Islam is the main official religion of Kuwait. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to the adherents of other religions, provided that no prejudice may occur against Islam.
Islam and the Kuwaiti Constitution
The Kuwaiti Constitution states that Islam is the main, official religion of Kuwait. Islam and the Islamic Sharia (Islamic law) are the main sources of the Kuwaiti Laws and Legislations. Most of the Kuwaiti population embraces Islam. Majority of the Kuwaiti Muslims are Sunnis and the rest are Shia'a. Adherents of other religions are given the complete freedom to practice their own rituals provided that provided that no prejudice may occur against Islam. Christian families practice their own religious rituals with complete freedom in the churches found in Kuwait. This freedom is endorsed by the Kuwaiti government, a matter which enhances the coherence and interdependence of the nation.
Islam sets the required spiritual, social, economic and political standards for establishing a stable and balanced society. Viewing individuals as the corner stones of societies, Islam encourages individuals to conduct studies and disseminate scientific information all the time. The first verse in Holy Quran revealed to the Prophet Muhammad was in this regard. Allah says what means, "Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous) (Al-Alaq 96:1-3). Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) called for learning and always reminded Muslims with its significance and that seeking knowledge is an obligation on each Muslim.
Islam, also, aims at enhancing Takaful among the individuals of the society. Takaful is an Islamic insurance concept. This is to achieve social justice and coexistence with other religions. Hence, Islamic Shariaa includes a wide range of rules that work on organizing dealings and practices among people. The base for all practices must be upon disseminating justice provisions, equality before law, freedom and Shurra (consultation). The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Kuwait is keen on enhancing the spirit of Islam and disseminating its teachings. This is besides fostering the influence of the religion in the Kuwaiti society and protecting the Islamic heritage throughout the years.
Islam in the Kuwaiti Society
The influence of Islam is profoundly endorsed in the sincere souls and societies that truly believe in it and abides by Islamic Sharia (Islamic law). Among the Arab communities, the Kuwaiti society is greatly influenced by Islam. As it is located in the Arab Peninsula, the cradle of Islam, Kuwait is an Islamic country since ancient ages. Kuwaitis are originally Muslims. Consequently, the obligation to the tolerant teachings of Islam, commitment with its provisions and abidance by its beliefs is a part of the nature of the Kuwaiti people. Since the establishment of the State of Kuwait, the influence of Islam was highly apparent.
