This list of 10 Muslim countries is based on the total number of Muslims in each country, and the ranking may vary depending on the source.
1. Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, with over 225 million Muslims making up around 87% of its population.
The form of Islam practiced in Indonesia is generally considered to be moderate and tolerant, and syncretic practices with elements of traditional animism and Hinduism are common.
The government officially recognizes six religions, including Islam, and the country has a history of religious tolerance and pluralism. However, there have been concerns about rising religious intolerance and discrimination in recent years.
2. Pakistan
Pakistan is the second-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 200 million Muslims making up around 96% of its population. The majority of Muslims in Pakistan are Sunni, but there is also a significant minority of Shia Muslims.
The Constitution of Pakistan recognizes Islam as the state religion and requires that laws be consistent with Islamic principles. However, the country also has a strong tradition of religious tolerance and freedom of religion. The government has also promoted interfaith harmony and discouraged religious extremism.
3. India
India is the world’s third-largest Muslim-majority country, with over 200 million Muslims making up around 14% of its population.
The history of Islam in India dates back to the 7th century with Arab traders. Over the centuries, Islamic dynasties and empires, such as the Mughals, significantly impacted Indian culture and politics. Today, there is a diverse range of Muslim communities in India, with significant populations in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala.
4. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the fourth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 160 million Muslims making up around 90% of its population.
The country has a long history of Islamic practices and culture, and Islam has played a significant role in shaping the country’s social and political landscape.
The majority of Bangladesh’s Muslims are Sunni, although there is also a small minority of Shia Muslims. The country has a vibrant Islamic cultural heritage, many historic mosques, tombs, and shrines, and a rich Islamic literature and art tradition.
5. Egypt
Egypt is the fifth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 100 million Muslims making up around 90% of its population.
The majority of Muslims in Egypt are Sunni, with a small minority being Shia.
Islam has played a significant role in the country’s history and culture, shaping Egyptians’ legal system, customs, and daily life. The Al-Azhar University in Cairo is one of the world’s oldest and most respected centers of Islamic learning. The government has traditionally played a significant role in promoting and regulating Islamic practices in the country.
6. Turkey
Turkey is the sixth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 80 million Muslims making up around 99% of its population.
The vast majority of Turkish Muslims are Sunni, with a small minority being Alevi.
The country has a long history of state-controlled religious institutions and practices, and the government has historically played a significant role in shaping religious beliefs and practices. Despite this, there is a great deal of diversity within the Muslim community in Turkey, and the country is home to a wide variety of Islamic religious practices and beliefs.
7. Iran
Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is the seventh-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 80 million Muslims making up around 98% of its population.
Iran also has a significant minority of Sunni Muslims, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions of the country.
The Islamic Republic of Iran was established in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic republic.
The government of Iran is based on Islamic principles, and the country’s legal system is based on Islamic jurisprudence. The Supreme Leader of Iran is the highest authority in the country and is a religious figure with significant political power.
8. Nigeria
Nigeria is the eighth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 80 million Muslims making up around 50% of its population.
Islam is one of the major religions in Nigeria, with a significant number of followers in the northern and western regions of the country. The majority of Nigerian Muslims are Sunni, with a minority of Shia and Ahmadiyya.
Islam was introduced to Nigeria through trade and the trans-Saharan slave trade in the 11th century. Today, it plays a major role in Nigeria’s culture, politics, and economy. Despite this, the country remains a diverse and multi-religious society, with Christianity also having a large following.
9. Algeria
Algeria is the ninth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 40 million Muslims making up around 99% of its population.
The majority of Muslims in Algeria follow Sunni Islam, with a small minority being Shia. The country has a long history of Islamic scholarship and has produced many notable Islamic scholars.
The government recognizes and encourages the practice of Islam but also guarantees freedom of religion for non-Muslims. However, the government has had a history of suppressing Islamic fundamentalism and extremism.
10. Morocco
Morocco is the tenth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, with over 35 million Muslims making up around 99% of its population.
The country is known for its religious tolerance and the blending of Islamic and Berber cultures.
The official state religion is Sunni Islam, and the King of Morocco holds the title of “Commander of the Faithful” and “Defender of the Faith.” The country also has a small minority of Jews and Christians. Sufism, a mystical Islamic tradition, also has a significant presence in Morocco.
