Jehovah’s Witnesses: Founded in 1874 by Charles Tiz Russell, the group identifies as a religious community distinct from traditional Christianity.

Jehovah’s Witnesses trace their origins to 1874 in the United States, when Charles Tiz Russell founded the movement, initially known as “Russellism” and later as “Bible Students.” The group’s teachings emphasize a strict interpretation of the Bible, distinguishing itself from traditional Christianity by rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity. Members engage in door-to-door ministry, distributing religious literature and seeking to persuade others to adopt their beliefs.

The organization has grown to include approximately 6.9 million adherents across 235 countries, with significant numbers in the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite its global reach, the group maintains a distinct identity, viewing itself as a religious community that has preserved the true teachings of the Bible while traditional Christian denominations have strayed from divine guidance.

Jehovah’s Witnesses operate through a network of congregations and publications, with a focus on evangelism and Bible study. They publish materials freely and maintain a structured approach to outreach, emphasizing personal responsibility and spiritual commitment. The group’s leadership has evolved over time, with Charles Russell playing a foundational role in establishing its early practices and publications.

Russell, born into a Presbyterian family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was deeply influenced by religious ideas from a young age. He became convinced that Jesus Christ had returned to Earth in 1874, an event he believed was not widely recognized. This conviction led him to dedicate his life to religious study and ministry, founding the Watchtower of Zion and the Missionary of Christ in 1879.

The group’s activities expanded rapidly, with the formation of local congregations and the establishment of a publishing company. By 1880, numerous gatherings were active in the United States, and the Zionist Watch Tower Society was formed the following year. In 1884, these groups were consolidated under the name Bible Watch Tower Society and the Pathways, marking a significant step in the organization’s development.

Following Russell’s death in 1916, leadership transitioned to Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who continued to guide the group’s growth and doctrinal direction. The organization’s structure and teachings have since evolved, maintaining its core principles while adapting to changing circumstances and challenges.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)