JORDAN
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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Sources

Allan, M. / Reishandboek Jordanië en Syrië
Elmar

Grünfeld, R. / Syrië, Jordanië en Libanon
Kosmos-Z&K

Haan-van de Wiel, W.H. de / Jordanië, Syrië
Gottmer

Jordanië, Syrië
Lannoo

Meijer, R. / Jordanië : mensen, politiek, economie, cultuur
Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen : Novib

Rauch, M. / Jordanië
Van Reemst

Weiss, W.M. / Jordanië
Elmar

Wills, K. / Jordan
Lucent Books

CIA - World Factbook

BBC - Country Profiles

Last updated March 2024
Copyright: Team The World of Info