Religion in Maldives - Understanding the Religious Beliefs in Maldives

The primary religion in Maldives is Islam with the majority population practising Sunni Islam. It is the official and state religion and the practice of faith other than Islam is prohibited. The foreigners and migrants are allowed to practice their religious beliefs only in private.

A non-Muslim is not entitled to Maldivian citizenship. Converted to Islam in 1153 AD by a North African Muslim, Maldivians today believe that maintaining a single religion preserves national identity and brings harmony. There are numerous mosques for citizens to practice their religion in Maldives while the most inhabited islands have the mosque of their own built of coral stones with thatched roofs. Being a strictly Muslim country, the tourists are recommended to leave any religious texts including the Bible and Hindu holy books at home itself to avoid any hassle at the airports in the Maldives.  

Islam in Maldives

source

The belief of the President that the country loses its independence if it is not entirely Muslim has made the Maldives predominantly Islamic where Muslims constitute about 98% of the total population. The government preserves and promotes Islamic values prohibiting the practice of any other religion in Maldives by the citizens and precluding any other religion from basic rights like voting and citizenship or holding public positions.

Christianity in Maldives

source
Christians constitute only 0.4% percentage of Maldivian population. Citizens converting their religion to Christianity are not authorized to Maldivian citizenship and can be subjected to a different law. Despite several expulsions by the Christian community, there's nothing that has been done; no doubt why the Island has a very small number of Christians and Catholics attending mass.

Buddhism in the Maldives

Representational Image
No more or less as compared to Christianity in the Maldives, Buddhists constitute about 0.6-0.8% of the Maldives population. However, no matter how much unlikely it seems considering current conditions, there was a time when Buddhism was a predominant religion in Maldives. Destruction of the entire collection of Buddhist sculptures built late back in the 12th century by a group of Islamic extremists marked the beginning of Islam as its official religion.

Hinduism in the Maldives

source
Hindu population constitute about 0.3-0.5% of the total Maldives population, majority of them belonging to Tamil or Malayalee origin of India who can be generally seen as employed foreign labour. The main reason for this is that the people from the southern coast of India had been in regular contact with the Maldives. However, there are no official Maldivian Hindus as it is mandatory for every Maldivian to be a Muslim; Sunni Islam being the state religion in Maldives.
 
Maldives' high inclination towards Islamic religion is the reason why Muslim customs and traditions are taken too seriously; coffee shops and restaurants being closed in the daytime during Ramadan.

This post was published by Neha Nagpal

Share this post on social media

Maldives Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Related Articles

Religious

Religious

Churches in Maldives

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Maldives vs Seychelles: Pick Your Next Holiday Destination!

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Visa for Indians - On Arrival Tourist Visa Information

Romantic & Honeymoon

Romantic & Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Maldives Guide - Cost, Best Resorts, Things to Do

Nightlife

Nightlife

Nightlife in Maldives: Where to Go When the Sun Goes Down

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Languages of Maldives: A Complete Guide

Shopping

Shopping

Shopping in Maldives - Best Places & Souvenirs to Buy

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Culture of Maldives - Customs and Traditions of Maldives

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

12 Airports in Maldives Listed to Make Your Travel Easier

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

13 Beautiful Places in Maldives That Will Take Your Breath Away

Adventure

Adventure

Snorkeling in Maldives : Top Places, Time and Tips

Transport

Transport

Transportation in Maldives - Pick Your Ride for a Hassle Free Vacation

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Bora Bora vs Maldives: Which is Better for You?

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Weather in December- Everything You Need to know

Adventure

Adventure

Surfing In Maldives - All About Riding the Wave in Maldives

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Is Maldives Safe? Travel Advice and Things to Know

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Food of Maldives - 20 Tempting Dishes and Drinks to Try in Maldives

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Vegetarian Food in Maldives - 10 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Hawaii Vs Maldives: Which One to Choose for Your next Vacay?

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Currency Exchange in the Maldives

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Weather in April - The Perfect Time to Experience the Tropical Island

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Island Hopping in Maldives - Traverse the Miniature Paradise

Adventure

Adventure

Maldives Cruises - Discover the Country Wave by Wave

Experiences

Experiences

Wedding in Maldives - Top 10 Resorts for an Exquisite Ceremony

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Weather in January - Experience the Best of this Country!

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

Flora and Fauna in Maldives For A Wild Holiday

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

History of Maldives - The Realm of Rich Legacy and Vibrant History

Experiences

Experiences

10 Best Spas in Maldives - Serenity and Well Being at its Best

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Weather of Maldives in May - Cheap Prices, Fun Activities & Sightseeing!

Romantic & Honeymoon

Romantic & Honeymoon

Bali vs Maldives - Which Tropical Destination Should You Go to Next?

Comments on this post

Browse Package Collections

View Packages