Why Is Religious Interest Growing Among Russians?

The number of Russian citizens who consider religion an important part of their lives is gradually increasing, according to a survey conducted by the Levada Center, a leading independent research organization in Russia.

Religious Trends in Russian Society

The study found that religion plays a significant role in the lives of:

• • 58% of women

• • 56% of respondents aged 40-54

• • 83% of Muslims

On the other hand, religion holds less significance for:

• • 45% of men

• • 43% of young people under 24

• • 10% of those who identify as non-religious

According to the findings, for the first time in 12 years, the number of Russians who recognize the importance of religion in their lives has surpassed those who hold the opposite view. Between 2017 and 2020, the percentage of Russians who saw religion as vital declined to 65%, but it has been steadily rising since then.

A separate survey conducted by the Public Opinion and Measurement Center on Telegram echoed these results. It noted that just a year ago, 40% of respondents considered religion important, while 59% did not.

The Levada Center survey included 1,603 individuals over the age of 18, representing more than 137 regions across 50 Russian provinces. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews.

As an independent, non-governmental research organization, the Levada Center is recognized as one of the largest and most credible social and marketing research institutions in Russia.

The Return to Religion: Causes and Influences

Experts attribute the revival of religious interest to several factors. In the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was an intense search for an ideological alternative to communism, which had dominated Soviet life for over 70 years.

At the time, many believed that a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation could not exist without a unifying ideology. By the mid-2000s, this idea evolved into a movement advocating for Orthodoxy as a replacement for the lost Soviet ideology.

The Search for Meaning and Existential Questions

Sociologist Vladimir Kushel explained to Al Jazeera Net that survey results indicate a transformation in attitudes towards religion within Russian society, with an increasing spiritual role in people’s lives.

According to Kushel, religion provides individuals with a sense of purpose, addressing fundamental questions about life, human relationships, and social issues. It helps people develop a value system and a structured worldview, offering guidance in times of uncertainty.

However, he emphasized that religious engagement is not solely measured by increased attendance at churches or mosques. Instead, many individuals seek spirituality outside of traditional religious institutions, engaging in personal spiritual practices.

Despite this growing interest in religion, there is still a lack of understanding about its role in personal and social life. Kushel noted that it remains unclear to what extent this religious resurgence will drive demand for deeper Islamic knowledge or religious education, as the phenomenon is still in its early stages.

He attributed this gap in religious awareness to the limited presence of faith-based education in Russian schools, as well as the lack of religious content in cultural and social settings. Consequently, religious influence primarily stems from mosques, churches, online platforms, and social media, rather than official educational systems.

The Rise of Islamic Literature in Russia

Alongside the increasing public interest in religion, there has also been a notable surge in the demand for religious books.

Surprisingly, Islamic books have become the most popular category among all religious literature sold in Russia.

In the first half of 2024, demand for Islamic books rose by 77%, according to a report by Litres, a Russian analytics company specializing in book sales data.

Top-Selling Islamic Books in Russia

The best-selling books in this category include:

• • “Islamic Psychology: Self-Management” – by Mohamed Jamidulaev

• • “The Path of Islam: From the Prophet to the European Caliphate” – by Alexander Musyakin

• • “Tatar Imams, Muftis, and the State in Russia (18th-21st Centuries)” – by Renat Pikin

• • “Islamic Science: Individual Autonomy” (Part Two) – by Mohamed Jamidulaev

Sales of Orthodox Christian books have also increased, though at a slower rate, growing by 30%.

Top-Selling Orthodox Christian Books:

• • “Motherhood Memoirs” – by Anna Saprikina

• • “Fasting Has Come: Daily Readings for the Great Lent” – A collection of Orthodox reflections

• • “Crowns of Love” – by Bishop Vladimir Kholap

The rise in demand for religious books has not gone unnoticed by historians and research institutions, who view it as a reflection of society’s deepening spiritual interests.

The Impact of Global Conflicts on Religious Interest

According to Artyom Pichkov, a researcher at the Institute for Civil Society and Non-Profit Sector Studies, this growing trend has been significantly influenced by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which escalated in October 2023.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Pichkov noted that the conflict led to a 30% increase in demand for books on Islam and the Middle East in physical bookstores, while online book sales surged by 900% (ninefold increase). He described this trend as having reached its peak today.

He further explained that the broader shift towards religious and cultural identity in Russian society is linked to major global and domestic crises, including:

• • The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine

• • Global geopolitical tensions

• • Social and economic instability in Russia

• • Uncertainty about the future

• • Growing concerns for family security

According to Pichkov, these socio-political disturbances have driven more people to seek refuge in religion, turning to faith as a source of strength, clarity, and guidance in uncertain times.