Are Muslims in Denmark becoming more religious despite the country's secular social norms?

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While many expected Muslim immigrants to gradually adopt the secular habits of Danish society, data suggests a different trend. Over the last two decades, indicators of religious practice—such as daily prayer and mosque attendance—have actually increased, sparking intense national debate about integration, identity, and the role of faith in public life.

The Muslim population in Denmark has grown significantly over the last several decades, rising from an estimated 30,000 people in 1980 to approximately 256,000 by January 2020. This demographic shift was driven by multiple waves of migration, beginning with economic workers from countries like Turkey and Pakistan in the 1970s, followed by refugees from Iran, Iraq, and Somalia in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, the majority of this population are first- or second-generation immigrants, with over 70% holding Danish citizenship.

Despite the secular nature of mainstream Danish society, research indicates a rise in religiosity among Danish Muslims. Polls conducted between 2006 and 2018 show that the percentage of Muslims who pray five times a day increased from 37% to 50%. Sociologist Brian Arly Jacobsen suggests this trend may be linked to the rapid expansion of mosque infrastructure, with the number of mosques rising from 115 in 2006 to 161 in 2017. This development has challenged earlier expectations that religious observance would decline as families integrated into the Danish social fabric.

This shift has occurred alongside significant political friction. The Danish government has implemented various measures affecting Muslim life, including a 2018 ban on face-covering garments like niqabs and burqas, and 2021 legislation targeting foreign donations to religious institutions. Meanwhile, some Muslim communities have sought to bridge cultural gaps through dialogue initiatives, such as the Islamic-Christian Study Centre founded in 1996. However, the presence of extremist rhetoric in certain mosques and the political controversy surrounding candidates like Asmaa Abdol-Hamid highlight the ongoing tension between traditional religious expression and the expectations of the Danish state.

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