Is it appropriate to mention one's religion in an academic CV? I recently moved to a Nordic country in an academic position. For my first grant application, I collaborated with other researchers at the university. As I was submitting the proposal along with the CVs, I noticed that two of the researchers had mentioned their religion. I have never seen this in academia, at least in South-east Asia where I spent majority of my work life. 

Here are other details that I think are relevant:


Our research domain is engineering, not humanities or social sciences.
Both researchers are Muslim.
The funding agency is a private one that favors industrial collaborations.


My questions:


Is it appropriate to mention one's religion in an academic CV?
Does mentioning one's religion help in grant proposals or academic positions? I think in a fair world it shouldn't.
Do western countries, especially European, favor candidates who are Muslim?
There are some situations where religion could limit someone's ability to do their job. For example, a Muslim professor may require prayer breaks, which could limit the times at which they can give lectures.

Religion should be mentioned only on a "need to know" basis, unless it's common practice to include it in the country you're applying to. Similarly to if you have a disability, you shouldn't mention it on your CV. It is more appropriate to explain such caveats in the cover letter, during a job interview, or prior to accepting the interview.

We should be judging people on their ability to do the job, not their personal beliefs. Such beliefs are only relevant if they interfere with their work. Unfortunately, particularly as a result of increases in extremism,  Muslim candidates in Western Europe are more likely to be at an unfair disadvantage, rather than being favoured for a position.