In North Africa, Islam has held firm and unwavering over the past decade
Islam continues to deeply shape North African societies, maintaining an almost universal presence rooted in centuries of history. In fact, about 98% of the population in this region identifies as Muslim. The religion is passed down smoothly from generation to generation, with conversions being rare and secularization remaining marginal.
More broadly, between 2010 and 2020, the Middle East and North Africa saw their share of the global population rise from 5.1% to 5.6%. This half-percentage increase reflects a young, dynamic, and growing region, according to a report by the Pew Research Center.
The study also highlights another significant shift: the changing center of global Judaism. For the first time, the majority of the world's Jewish population now lives in the Middle East and North Africa (45.9%), surpassing North America's 41%. A decade earlier, the situation was reversed. This change is mainly due to demographic growth and migration in Israel, where the population grew from 5.8 to 6.8 million.
Christianity Moves South
If any region shows clear change, it's Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2020, the continent became the global hub of Christianity, hosting more than 30% of the world's Christians. Not long ago, Europe was the stronghold of this faith. This shift isn't driven by mass evangelism or conversions but by demographics: a young population, high birth rates, and deeply rooted faith in everyday life.
Islam is advancing for similar reasons, youthful populations, high fertility rates, and strong cultural ties. Across Africa, religion tends to be transmitted steadily through generations, unlike in Asia, America, and Europe, where breaks in religious transmission are more common.
Globally, Islam Advances, Christianity Slows, and the «Nones» Rise
On the world stage, Islam has seen the fastest growth between 2010 and 2020, gaining over 347 million new followers. Christianity increased by 122 million, but this growth couldn't keep up with overall population increases. While Christians remain the largest religious group with 2.3 billion adherents, their global share has dropped from 30.6% to 28.8%.
Perhaps the most notable trend is the rise of those with no religious affiliation, the so-called «nones». This group grew from 1.6 to 1.9 billion people over ten years, increasing their share of the global population from 23.3% to 24.2%. Despite demographic disadvantages, they tend to be older and have fewer children, this group is expanding. Many have left their original faith, especially Christianity. China remains the main stronghold of the «nones», but the trend is also growing in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Uruguay.
Finally, Buddhism is the only major religion to have declined in both numbers and share. It lost 19 million followers between 2010 and 2020, falling to 324 million adherents, or 4.1% of the global population. This decline is mainly due to the aging populations in Asian countries.
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The gentle rising of the crescent moon marks the arrival of the sacred month of Muharram, launching the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH – a moment of quiet reflection and sacred renewal. A sacred beginning with deep significance across the Muslim majority world– often overshadowed in places where the Gregorian calendar dictates the rhythm of life, including Morocco. While Christmas glows with lights and sound around the globe, the Hijri New Year arrives softly, untouched by bright lights or commercial celebration. It remains a private, heartfelt occasion, rooted in reflection rather than festivity. An eight day journey The Islamic New Year does not mark a birth or a worldly triumph—it marks a journey. A moment of hope in the face of despair. A moment when the Prophet Muhammad, under threat and persecution in Mecca, was guided to leave behind his homeland and seek refuge in the welcoming arms of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This migration—Hijra—took place in 622 CE, when the Prophet and his followers, threatened by the powerful elite of Quraysh who feared the new monolithic faith, left behind all they knew for the sake of their beliefs. After evading an assassination plot and enduring eight long days of travel, the Prophet arrived in Medina, where he was invited by the city's population to bring peace between warring tribes. There – in a city that became a sanctuary for Muslims to this day — pagans and Jews alike welcomed him as a wise and just leader, as he laid the foundations of the first Islamic community, built on unity and justice. In Morocco, as in many Muslim countries, this moment in history lives on in a song taught to children from their earliest school days. It is the same song sung by the people of Medina to welcome the Prophet: The bright full moon rose over us. From the valley of Wada'. And we owe it to show gratefulness. Where the call is to Allah. O you who were raised amongst us. Coming with a word to be obeyed. You have brought to this city nobleness. Welcome! Best caller to God's way. Words that still echo from the wells of childhood and from a veiled history that lives on in faith and tradition. How to ring in the new year The first day of Muharram is not a day of gift wraps and parties—it is a day for pause, to feel the weight of history, calls of the soul and aches of the bones, as Moroccans say. Before Islam, this month was known as the 'First Safar,' but it was renamed 'Muharram'—meaning 'forbidden'—as one of the four sacred months – Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qa'adah and Dhu al-Hijjah– in which warring and violence are especially prohibited. Even in lands where peace reigns, the spirit of that sacredness endures. Muslims are encouraged to avoid conflict, to show mercy, to forgive, and to treat each other with gentleness, especially in the first ten days of Muharram. In some Moroccan communities, that spirit of care extends inward. People refrain from heavy chores or physical strain, honoring the day by allowing the body and soul to rest. Long before weekends or national holidays existed, this day was already set aside for stillness, kindness, and inner peace. It is also a time to reconnect with loved ones—to offer blessings, seek forgiveness, and clear the heart of old grudges. Many Muslims also renew their commitment to fulfilling zakat—the obligatory act of giving a fixed portion of one's wealth to those in need. Alongside this, voluntary sadaqah is often given. Beginning the year with these acts of giving is believed to invite blessings, purify wealth, and nurture compassion within the community. Just as many Moroccans have taken to buying cake for the Gregorian New Year, some also mark the start of the Hijri year with something sweet—baking or buying cakes as a gentle way to welcome the new year, in the hope that its sweetness will carry into the days ahead. 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Morocco World
