Islam in the Maldives facts for kids
Islam is the main and official religion in the Maldives. It plays a very important part in the daily lives of people there.
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Islam's Role in Maldivian Life
Islam is the official religion of the Maldives. This means that to be a citizen of the Maldives, you must be a Muslim. This rule was added to their constitution in 2008.
The laws in the Maldives are based on Islamic law, which is called Sharia. In the local language, Dhivehi, it's known as sariatu. Leaders like the President and the Majlis (which is like their parliament) make sure these laws work well for the people of the Maldives.
On all the islands where people live, the miski, or mosque, is the main place for practicing Islam. Fridays are very important for Muslims to go to the mosque. Because of this, shops and offices usually close around 11 a.m. on Fridays, and the main prayer starts by 12:30 p.m.
Daily Prayers and Customs
Muslims pray five times a day. These prayers are called Adhan. The mudimu, who are the mosque caretakers, call out for prayer. Many shops and offices close for about fifteen minutes after each prayer call.
During the ninth Muslim month, Ramadan, people who are Muslim fast from sunrise to sunset. This means they don't eat or drink during the day. Because of this, cafés and restaurants are closed during the day in Ramadan, and working hours are shorter.
Mosques in the Maldives
Most islands in the Maldives have several mosques. The capital city, Malé, has more than thirty mosques! Many traditional mosques are made from coral stone and are painted white. They often have roofs made of corrugated iron or thatch.
Famous Mosques in Malé
In Malé, you can find the Islamic Center and the Grand Friday Mosque. These were built in 1984 with help from countries like Pakistan, Brunei, Malaysia, and countries from the Persian Gulf. They are very grand and beautiful buildings. The mosque's gold-colored dome is often the first thing you see when you arrive in Malé. By the early 1990s, the Maldives had a total of 725 mosques, and 266 of these were specifically for women.
Images for kids
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A plaque in Hukuru Mosque, Malé, Maldives. It was placed by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar and mentions Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, a Moroccan who is believed to have brought Islam to the Maldives in the 12th century AD.
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The tall tower (minaret) of the Malé Friday Mosque in 1981.
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The Medhu Ziyaaraiy, or Central Tomb, where Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari was buried.
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Inside the Tomb of Kuda Muhammad Rasgefaanu, located in the cemetery of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy.
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Outside the Tomb of Kuda Muhammad Rasgefaanu in the cemetery of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy.
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Inside the Tomb of Kan'baa Aisha in the cemetery of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy (Part 1).
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Inside the Tomb of Kan'baa Aisha in the cemetery of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy. Here you can see the grave of Sultan Iskandhar's daughter, Aisha Ranikilege, near his mother, Kan'baa Aisha Ranikilege (Part 2).
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Outside the Tomb of Kan'baa Aisha in the cemetery of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy.
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The Dadimagi miskit (mosque) in Fuvahmulah, 1981.
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The Kede-ere miskit (mosque) in Fuvahmulah, 1981.
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The Gen Miskit (mosque) in Fuvahmulah, 1984.
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The Friday Mosque in Dharavandhoo.
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A mosque on Bandos island, in the North Male Atoll.
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A beautiful circular design (mandala) on the ceiling of the Darumavanta Rasgefaanu mosque in Malè. This is a lacquered wood carving. The damaged part was covered with a simple painted design.
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A photograph of a damaged lacquered wood carving of a mandala on the ceiling of Kalhuhuraage mosque, Malè, Maldives, 1987.
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A photograph of a mandala carving on a wooden door panel from Fua Mulaku Island, 1986.
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A photograph of a lacquered wood carving of a mandala on the ceiling of 'Idu mosque, Malè, 1989.
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The Old Mosque of Malé, showing its white coral decorations.
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An example of decorative Arabic writing on a lacquered wooden panel from Idu Miskit, Malé.
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The graveyard on Filitheyo island.
See also
In Spanish: Islam en las Maldivas para niños
