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The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is not only famous for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters but also holds a rich religious history deeply tied to Islam. Religion is a vital part of the social fabric of the Maldives, influencing its laws, traditions, and daily life. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of religion in the Maldives, how Islam became the state religion, and the role it plays in modern Maldivian society. This in-depth exploration will also touch upon Islamic customs, religious festivals, and the impact of Islam on Maldivian culture.
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The Religious Landscape of the Maldives: From Pre-Islamic Beliefs to Islam
Pre-Islamic Religious Practices
Before the Maldives converted to Islam in the 12th century, its inhabitants practiced a combination of Hinduism and Buddhism. Archaeological findings, such as stupas and sculptures, point to the dominance of Buddhism, which was likely introduced by traders and travelers from nearby Sri Lanka and India. The ancient Maldivians worshipped deities, and evidence shows that Buddhist temples were prominent on several islands.
The Arrival of Islam in the Maldives
The conversion of the Maldives to Islam is one of the most significant moments in the nation’s history. In 1153 AD, under the reign of King Dhovemi, the Maldives officially adopted Islam, marking a turning point in the country’s religious and cultural identity.
The Legend of Abu al-Barakat and the Conversion
The most popular account of how Islam was introduced to the Maldives centers around a North African Islamic scholar named Abu al-Barakat. According to local legend, Abu al-Barakat was traveling through the Indian Ocean when he arrived in the Maldives and found its people under the influence of a sea demon called Rannamaari. The Maldivian king ordered human sacrifices to appease this demon. When Abu al-Barakat recited verses from the Quran, the demon was vanquished, leading the king to convert to Islam. Soon after, the rest of the Maldivian population followed suit.
While this story may have mythical elements, it is widely accepted that the Maldives embraced Islam during this time. Abu al-Barakat is honored as a pivotal figure in the country’s religious history, and his tomb in Malé has become a place of pilgrimage.
Islam as the State Religion of the Maldives
Today, the Maldives is a 100% Sunni Muslim country, adhering to the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. Islam is more than just a religion here; it is a cornerstone of the nation’s identity, permeating every aspect of life, from governance to daily customs.
The Maldivian Constitution and Islam
The Maldivian constitution enshrines Islam as the state religion. According to the law, all citizens of the Maldives must be Muslims. Conversion to another religion is forbidden, and practicing any faith other than Islam is illegal. This law extends to both Maldivian nationals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country.
As a result of these laws, Islamic practices and principles form the foundation of Maldivian society. The legal system incorporates elements of Sharia law, particularly in areas like family law, inheritance, and criminal justice.
Maldives Religion Percentage
Religious Homogeneity in the Maldives
As of mid-2022, the U.S. government’s estimation puts the overall population at 390,000. The Maldives government projected that 579,000 people lived there overall in 2022, with 187,000 of them people being foreign residents, primarily from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. Although it is a prerequisite for citizenship that the majority of the population practice Sunni Islam, accurate estimates of religious affiliations are lacking. It is believed that the majority of foreign workers are either Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, or Christians; but, accurate figures of the proportion of foreign workers who practice other religions are not known.
The Maldives is one of the few countries in the world where 100% of the population adheres to a single religion, Islam. This religious uniformity is enforced by the constitution, which states that non-Muslims cannot be granted citizenship and that the practice of any religion other than Islam is illegal. As a result, the Maldives presents a unique case of religious demography, with a complete absence of religious diversity.
While this homogeneity is strictly maintained within the Maldivian population, the presence of tourists and expatriates brings a certain level of religious diversity to the islands. However, non-Muslims are required to practice their faith privately, and public expressions of non-Islamic religions are prohibited.
Statistics including expatriates
The Impact of Islam on Maldivian Society
Legal and Political Influence
The legal system in the Maldives is heavily influenced by Islamic Sharia law. The constitution requires that all laws and regulations conform to Islamic principles, and the country’s judicial system incorporates elements of both Sharia and common law. This has significant implications for various aspects of life, including marriage, inheritance, and criminal justice.
The political landscape of the Maldives is also deeply intertwined with religion. The president of the Maldives must be a Sunni Muslim, and religious leaders play an influential role in both political and social affairs. This close relationship between religion and politics ensures that Islamic values remain at the forefront of national governance.
Daily Religious Practices
Daily life in the Maldives is marked by religious observances, with the five daily prayers, or Salah, being a central aspect of Islamic practice. The call to prayer, or Adhan, echoes from mosques across the islands, reminding the faithful to engage in worship. Friday prayers, known as Jumu’ah, are particularly significant, with men gathering in large numbers at mosques for communal worship.
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is observed with great reverence in the Maldives. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, and the entire nation adjusts its routine to accommodate this sacred period. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion marked by communal prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
Islamic Architecture in the Maldives
Following the conversion to Islam, the Maldives saw the construction of numerous mosques, many of which were built using coral stone, a unique architectural feature of the region. These mosques are not only places of worship but also significant cultural and historical landmarks. The Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) in Malé, for instance, is renowned for its intricate wood carvings and lacquer work, reflecting the artistic heritage of the Maldives.
The Fate of Pre-Islamic Sites
The introduction of Islam led to the gradual abandonment and destruction of many Buddhist and Hindu sites in the Maldives. Some of these sites were repurposed for Islamic worship, while others were left to decay. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the archaeological exploration of these ancient sites, providing valuable insights into the Maldives’ pre-Islamic history.
Challenges and Controversies
The Maldives’ strict adherence to Islam and the prohibition of other religions have led to ongoing debates about religious freedom and human rights. International organizations have criticized the Maldives for its lack of religious tolerance, particularly regarding the treatment of non-Muslims and those who may wish to convert to another faith. The government has faced pressure to relax these restrictions, but any move in this direction is met with significant resistance from religious leaders and the broader public.
Balancing Tradition and Modernization
As the Maldives continues to develop, it faces the challenge of balancing its deep-rooted Islamic traditions with the demands of modernization. The influx of tourists and the increasing exposure to global cultures have introduced new ideas and practices that sometimes conflict with traditional Islamic values. This tension is particularly evident among the younger generation, who are more exposed to global influences through the internet and social media.
Religious Festivals and Holidays in the Maldives
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the conclusion of Ramadan, marking the end of fasting. It is a time of communal prayers, feasts, and charity. Maldivians typically visit mosques, spend time with family, and enjoy traditional foods such as roshi (flatbread) and mashuni (a mixture of tuna and coconut).
Eid al-Adha
Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. This holiday is marked by special prayers and the slaughtering of livestock, with the meat shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, is a significant religious occasion in the Maldives. It is celebrated with religious lectures, prayers, and social gatherings. While some more conservative Islamic scholars argue against its celebration, many Maldivians observe it as a time for reflection on the Prophet’s life and teachings.
The Role of Islam in Daily Life
Islam deeply influences the daily life of Maldivians, from social customs to education and business practices. The five pillars of Islam — Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage) — are observed by all Muslims in the country and are an integral part of Maldivian culture.
Daily Prayers (Salah)
One of the most visible signs of Islamic faith in the Maldives is the practice of daily prayers, known as Salah. Five times a day, the call to prayer, or adhan, echoes from the mosques across the islands. The midday Friday prayer holds special significance, with men gathering in mosques for a congregational prayer that is central to Islamic tradition.
Fasting During Ramadan
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is one of the most important times of the year in the Maldives. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs to foster spiritual reflection and self-discipline. Life slows down during Ramadan, with businesses operating reduced hours, and the streets coming alive at night with festive gatherings and iftar (breaking the fast) meals. At the end of Ramadan, Maldivians celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the most joyous religious festivals.
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