JORDAN
Religion
Religion
Religion
Since the introduction of the constitution in 1952, Islam has been the state religion. Over 93% of the population is Sunni and follows the Shafi'ite school of law; 3% are Shi'ites (including the Circassians). In daily practice, Islam in Jordan is not as strict as in some neighbouring countries. Not all mosques are full and some rules are hardly respected; the chaddor, for example, is rarely worn, although many women do wear a veil. In the capital Amman, however, more and more women are walking around in Western clothes, and have a good example in Queen Noor.
Apart from Muslims, the country has a number of Christian groups: Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox and some Protestants (Lutherans, Anglicans), together about 5% of the population.
A small number of Druze live in the north. Druze are Ishmaelites who believe that the 'hidden imam' is none other than the founder of their sect, namely the Egyptian caliph Al-Hakim, who lived in the 10th century. The Druze practise a secret and complex Shiism for initiates and they have no intention of converting others. Only the most learned believers can consult the holy texts.
There are also some followers of the Bahai religion and Samaritans, a religion similar to Judaism. They live mainly in the cities of Kerak, Madaba and As-salt.
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CIA - World Factbook
BBC - Country Profiles
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