Fastest growing religion

Submitted by Prashant (United States), May 17, 2012 at 01:50

Dear Dr Pipes:

Muslims often brag that Islam is the fastest growing religion. No matter how we look at it, it is a matter of shame. Let us consider a few possibilities:

1. If it is the fastest growing religion due to the high birth rate, it is a shame. In this poverty laden resource-starved world communities with high birth rate should do whatever they can to reduce the birth rate.

2. If it is due to conversions from other religions, then it is a shame also because most islamic societies do not provide freedom to other religions to preach and they restrict muslims' freedom to leave Islam.

3. If it is due to marriages, then it is a shame for many reasons: a) Islam forces people to convert before they marry a muslim. b) It does not allow muslim women the freedom to freely choose their partners.

So why is it a matter of pride that Islam is the fastest growing religion?

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".