what religion are iranians

Most Iranians are Muslims, and the dominant branch is Twelver Shia Islam, which is also the official state religion of Iran.

Quick Scoop: What religion are Iranians?

• The vast majority of Iranians identify as Muslim, mostly Twelver Shia (often estimated around 85–90% of the population).

• A smaller share of Muslims in Iran are Sunni, including many Kurds, Baluchis, Turkmens, and some Arabs.

• Non‑Muslim minorities include Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, which are officially recognized in the constitution and have reserved seats in parliament.

• There are also smaller communities or identities such as Baháʼís (not officially recognized), Yarsanis, Mandaeans, and people who identify as non‑religious, atheist, agnostic, or “spiritual” rather than belonging to an organized religion.

Official picture vs personal belief

• Official state statistics present Iran as almost entirely Muslim, with a very small percentage listed as Christian, Jewish, or Zoroastrian.

• Independent surveys and research suggest a more diverse reality: significant numbers of Iranians describe themselves as less religious, non‑religious, or having left Islam, even if official documents still list them as Muslim.

Mini timeline context

• Since the 16th century, Shia Islam has been promoted as the core religious identity of Iran, shaping law, politics, and culture.

• After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the state became an “Islamic Republic,” further centering Shia Islam in public life, though social attitudes and private beliefs have continued to evolve and diversify.

In simple terms: most Iranians are Shia Muslims on paper, but real‑life beliefs range from very devout to secular, non‑religious, and belonging to various religious minorities.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.