Religion

Islam is the focus of the Maldivian life in every respect, all being Sunni Muslims. Prayers are conducted five times a day in all mosques on every inhabited island. The golden dome of the Islamic centre dominates the skyline of Male’ whether first viewed by air or from water. A result of the commitment of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s government to uphold and strengthen the character of the nation, this imposing mosque was inaugurated in 1984.

All Maldivians believe in an afterlife and a final judgement that decides whether they go to hell or heaven. Only proper conduct can assure the latter, which entails keeping to the five pillars of the religion, to repeat the creed "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah", to say prayers five times a day (at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and after darkness), to give alms to the poor, to make a pilgrimage to Mecca if possible at least once in a lifetime, and to fast during the month of Ramadan.

No other religions are permitted, though ancient beliefs survive: for example, islanders fear jinnis - evil spirits which come from the sea, land and sky. These are blamed for everything that cannot be explained by religion or science.