Freedom of religion in Maldives

According to many officials and interlocutors, most citizens regarded Islam as one of their society's most distinctive characteristics and believed that having it established as the state religion promotes harmony and national identity.

The population is a distinct ethnic group with historical roots in South Indian, Sinhalese, and Arab communities [citation needed].

[4] Foreigners were not allowed to import any items deemed "contrary to Islam," including alcohol, pork products, or idols for worship.

[4] In 2010, Ismail Mohamed Didi, a Maldivian atheist who was being investigated for his "lack of belief" and had sought asylum in Britain, allegedly committed suicide.

[6][7] On 29 May 2010, Mohamed Nazim, a student of philosophy from a devout Muslim family, was at a public meeting in the Maldives discussing the subject of religion.

[11] According to the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief's February 2007 report, "members of local congregations on some of the islands do not allow foreign manual laborers to attend the mosque."

Furthermore, she was told that women began to cover after state-owned media reported that the 2004 tsunami was the "result of Maldivians failing to live in accordance with Islam."

The Committee has welcomed the following legislative and institutional measures taken by the State: The removal by the Parliament, in 2008, of the gender bar on running for presidency; the enactment of the Anti-Domestic Violence Act, in April 2012.

[13][better source needed] In 2023, the country was scored zero out of 4 for religious freedom;[14] it was also noted that non-Muslim foreigners are only permitted to observe their religions privately.