Chidozie Ehirim
Editor
Islam remains one of the most popular religions despite the fact that it has been the subject of negative press coverage and Islampohobia.
The cause of Islamophobia and negative commentary has been as a result of a small minority of extremists who have carried out heinous actions in the name of Islam.
These acts however have been condemned strongly by the vast majority of Muslims while those who practice extremism are criticised and shunnned by their more moderate peers and rightly so.
The popularity and growth of the religion has lead experts to acknowledge that it is on schedule to overtake Christianity if current trends continue.
In fact, it is predicted that not only will Islam overtake Christianity, but that it will also become the most popular religion in the world.
As well as this, Islam is the fastest growing world religion. It's growth is rapid in traditionally Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and India. This should not come as much of a surprise since 62% of the world's muslim population reside in these countries but it is the growth elsewhere in the world, that has been more than evident.
In fact it's popularity in the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and the United States amongst other countries, has also been significant, especially amongst women who have turned to the religion.
A documentary produced by the BBC in 2013 highlighted it's popularity amongst British women for example.
High profile women such as journalist Lauren Booth, former Prime Minister Tony Blair's sister in law and American actress Lindsay Lohan have either converted to the religion or have investigated it in some way. In fact, Lindsay Lohan recently praised the religion. On the Islamic holy book, the Qu'ran, she said, 'My very close friends who have been there for me a lot in London are Saudi and they gave me the Quran and I brought it to New York because I was learning' . She added, ' It opened doors for me to experience spiritually, to find another true meaning. This is who I am.'
The comments by Lohan underline one of the many reasons why the religion remains popular. For other practicing muslims there are a whole raft of factors behind it's growth and popularity.
In an exclusive interview with Zee Media, practicing muslim Aftab Akram, 29, from Luton, United Kingdom, outlined the reasons behind his affinity with the religion and why he believes it draws new worshippers and practitioners. He said, 'The religion has given me hope and spirituality. In general it gives you a sense of belonging because in Islam you are part of a community. It helps you, it guides you toward bettering yourself and helping to better others.'
He added 'Islam makes you selfless, especially in a world that can be selfish. It also provides guidance and encouragement during difficult times. The verses in the Qu'ran bring a lot of help, especially when bad things happen in the world.'
Aftab also shared his thoughts on what he believes draws new followers to the religion, explaining, 'It's the truth and when someone looks into the truth it is hard to deny it. People who are new to the religion will still be curious despite the negative press and will want to find out the truth for themselves. Once you look into the Qu'ran it's hard to hate it.'
What must not be forgotten about the faith is that despite the debate surrounding it, it is purely and simply a religion that provides more than just a way of life.
In the same way other major faiths like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism amongst others, bring a sense of peace and well being to those that follow them, Islam provides similar qualities.
Editor
Islam remains one of the most popular religions despite the fact that it has been the subject of negative press coverage and Islampohobia.
 |
| Mecca |
These acts however have been condemned strongly by the vast majority of Muslims while those who practice extremism are criticised and shunnned by their more moderate peers and rightly so.
The popularity and growth of the religion has lead experts to acknowledge that it is on schedule to overtake Christianity if current trends continue.
In fact, it is predicted that not only will Islam overtake Christianity, but that it will also become the most popular religion in the world.
As well as this, Islam is the fastest growing world religion. It's growth is rapid in traditionally Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and India. This should not come as much of a surprise since 62% of the world's muslim population reside in these countries but it is the growth elsewhere in the world, that has been more than evident.
 |
| Lauren Booth |
A documentary produced by the BBC in 2013 highlighted it's popularity amongst British women for example.
High profile women such as journalist Lauren Booth, former Prime Minister Tony Blair's sister in law and American actress Lindsay Lohan have either converted to the religion or have investigated it in some way. In fact, Lindsay Lohan recently praised the religion. On the Islamic holy book, the Qu'ran, she said, 'My very close friends who have been there for me a lot in London are Saudi and they gave me the Quran and I brought it to New York because I was learning' . She added, ' It opened doors for me to experience spiritually, to find another true meaning. This is who I am.'
The comments by Lohan underline one of the many reasons why the religion remains popular. For other practicing muslims there are a whole raft of factors behind it's growth and popularity.
In an exclusive interview with Zee Media, practicing muslim Aftab Akram, 29, from Luton, United Kingdom, outlined the reasons behind his affinity with the religion and why he believes it draws new worshippers and practitioners. He said, 'The religion has given me hope and spirituality. In general it gives you a sense of belonging because in Islam you are part of a community. It helps you, it guides you toward bettering yourself and helping to better others.'
 |
| Lindsay Lohan |
He added 'Islam makes you selfless, especially in a world that can be selfish. It also provides guidance and encouragement during difficult times. The verses in the Qu'ran bring a lot of help, especially when bad things happen in the world.'
Aftab also shared his thoughts on what he believes draws new followers to the religion, explaining, 'It's the truth and when someone looks into the truth it is hard to deny it. People who are new to the religion will still be curious despite the negative press and will want to find out the truth for themselves. Once you look into the Qu'ran it's hard to hate it.'
What must not be forgotten about the faith is that despite the debate surrounding it, it is purely and simply a religion that provides more than just a way of life.
In the same way other major faiths like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism amongst others, bring a sense of peace and well being to those that follow them, Islam provides similar qualities.
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