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Rabat – My name is Iskandar; I am a British Muslim revert from Norwich. I fell in love with Allah and Islam during my A Levels, and I have deeply appreciated the chance to become involved with the global religious community . I first reverted to my new faith, and took the Shahada, while I was studying Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Exeter, but due to the fact that I struggled to learn Arabic I later moved to the University of East Anglia. Knowing that I was going to come to do an internship at Morocco World News, I reverted for a second time at Cambridge Central Mosque in Cambridge. Upon arriving in Morocco, I immediately noticed the strong religious community around me. The country is 99% Muslim with most of its citizens being followers of the faith. I first discussed taking the Shahada with my program director Ali at MCAS Arabic, and he informed me that it would be possible to take the Shahada and revert to Islam in Morocco. I felt that to take the Shahada again in a Muslim-majority nation would be a wonderful way to reaffirm my faith. The mosque that I visited to perform the Shahada was the Sidi Mohammed Laghmari Masjid, located near the Restaurant De La Liberation on Mohammed V Avenue. When I entered the Masjid, I decided to wear the traditional Moroccan clothing of the djellaba as well as a 'Tarbouch' hat, as a sign of respect for Moroccan culture. When I was welcomed into the Masjid, I immediately noticed the Islamic architecture and the ornate designs of the building's interior. I entered the Masjid removing my shoes and placing them along with my bag on the edge of the Musalla. I then went to the location of the Wudu basin to perform the ablution. I felt cleansed and refreshed ready to perform the Jummah. The midday Jummah prayer began at around 1:30 p.m., with the Islamic Qur'anic recitation being performed through the Masjid speakers. I sat in the direction towards the Qiblah in Mecca, the centre of spiritual Islam. The Imam then came to the Mihrab to perform their Khutbah. I do not understand Arabic, but I feel it is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. While I might not have understood the words, my heart filled with love and appreciation for Allah as I took part in the prayer. My program host Ali introduced me to a number of important people within the Masjid, including the Nazir and the Imam. Both were extremely kind and welcoming and accepted me because of shared faith. The Nazir is the caretaker of the Masjid and its religious position. The Imam is the spiritual leader who leads the prayer and delivers the sermons. After we had performed Jummah I was invited to the front of the congregation. I was supported by a translator, and I took the Shahada, delivering my declaration of faith as I repeated after the Imam, 'There is no God, but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.' As I performed the Shahada I was filled with joy from Allah's greatness and love for me. In front of the congregation, I then confirmed my new Islamic name, 'Iskandar'. Many of the congregation then came to greet me into the Ummah as a fellow brother of faith. This was an incredibly important religious declaration as I formally renewed my pledge of faith to Allah and joined the Moroccan Ummah. As I am going to be in Morocco over the next few months, I would like to become further integrated into the Islamic community performing prayers in Moroccan Masjids and meet fellow brothers and sisters. I arrived in Morocco the weekend before the religious holiday and celebration Eid Al Adha, and I took my Shahada in the corresponding Jum'ah, Friday prayer. I was able to attend the Eid prayers, a practice I now have in common with the fellow Moroccan citizens. I feel privileged and honored to have taken part in such a spiritual and meaningful commitment to Islam . Tags: IslamMoroccan UmmahReligion
Ya Biladi
11-06-2025
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In North Africa, Islam has held firm and unwavering over the past decade
Islam continues to deeply shape North African societies, maintaining an almost universal presence rooted in centuries of history. In fact, about 98% of the population in this region identifies as Muslim. The religion is passed down smoothly from generation to generation, with conversions being rare and secularization remaining marginal. More broadly, between 2010 and 2020, the Middle East and North Africa saw their share of the global population rise from 5.1% to 5.6%. This half-percentage increase reflects a young, dynamic, and growing region, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. The study also highlights another significant shift: the changing center of global Judaism. For the first time, the majority of the world's Jewish population now lives in the Middle East and North Africa (45.9%), surpassing North America's 41%. A decade earlier, the situation was reversed. This change is mainly due to demographic growth and migration in Israel, where the population grew from 5.8 to 6.8 million. Christianity Moves South If any region shows clear change, it's Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2020, the continent became the global hub of Christianity, hosting more than 30% of the world's Christians. Not long ago, Europe was the stronghold of this faith. This shift isn't driven by mass evangelism or conversions but by demographics: a young population, high birth rates, and deeply rooted faith in everyday life. Islam is advancing for similar reasons, youthful populations, high fertility rates, and strong cultural ties. Across Africa, religion tends to be transmitted steadily through generations, unlike in Asia, America, and Europe, where breaks in religious transmission are more common. Globally, Islam Advances, Christianity Slows, and the «Nones» Rise On the world stage, Islam has seen the fastest growth between 2010 and 2020, gaining over 347 million new followers. Christianity increased by 122 million, but this growth couldn't keep up with overall population increases. While Christians remain the largest religious group with 2.3 billion adherents, their global share has dropped from 30.6% to 28.8%. Perhaps the most notable trend is the rise of those with no religious affiliation, the so-called «nones». This group grew from 1.6 to 1.9 billion people over ten years, increasing their share of the global population from 23.3% to 24.2%. Despite demographic disadvantages, they tend to be older and have fewer children, this group is expanding. Many have left their original faith, especially Christianity. China remains the main stronghold of the «nones», but the trend is also growing in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Uruguay. Finally, Buddhism is the only major religion to have declined in both numbers and share. It lost 19 million followers between 2010 and 2020, falling to 324 million adherents, or 4.1% of the global population. This decline is mainly due to the aging populations in Asian countries.
