Religion, Power, and National Identity: The Dual Role of Islam in the History and Modernization of the Maldives
Islam in the history and modernization of the Maldives demonstrates an intrinsic tension, serving both as the foundational cornerstone of national identity and as the source of social conflict and political division. On the one hand, the narrative of being a “100% Muslim nation” has shaped a highly...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Religions |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/2/201 |
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| Summary: | Islam in the history and modernization of the Maldives demonstrates an intrinsic tension, serving both as the foundational cornerstone of national identity and as the source of social conflict and political division. On the one hand, the narrative of being a “100% Muslim nation” has shaped a highly unified national identity, achieving legalization and institutionalization within the power structure and becoming a critical pillar of state legitimacy and social integration. On the other hand, the politicization and homogenization of religion have weakened social inclusivity, exacerbating religious extremism and social tensions in the face of globalization. The Maldivian experience not only reveals how religion undergoes self-transformation through power negotiation and legal reform but also reflects how the tension between traditional religion and the modern state shapes the dynamic framework of national governance. As a microcosm of global religious renaissance and geopolitical interaction, the Maldives offers a vital theoretical perspective and practical insights for understanding the complex interplay among religion, power, and national identity. |
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| ISSN: | 2077-1444 |