Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Maldives isn’t just about unpacking your bags by a turquoise lagoon. It’s also entering a society where Islam structures the law, the rhythm of the day, the calendar, education, social codes, and even restaurant menus. For an expatriate, understanding these local religious practices isn’t just a polite gesture: it’s a prerequisite for integration, avoiding sometimes serious faux pas, and, most importantly, building relationships of trust with Maldivians.
This practical guide provides expatriates with concrete landmarks and advice for understanding and adapting to daily life in an officially and fully Muslim country, aiming for serenity, without judgment or theory.
A Country Where Islam is at the Heart of National Identity
In the Maldives, Islam is not just a simple religious majority: it is enshrined in the Constitution as the foundation of the state and citizenship. All citizens must be Muslim, and more specifically Sunni, placing religion at the heart of the social contract.
The 2008 constitutional text, sometimes called the “Fehi Gānoon”, establishes several essential principles. First, no law may contradict a tenet of Islam. Second, citizenship is explicitly reserved for Muslims: a Maldivian who publicly renounces Islam risks not only criminal penalties but also the loss of their nationality. The positions of president, minister, parliamentarian, and judge are reserved for Sunnis.
The legal system combines Sharia, primarily according to the Sunni Shafi’i school, and elements of English-inspired common law. In practice, family law and a large part of criminal law are directly inspired by Islamic law, while other legal fields follow more modern models. This illustrates the interweaving of religion and the state.
For an expatriate, this leads to a very concrete consequence: religious freedom is highly regulated. Non-Muslims have the right to practice their faith only in private. Any form of public non-Islamic worship, proselytism, or importation of items considered “contrary to Islam” (statues for worship, certain religious books, etc.) is prohibited. Apostasy is theoretically punishable by death since 2014 beyond a very young age. In other words, it is crucial never to engage in discussions or actions that could be interpreted as an attempt at conversion.
Historical Legacy: From a Buddhist Archipelago to a Sunni State
To grasp the current importance of Islam, one must look at the past of the archipelago. For over a millennium, the Maldives were predominantly Buddhist, with Hindu influences as well. Stupas, monasteries, and temples dotted many islands. Excavations have identified nearly sixty Buddhist sites across the archipelago.
According to tradition, he convinced King Dhovemi to convert to Islam around 1153, after saving the archipelago from a sea demon named Rannamaari. The king, having become Muslim, took the name Sultan Muhammad al-Adil.
Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, Sunni scholar
Variations of this story identify Abu al-Barakat as originating from the Maghreb, Persia (Yusuf Shams al-Din al-Tabrizi), or the Berbera region in present-day Somalia. But whatever the detail, the religious rupture was profound: destruction of statues and monasteries, transformation of temples into mosques, gradual adoption of Arabic as a scholarly language, integration of Maliki and, later, Shafi’i jurisprudence.
This turning point is now commemorated each year by an official holiday, “The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam”, marked by lectures, sermons, and celebrations that remind Maldivians that their national identity is intimately linked to Islam.
The Mosque: Heart of Religious and Social Life
On every inhabited island, the mosque is a focal point. There are several per island, and over thirty in Malé alone. They serve not only as places of prayer but also as community centers, spaces for learning, and socialization.
A typical mosque includes a prayer hall oriented toward the Kaaba, indicated by a decorated mihrab. It also has a minbar for the sermon and may be accompanied by a minaret from which the muezzin gives the call to prayer.
Traditional Maldivian mosques, especially on older islands, are distinguished by the use of coral as a building material, roofs made of corrugated iron or thatch, and decorations blending Quranic calligraphy with floral and geometric patterns. The Hukuru Miskiy in Malé, often called the Old Friday Mosque, built in the 17th century, is a spectacular example, with its walls of coral carved with verses.
The Grand Friday Mosque of Malé is characterized by a unique golden dome and vast prayer spaces.
For expatriates, mosques are both an audible marker, with the call to prayer broadcast five times a day, and an indicator of social tempo: work schedules, shop openings, and even transportation adjust around prayer times, especially on Friday.
