Russia is a diverse and ever-changing country, and its religious landscape is no different. In the last few decades, the country has seen an influx of religious diversity, with several religions making significant inroads into the population. The fastest growing religion in Russia is Islam, which has seen a significant resurgence since the fall of the Soviet Union.
According to the Pew Research Center, the share of Muslims in Russia is estimated to be 14.5%, making them the second largest religious group in the country, behind Orthodox Christians. This is a significant increase from the 10% of the population that identified as Muslim in 2010. The increase in the Muslim population is largely due to the influx of refugees and immigrants from other Muslim-majority countries in the region, such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan.
Islam has also seen a resurgence in Russia due to increased religious freedom and the growth of spiritual and educational institutions, such as the Islamic Institute of Moscow. This institute provides training in Islamic law and theology, as well as religious education for children and adults. It also hosts conferences and events that promote Islamic culture and values.
The growth of Islam in Russia has also been aided by the opening up of the country to more foreign investment and travel. This has allowed Muslims from other countries to come to Russia to study and work, as well as to promote their faith and culture. This has also led to the development of more Islamic centers, mosques, and other worship places.
The rise of Islam in Russia is also being driven by the younger generations, who are becoming more open to different religions and cultures. This is in part due to the increased access to the internet and social media, which has allowed younger Russians to become exposed to different faiths and cultures.
While the majority of Muslims in Russia are Sunnis, there is also a significant Shia population, mostly concentrated in the Caucasus region. The growth of Shia Islam in Russia is largely due to the influx of Iranians who have come to the country for a variety of reasons, including to work and study.
In conclusion, the fastest growing religion in Russia is Islam, which has seen a resurgence in recent years due to increased religious freedom, the influx of refugees and immigrants from other Muslim-majority countries, and the growth of spiritual and educational institutions. The younger generations are also becoming more open to different religions and cultures, leading to the development of more Islamic centers, mosques, and other places of worship.
