Religion is a complex and multifaceted term that encompasses a range of beliefs, practices, rituals, and values associated with a system of faith or worship. It is a cultural, social, and spiritual phenomenon that plays a significant role in the lives of individuals and communities. Religion usually offers explanations for the beginning, purpose, and nature of existence and incorporates beliefs in supernatural or divine persons, powers, or forces. It frequently offers a framework for comprehending the universe, human morality, and death. Religions frequently contain doctrines, sacred writings, rituals, and traditions that serve as a guide for their followers' beliefs and actions.
How many different religions exist today?
Worldwide, many different religions are practiced. Due to the wide range of beliefs and the differences within each religious tradition, it is difficult to give a precise figure. However, the following list of significant religions:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Judaism
- Bahá'í Faith
- Jainism
- Shinto
- Zoroastrianism
There are a number of indigenous and tribal faiths in addition to these, as well as several smaller religious movements and recent religious movements. Different religious traditions exist and are developing in various parts of the world, creating a diverse and dynamic religious landscape.
What is the Oldest religion?
Islam holds that Adam was the first man and the Prophet, and all of humanity descended from him and Eve.
Chronological order of the Prophethood in Islam:
- Adam - 1st man and 1st prophet in Islam
- Noah - 1st Messenger in Islam
- Muhammad - Last Prophet (& Messenger) in Islam
- Messengers [Messages (books)] - around 314 books in Islam. That means, there were around 314 Messengers.
- Prophets - It is believed in Islam, that there were around 124,000 prophets.
According to Islam, while 314 messages came down to those Messengers, there have been 124,000 prophets since Adam, the first man, to carry out Allah's word. Muslims are commanded to accept the last religious word from Allah, the One God. For instance, Jesus served as both their Prophet and Messenger up until the year 609 AD. (pbuh). However, it would be Muhammad (pbuh) after 610 AD.
The following verse from the Quran affirms the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prophethood:
"Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah , of all things, Knowing." (Quran 33:40)
Besides, here is a Hadith that emphasizes the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prophethood:
Narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: 'Would that this brick be put in its place!' So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 334)
This Quran verse, and the Hadith also explicitly states that he is the last of the prophets, indicating that there will be no prophet after him.
In conclusion, Muslims are persuaded that Islam is the oldest religion since it is the only one with sufficient evidence for the existence of the First Man and the Prophet, Adam (pbuh), and the Last Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from one God, Allah.
