is a breakdown of the Muslim population by country, sects, and schools of thought.
Population by Country:
Muslims make up nearly 2 billion people, distributed unevenly across various regions, with the largest populations concentrated in the following countries:
Indonesia: The largest Muslim population in the world, with around 231 million Muslims (87% of the total population).
Pakistan: Approximately 240 million Muslims, making up about 96% of the population.
India: Home to around 210 million Muslims, the largest minority population of Muslims in the world.
Bangladesh: About 153 million Muslims, representing 90% of the population.
Nigeria: Approximately 110 million Muslims, around half of the country’s total population.
Turkey: Over 85 million Muslims (99% of the population).
Egypt: About 106 million Muslims, nearly the entire population (95%).
Iran: Over 85 million Muslims (99.5% of the population).
Saudi Arabia: Around 36 million Muslims, nearly 100% of the population.
Other Notable Countries: Iraq, Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, Afghanistan, and Malaysia also have significant Muslim populations ranging from 30 to 40 million each.
Population by Sects:
Islam is primarily divided into two main sects, Sunni and Shia, with a smaller percentage adhering to other sects. The distribution of these sects varies by region and country.
- Sunni Muslims:
85-90% of the global Muslim population.
Dominant in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and most of the Arab world.
Sunni Islam itself is diverse, with different legal schools of thought and regional practices.
- Shia Muslims:
Comprise about 10-15% of the global Muslim population.
The majority population in Iran (90-95%), Iraq (60-65%), Azerbaijan (60-65%), and Bahrain (65-70%).
Significant minorities in Lebanon, Yemen (especially the Zaydi sect), Pakistan (10-20%), Afghanistan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.
- Ibadi Muslims:
A small sect that forms the majority in Oman (70% of the population).
Also present in some parts of North Africa, particularly in Libya and Tanzania (Zanzibar).
- Other smaller sects:
Sufism: A mystical branch of Islam that exists within both Sunni and Shia traditions. It is influential in parts of South Asia, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ahmadiyya: A minority sect with significant populations in countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, though they face persecution in many Muslim-majority countries and are not recognized as Muslims by mainstream Islamic groups.
Population by Schools of Thought:
Within Sunni and Shia Islam, there are several schools of thought (madhabs) that provide different interpretations of Islamic law (Sharia) and practice. These schools are not sects but legal traditions that interpret religious texts in different ways.
Sunni Schools of Thought:
- Hanafi:
The largest Sunni school, followed by Muslims in South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh), Turkey, and parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Known for its flexibility in legal interpretation.
- Maliki:
Predominant in North and West Africa, including countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Nigeria.
Heavily based on the practices of the people of Medina in early Islamic history.
- Shafi’i:
Popular in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei) and parts of East Africa (Somalia, Kenya).
Places a strong emphasis on the Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet).
- Hanbali:
The smallest of the four major Sunni schools.
Predominant in Saudi Arabia and practiced by Salafi and Wahhabi movements, which emphasize a return to what they consider the purest form of Islam.
Shia Schools of Thought:
- Twelver Shia (Jafari):
The largest Shia school of thought.
Predominant in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain.
Focuses on the teachings of the Twelve Imams, regarded as the rightful successors of Prophet Muhammad.
- Ismaili Shia:
A significant minority within Shia Islam, found in India, Pakistan, East Africa, and parts of Afghanistan.
The Ismailis have a centralized spiritual leadership under the Aga Khan.
- Zaydi Shia:
Predominantly found in Yemen, especially in the northern regions.
Zaydism shares some similarities with Sunni Islam in legal and theological matters.
Conclusion:
The Muslim world is not a monolithic entity but a diverse tapestry of countries, sects, and schools of thought. The majority of Muslims are Sunni, while Shia Muslims form significant minorities in specific countries like Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Within Sunni and Shia Islam, different schools of thought and legal traditions reflect the rich diversity of religious interpretation and practice. This diversity contributes to the complexity of the Muslim world’s demographic and cultural landscape.