Is it really 1.2 billion Muslims given that in many Muslim countries to leave Islam is to risk your life?

Question

Isn't it like saying there are 1.1 billion communists in China?

Oooooh, Ruth, good answer!!!!

Answer 1

Well, you could start by not counting the women and children, since they are technically property in Islam.

Answer 2

Very good point. I'd say only a small percent are actual Muslims and the rest are scared, although the oppressive education system in those countries may make many people think of Islam as the only alternative.

But once they are exposed to other fashions of thinking, they are likely to open up and, if not abandon Islam, at least have a much milder take on it.

Answer 3

I don't think that China is a fair comparison, since there are so many countries where Islam predominates, and there are a number of varieties of Muslims. And when you consider how large countries like Pakistan and Indonesia are, it doesn't seem hard to accept that there are over a billion Muslims in the world.

Answer 4

It's 1.2 billion and rising. Yes, it is a bit like saying there are 1.1 billion communists in China. But, as long as China has 1.1 billion people willing to /act/ like communists, it's a distinction without much of a difference.

Answer 5

i concur...insight kudos to Ruth. (even if she is a con)

your comparison to chi-coms is fair. Islam has no pope like leader to herd up the true believers, and is capable of diversity. so lumping them all together is simple-minded.