Are the Maldives Muslim - Etiquette for the Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelagic country in South Asia, a string of atolls scattered across the Indian Ocean and officially called the Republic of Maldives. The word "Maldives" means "the islands of Male"; incidentally, Maldives's capital is Male.  Male is pronounced as Malé with the infliction oné.  The name Maldives comes from the Sanskrit word "maladvipa", meaning "garland of islands", which is absolutely true.  The islands are strewn across the ocean like sparkling aquamarine stones.

Short History of the Maldives
History reveals that the first settlers arrived in the Maldives around the 5th century BCE, likely from Sri Lanka, South India and East Africa.  It is said that from the 12th century Buddhism was practiced until Arab traders brought Islam and now worshiped till today.  The In the 16th century, the Portuguese briefly established themselves then it became a British protectorate then in 1965 on behalf of the Sultan, Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan, assisted in gaining independence.

​Landing in Maldives
Arriving at the airport, you are greeted with a relaxed atmosphere from officials; once finished, bags are scanned, and many are greeted with a surprise request to relinquish their duty-free alcohol products and given a slip to pick up on departure.  For many foreigners, this is a 'welcome' learning experience to the country's culture.  Once you are out of the customs, you are met by the magical sight of taxi planes and boats bobbing up and down on a perfect blue-green sea.  Malé and Hullamalé are connected by a bridge with red double-decker buses slowly making their way over and back.
 
While being escorted to your hotel of choice, you will see women and children dressed in Western, Indian and/or niqab, hijab, chador to dupatta.  You may find that your hotel hosts are from places such as Bangladesh, India and local Maldivian at the helm.  Maldives is certainly relaxed everywhere you go; the people are tolerant and understanding of those coming to their shores to discover island paradise.  The main beach area dress code for Westerns is modest dressing leaving bikinis, bathers and Cardi B outfits in the suitcase for your island resort getaway.

Food Etiquette of the Maldives
Food is a mixture of Arabic, Southern Indian, Sri Lankan and Western.  I have personally tried traditional Maldivian food at a restaurant recommended by a local and heartly recommend.  You will find that locals love to patronise cafes and restaurants and sit for hours talking to friends and family.  Lots of laughter and talking fills the space making for a happy environment.
 
Before eating the delicious local and fresh foods, please wash your hands in a basin provided before you start your meal and after if you have eaten food with your hands.  On the local menu, you will find flavorful dishes such as garudhiya which is a fragrant fish soup, masi huni made for breakfast, shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, lemon and chilli, eaten with roshi (roti bread) to sweet or handulu bondibai, rice pudding eaten during Eid.  Most of these foods are commonly eaten by right-hand roti or rice.  These carbohydrates are used as a carrier for the main meals and are well mixed together with the hands.
If you love bacon in the mornings with your eggs, due to the country being an Islamic republic, pork will not be found.  Instead, you will offered chicken and beef alternatives.  Resorts away from the main islands will sell alcoholic beverages.
 
Culture of the Maldivian People
Maldivian culture adheres to the Islamic principles of the family unit, and tight-knit bonds within extended families further reinforce this respect.  You will be met with locals and hired help with poker faces; it is a South Asian tendency not to smile; however, when you break the ice when asking for directions or advice, you will be met with kindness.  Etiquette is that speaking to locals on the street, woman to woman and man to man is better.
 
If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a Maldivian household, don’t forget to remove your shoes and greet your hosts.  Women will greet verbally rather than shake hands, whereas men will use the hand-to-heart sign, and the general greeting is “As-Salaam-Alaikum" and "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam" which means “May peace be upon you."  Before you arrive, purchase fruit or a gift you brought from your home country.  To break the ice and get a conversation started, inquire about how the family is doing.  When you see children, ask their names and ages to show interest and avoid patting them on the head.  If you have accidentally bumped into someone, apologise quickly.  When eating, you may be invited to sit down on the floor.  If that is the case, keep the soles of your feet facing the wall, as it is considered unclean.
 
I hope these tips help the next time you stay in Marvellous Maldives be relaxing and fun.
 
Article Published In: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com