Understanding the Daily Rhythm: The Five Prayers and Friday
Islam structures the day around five obligatory prayers (salat or salah). Each corresponds to a precise moment determined by the position of the sun: Fajr at dawn, Dhuhr at midday, Asr in the afternoon, Maghrib at sunset, Isha in the early night. Mosques announce the adhan, the call to prayer, at each time, followed by the iqamah just before the congregational prayer begins.
In the Maldives, the five daily prayers set the rhythm of economic and social life. Many offices, shops, and services close briefly, usually for about fifteen minutes, at each call to prayer. On Friday, the most sacred day, the slowdown is more pronounced: the major midday prayer (Jumu’ah) attracts large crowds, leading to the closure of government offices and businesses around 11:00 AM. They typically reopen in the early afternoon.
An expatriate working on a local island or in Malé must therefore integrate this rhythm. Scheduling a meeting at the time of the Friday noon prayer, or insisting on maintaining a business activity during that slot, would be seen as a blatant lack of respect. On a practical level, it is wise to keep in mind that the official weekend runs from Friday to Saturday, not Saturday to Sunday.
Table – Weekly Rhythm and Friday Prayer
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official workdays | Sunday to Thursday |
| Weekend | Friday and Saturday |
| Central prayer | Jumu’ah (Friday, around noon) |
| Effect on professional life | Closure of offices/businesses for prayer, reopening in the afternoon |
Beyond the timing, the prayer itself consists of codified sequences of postures (a unit called a rakat): standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting. Worshippers stand shoulder to shoulder, with men and women separated, either in distinct spaces or via a partition. Non-Muslims do not participate but may sometimes observe discreetly from a designated area, according to local rules.
Ramadan: The Month That Transforms the Country
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan (called locally Roadha Mas or Ramazan), is the major religious event of the year. In a country where practically the entire citizen population fasts, the impact on daily life is dramatic.
From a religious perspective, the month commemorates the revelation of the Quran. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations between dawn (Fajr) and sunset (Maghrib). The night is punctuated by extra prayers, the tarawih, and sometimes a late-night prayer called Dhamu Namaadhu. One of the last nights, the Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr), is particularly sought after for its spiritual merits.
During Ramadan, Maldivian society changes its time zone. Government offices have reduced hours (e.g., 9:00 AM–1:30 PM), and many private businesses close in the afternoon. Transportation services (buses, ferries) and shops halt as sunset approaches for iftar. Local cafes and restaurants close during the day and reopen in the evening, often until very late (sometimes 3:00 AM).
Table – Typical Day During Ramadan on a Local Island
| Time | Dominant Practice |
|---|---|
| Before dawn | Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), Fajr prayer |
| Morning | Work with reduced hours, quiet streets |
| Midday | Dhuhr prayer, slowed activity |
| Afternoon | Asr prayer, preparation for iftar |
| Sunset | Iftar (breaking the fast), Maghrib prayer |
| Evening | Tarawih at the mosque, lively social and commercial life until late |
For an expatriate, experiencing Ramadan in the Maldives involves several adjustments. First, regarding respect: eating, drinking (even water), or smoking conspicuously in public on a local island during the day is considered provocative. It is preferable to consume discreetly in a private space or an area reserved for foreigners, especially if one works or lives outside of a resort island.
To live well during Ramadan in a Muslim country, here are some logistical and social aspects to know.
Plan for restaurant closures during the day, special transportation schedules, and reduced administrative services.
Accepting an invitation to share the breaking of the fast is a strong sign of respect. Dress modestly, eat with your right hand, and let the host begin the meal.
Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr (often called Kuda Eid), celebrated over several days. The day begins with a large collective prayer, sometimes in open spaces, followed by family visits, festive meals, distribution of alms (Fitr Zakaath), and traditional games. A few months later, Eid al-Adha (Bodu Eid), linked to the pilgrimage to Mecca, involves animal sacrifices, family gatherings, and even longer celebrations, often an opportunity to travel from island to island to visit relatives.
Between Local Islands and Resort Islands: Two Parallel Religious Realities
A particular feature of the Maldives lies in the geographical separation between islands inhabited by locals and the majority of resorts, located on separate islands. On the latter, intended mainly for foreign tourists, the rules are significantly more relaxed: alcohol is served, dress is much more casual, and schedules do not strictly follow prayer times.
