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, which is worth noting.
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 everyday. Prayers are offered five times in a day, daily. The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the most important mosques of the country. The interiors are grand and spacious and can accommodate large number worshippers at any point of time.
The Maldavians 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. As per the religion of Maldives, this can be achieved by performing five major activities specified by Islam. These five activities include giving alms to the poor, making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in then lifetime, fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, praying five times a day and finally repeating the credo that there is no God other that Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
A large number of religious festivals are held in the country, which includes Ramadan, Kuda Id and Eid-Ul Al'H'AA.
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