Maldives is primarily a Muslim country, and hence Islam is the official religion of the country. The religious background of the country has its own history.
During the 4th century AD, the Theravada Buddhism was the most important and dominant religion of Maldives. Islam became the religion of the country from 1153 AD onwards. Majority of the people in this country are Sunni Muslims. All the festivals and events held in the country are held according to the Muslim calendar.
Religious education is an important of the school curriculum and is taught along with other subjects also. The people of Maldives are extremely spiritual and religious minded. There are numerous mosques in the country where prayers are offered every day. Prayers are offered five times in a day, daily. The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the most important mosques of the country and it known as a landmark of the country. The interiors are grand and spacious and can accommodate large number worshippers at any point of time.
The Maldivians believe in the theory that there is no god other than ALLAH. The people over here also believe that 'Muhammad' is the messenger of ALLAH. Maldives religion gives a lot of importance to afterlife and final judgment.
They believe in the concepts of hell and heaven also. As per Islamic religious laws, one can go to heaven only through right conduct with good deeds. As per the religion of Maldives, this can be achieved by performing five major activities specified by Islam.
The five pillar of is Islam is believing oneness of ALLAH (repeating the credo that there is no God other than ALLAH and Muhammad is the messenger of ALLAH), offer Salaat (pray) five times in 24hours, fasting in the months of Ramazaan, alms giving to the poor and finally making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in the lifetime
No comments:
Post a Comment