However, this “relaxation” remains circumscribed. Alcohol, for example, cannot be brought into the country by travelers: it is confiscated at the airport and returned upon departure. Its sale and consumption remain illegal on local islands, even among foreigners. Offering alcohol to a Maldivian is not only inappropriate but also illegal.
On inhabited islands, the dress code, public behavior, and dining adhere to Islamic norms. All food is halal (no pork), alcohol is absent, and business hours align with prayers. Public events, including festive ones, are governed by religious rules, such as the prohibition of mixed-gender dancing.
Table – Quick Comparison Local Island / Resort Island
| Aspect | Local Island (Inhabited) | Resort Island (Resort) |
|---|---|---|
| Dress Code | Modest, shoulders and knees covered | Bathing suits allowed on the beach, more relaxed code |
| Alcohol | Prohibited, even for foreigners | Allowed in resort bars and restaurants |
| Food | 100% halal, no pork | Mostly halal, pork sometimes available and labeled |
| Daily Rhythm | Aligned with prayers, frequent closures | Continuous tourist activities |
| Public Behavior | PDA very frowned upon, strong restraint | More tolerance, but nudity always prohibited |
For an expatriate living on a local island or in Malé, it is essential to behave as in a conservative Muslim country: covering clothing, restraint in displays of affection, extra caution during Ramadan. For those residing in a resort, it’s easy to forget this religious framework by staying in the tourist “bubble,” but awareness becomes indispensable as soon as one visits an inhabited island, for professional or personal reasons.
Dressing Respectfully: Modesty and Contextual Differences
The guiding principle for clothing on local islands is modesty. This applies to both men and women, although social pressure is stronger on women.
In public spaces on inhabited islands, men should wear trousers or shorts covering the knees, and a top with sleeves; being shirtless is unacceptable. Local women generally wear loose clothing covering ankles and wrists, often with a hijab. The niqab is worn by some but is not universal.
An expatriate is not legally required to cover their head, but they should ensure they cover shoulders and knees at a minimum. Light trousers, a long skirt, a loose dress, combined with a non-transparent top with sleeves, are appropriate choices. On public beaches of inhabited islands, bikinis are prohibited: several islands have designated “bikini beaches” hidden from view, reserved for tourists, where such attire is tolerated. Conversely, on a resort island, a standard bathing suit is perfectly acceptable, provided one avoids any nudity or monokini, which are strictly illegal.
For mosque visits by non-Muslims (rarely permitted), the dress code is very strict: legs covered to the ankles, arms fully covered, and loose clothing. Women must additionally wear a scarf or hood covering the hair. It is also essential to remove shoes before entering the prayer area.
Code of Conduct In and Around Mosques
Even if non-Muslims generally do not have access inside mosques, it is common to pass nearby or visit complexes housing historic mosques, like in Malé. In all cases, a few implicit rules apply.
First, maintain relative silence around prayer times. Making a loud phone call or playing music in the immediate vicinity of a mosque, especially during the adhan, is very poorly received. Second, avoid standing right in front of the entrance when worshippers are entering or leaving, so as not to obstruct the flow.
During a visit, it is imperative to remove your shoes before entering the prayer area to avoid walking on the carpets. You should also avoid walking in front of someone praying, touching or moving the Quran, and sitting on a copy placed on a stand.
The issue of photography is particularly sensitive. Taking pictures of the architecture or empty spaces is sometimes tolerated, but photographing worshippers in prayer, or women in reserved areas, without explicit permission, can be seen as a violation of modesty and dignity. When in doubt, it’s better to put the camera away or ask a guide or local official for advice.
Halal, Diet, and Culinary Practices
On local islands, the halal nature of food is guaranteed by law and by the religious homogeneity of the population. Maldivians consume neither pork nor alcohol, and meat comes from halal suppliers. The traditional culinary diet is based on tuna, coconut, rice, spices, and various vegetables, with many typical Maldivian dishes: fish soups (garudhiya), curries, fritters and fried snacks (hedhikaa), mas huni for breakfast (a mix of shredded tuna, coconut, and chili), flatbreads (roshi), etc.
