Kuwait

Islam is the official and dominant religion in Kuwait, and it deeply influences the country’s culture, laws, and daily life. Here are key points about Islam in Kuwait:

1. Demographics:

  • Around 74-76% of Kuwait’s total population is Muslim.
  • The remaining population includes Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and others—mostly among the large expatriate community.

2. Sects:

  • Sunni Muslims make up the majority—estimated at 60-70% of the citizen population.
  • Shia Muslims represent about 30-40% of Kuwaiti citizens.
  • Despite this sectarian split, Kuwait is known for relatively peaceful Sunni-Shia coexistence compared to some other Gulf states.

3. Role of Islam in Society:

  • Islam influences laws, education, social norms, and customs.
  • Sharia (Islamic Law) is a primary source of legislation, especially in matters like personal status laws (marriage, divorce, inheritance).
  • Alcohol is banned for Muslims (though available for some non-Muslim expatriates via illegal means).
  • Pork products are also prohibited.
  • Public life changes during Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours and businesses adjust working hours.

4. Religious Institutions:

  • There are many mosques throughout the country, including the famous Grand Mosque of Kuwait, the largest mosque in the nation.
  • Friday prayers are an important part of life, with large public gatherings.
  • The state supports Islamic education and requires religious instruction in schools.

5. Religious Freedom:

  • The Kuwaiti constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but this is largely limited to recognized non-Muslim groups (like Christians).
  • Proselytizing Muslims to another faith is forbidden by law.
  • Conversion from Islam to another religion is socially taboo and may have legal consequences.

6. Islamic Culture:

  • Kuwaitis observe all Islamic holidays, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Islamic New Year.
  • Charity (Zakat) is widely practiced, both privately and through government programs.

7. Influence of Islam on Politics:

  • Islamic values inform political debate.
  • Some political blocs, like the Islamist parties, seek to expand the role of Sharia in government.
  • However, Kuwait also has a parliamentary system, and there is public debate about the balance between Islamic values and modern governance.

Kuwait
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .kw
Country Code: +965