Islam as the state religion

The original religion of the Maldivians was Buddhism. In 1153, Islam was made the state religion, which remains one of the most important events in the history of the archipelago. Together with Qatar and Oman, the Maldives is one of three countries in the world that are 100% Muslim.

In 1932, legal authority was taken away from religious scholars and placed in the hands of public judges. However, this did not change the fact that jurisprudence is still based on religious norms to this day. Islamic radicalization has been observed for several years. There are draconian penalties for drinking alcohol or expressing dissenting political opinions.

However, it must also be mentioned that women, for example, can lead a very free life compared to other Islamic countries. It is not compulsory for women to wear a headscarf and covering the face with a veil is even prohibited. Every Maldivian has read excerpts from the Koran at least once in their life. There are the five pillars of Islam, according to which the believing Muslim must live:

• Faith in the one God Allah and his prophet Mohammed
• Five daily prayers, the most important prayer takes place on Friday at noon
• During the fasting month of Ramadan, you should fast from sunrise to sunset
• Giving alms to the poor and needy
• Make the pilgrimage to Mecca once in your life - for those who can afford it financially and health wise

Translated from Arabic, Islam means devotion and submission (to God). Being a Muslim - a practitioner of Islam - means surrendering oneself to the will of the unlimited Divine Sovereign, whose will one undertakes to follow in all aspects of life. Since the will of God is laid down in laws, Islam is a religion of laws. These laws not only direct people towards the hereafter, but they also shape this world. Since God is the ruler of everything, Islam knows no separation between spiritual (religion) and worldly. To a certain extent it determines people's reality. That is why Islam knows no separation between religion and state. From the Muslim perspective, it is only logical that Islam is the state religion in many countries.