For an expatriate, it is important to adopt certain habits during meals. Eating with the right hand is considered more respectful, as the left is traditionally associated with impure tasks. Dishes are often shared and placed in the center of the table; it is then appropriate to serve yourself moderately. Systematically refusing offered dishes can be perceived as contempt. It is preferable to at least try a small portion and politely explain any dietary restrictions if necessary.
In resorts, the offering adapts more to the international clientele. Almost all offer buffets and menus predominantly halal, even when they include some pork-based dishes or those cooked with wine, always identified as such. Some establishments are entirely halal, using no prohibited ingredients and banning alcohol from their premises, attracting an international Muslim clientele. Qibla indicators and prayer mats are often provided in villas, sometimes copies of the Quran.
Public Behavior: Modesty, Respect, and Non-Confrontation
Beyond dietary and clothing aspects, several codes of conduct stem directly from religious and cultural values. Modesty concerns not only attire but also gestures and language.
Public displays of affection between men and women (kissing, prolonged hugs, embracing) are very frowned upon on local islands and can attract police attention. Documented cases show that even a kiss in an official public space can lead to prosecution. Mixed-gender couple dancing in public is prohibited. Conversely, friendship between people of the same sex is sometimes expressed through physical proximity (walking arm in arm, for example), which should not be interpreted through a Western lens.
In the Maldives, it is essential to maintain measured and courteous verbal exchanges. Openly criticizing Islam, ridiculing religious practices, or engaging in animated theological debates in public places (like a café or beach) is strongly discouraged. Such acts can be perceived as an attack on religious unity and are subject to penalties under the law on the protection of Islamic unity. Maldivians generally appreciate a polite tone, a smile, and avoiding direct confrontation. Shouting, losing one’s temper, or insulting in public is considered rude and uncivilized.
Finally, the matter of gestures should be monitored. Using the right hand to give or receive an object, avoiding pointing feet toward people or religious symbols, not touching children’s heads, not stepping over seated people or objects placed on the ground, are part of this bodily politeness widely shared in the region.
Religion, Calendar, and Public Holidays
The official Maldivian calendar blends the Gregorian system and the Islamic lunar-based calendar. Most major national holidays are linked to political history, but major religious dates, set according to lunar months, remain central.
The Maldivian calendar includes several major Islamic religious holidays (such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hajj, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year, Mawlid) as well as the Day of Islamization and National Day. These public holidays, often consecutive, typically lead to the closure or significant reduction of activities in government offices, schools, and many businesses.
For expatriates, these dates have a dual impact. Professionally first: it is necessary to integrate into project planning, exams, administrative procedures, or travel these periods of inactivity. Socially next: these festivals constitute privileged moments to grasp the communal dimension of Maldivian Islam, whether it’s the collective prayers, visits to relatives, festive meals, or traditional games organized in the streets and squares.
Discreet Religious Practice by Non-Muslims: What is Possible, What is Not
Foreign residents of non-Muslim faith are numerous, particularly among workers from neighboring countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, as well as among Western expatriates in the tourism, health, education, or engineering sectors.
Legally, the practice of a non-Muslim religion is permitted only in private, without any public dimension. The construction of official places of worship is prohibited. Private and discreet gatherings, without proselytism, may be held in residences or premises provided by embassies or international institutions.
The importation of non-Islamic religious literature and personal worship items is tolerated in personal quantities not intended for distribution. Conversely, distributing pamphlets, organizing public meetings, or the slightest conversion activity is illegal. For an expatriate, caution is therefore required: practicing one’s faith in the privacy of one’s home or via online resources is possible; attempting to convince Maldivian colleagues or friends to change religion can have serious consequences, for them as for oneself.
Religion, Education, and the Role of Islamic Institutions
From school onward, religion is omnipresent. Islamic instruction is part of the mandatory common core, and religion teachers are paid by the state. Arabic-language schools focused on religious education exist alongside more generalist institutions. Many Maldivians pursue Islamic studies in countries like Saudi Arabia or Pakistan before returning to occupy positions as preachers, judges, or professors.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, with the support of bodies like the Supreme Council of Fatwa, oversees the content of Friday sermons, regulates the training of imams, and defines official positions on religious and moral issues. Recent efforts aim to harmonize interpretations by favoring the majority Sunni tradition and discouraging divisions between different legal schools.
