Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Faith in Iran
Official statistics suggest 99% of Iran's population are Muslim, made up of around 89%
Shiite and 10% Sunni. Small communities of Baha'is, Zoroastrians, Christians and Jews
make up the numbers. Aside from the Baha'i religion, the practise of which is outlawed,
freedom of worship is guaranteed in the constitution. But most believe minorities number
more than the official statistics because calling yourself a Shiite Muslim makes navigating
Iran's potentially tricky bureaucracy easier.
Iranians will happily accept that visitors are
Christians and, in most circumstances, Jewish.
But admitting to being atheist or agnostic can
result in incomprehension, even among better-
educated Iranians.
Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet second only
to Mohammed. The concept that he is the son of
God is considered heretical.