For an expatriate, this means that religious discourse heard on the radio, television, or at official ceremonies generally reflects the government line and that of the Islamic authorities. Public debates on religious reform, secularism, or confessional plurality are almost non-existent, even prohibited.
Managing Sensitivities: Photos, Social Media, and Privacy
In the age of smartphones, the issue of photography in a conservative country like the Maldives deserves special attention. Taking a shot of a seascape or coral reef poses no problem. In contrast, photographing residents, especially women or worshippers in prayer, calls for great caution.
Maldivians are sensitive about the use of their image, due to a past marked by domination and tourist objectification. It is therefore fundamental to always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, even if the law does not always require it. This mark of respect can be done with a nod, a smile accompanied by a “May I?” or its equivalent in Dhivehi, possibly through a local colleague to clarify expectations.
Subsequently posting these images on social media with mocking, condescending, or decontextualized comments can contribute to feeding stereotypes, or even put people in difficulty if their social environment is very conservative. It is recommended to favor descriptive captions rather than value judgments, to respect requests for blurring or anonymity, and to refrain from disseminating scenes that could harm the dignity or modesty of the subjects.
In mosques, during religious ceremonies, or at family rites (weddings, funerals), the use of cameras should be limited, even prohibited without explicit agreement. Again, the golden rule is to ask before acting and to accept without insistence any possible refusal.
Dialoguing Without Proselytizing: Building Bridges Daily
In a context where legal boundaries around religion are very strict, this does not mean, however, that all exchange about faith is impossible. On the contrary, many Maldivians are proud of their Islamic history, their coral mosques, their fasting practices or their festivals, and are willing to talk about it provided the discussion takes place in a climate of respect, without attempts at challenge or aggressive comparison.
For an expatriate, a healthy approach involves asking open questions, listening actively, and demonstrating sincere interest in local culture. Simple gestures, like learning polite phrases in Arabic or Dhivehi (e.g., ‘As-salaam alaykum’, ‘Eid Mubarak’, ‘Shukuriyaa’), or showing knowledge of fundamental religious practices like fasting or the five daily prayers, can create a climate of trust and open the way for authentic dialogue, without seeking to impose one’s own beliefs.
In some cases, intercultural initiatives or events organized by international institutions can offer more neutral spaces for exchanging about differences and commonalities between traditions. But one must always keep in mind that, legally and socially, the Maldivian framework remains that of a very homogeneous Muslim state, where discourses perceived as “anti-Islamic” are criminally punished.
Practical Tips for Expatriates: Living and Working Respectfully
To conclude, some cross-cutting recommendations can help an expatriate settle serenely into this particular religious reality.
First, adapt your habits upon arrival: set your mental clock to the Friday–Saturday weekend, account for prayer breaks in your schedule, avoid scheduling important events during major holidays or at the heart of Ramadan, prepare for slower administrative services during these periods.
To adapt to social norms, it is advisable to wear decent clothing on local islands, limit physical contact in public, watch your language, and avoid bringing up sensitive religious topics in a professional context or with people you don’t know well.
Furthermore, respect the import and consumption bans concerning alcohol, pork products, non-Islamic religious materials, or pornographic content. The temptation to circumvent these rules to “keep one’s habits” can have disproportionate consequences compared to the comfort sought.
To cultivate respectful curiosity, it is recommended, with permission, to visit a historic mosque, participate in an iftar, taste local specialties, and attend Bodu Beru dances during Eid. Exchanging with colleagues on the meaning of the day the Maldives embraced Islam and learning a few words of Dhivehi transform the strict religious framework into an opportunity for mutual understanding.
Living in the Maldives as an expatriate means accepting that Islam is not one element among others, but the foundation around which collective life is organized. By keeping this in mind, and adjusting one’s behavior accordingly, it is possible not only to avoid misunderstandings but also to enrich oneself through contact with a culture where faith remains, more than in many countries, a total social fact.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
