It is well known to everyone that the Republic of Bangladesh is a Muslim country, with a vast majority of its people and residents being Muslims. Islam has prevailed here since ancient times, both before and after its independence, even prior to British control over it.

Religious Atmosphere

Bangladesh is a Sunni Muslim country that enjoys a religious atmosphere, and Islamic culture is prominent throughout most of its regions, highlighting its religious character in many aspects. However, it is not entirely Islamic in all forms and through all its facets; rather, it is an Islamic country for the majority of its Muslim population. It is more appropriate to refer to it as a Muslim country before calling it an Islamic one. Nevertheless, the traditions and characteristics of Islam are evident throughout, in a way that attracts attention and impacts even non-Muslims. In this article, we will specifically focus on this aspect.

Religious Character in Communities

Greetings and Interactions

You will notice this religious character in communities in general when individuals meet; they begin with the greeting of the people of Islam, shake hands, and smile at one another face to face. They may gather at meetings, forums, and seminars, where one person speaks while the other listens, beginning their speech with "Bismillah" or at least greeting those present. They often conclude their discussions with greetings or the phrase "Allah Hafiz," making the religious characteristics evident and prominent in greetings and social interactions. One person may inquire about the well-being of another, who replies with "Alhamdulillah." This behavior highlights the inherent faith that God has instilled in people's nature.

Religious Character in Villages and Rural Areas

Village Life

These characteristics are most vividly displayed in villages and rural areas among ordinary people and the uneducated. When you stroll around, you will see that most men have beards and wear caps, filling mosques, gatherings, and Islamic seminars. Despite their simplicity, they follow their religious scholars, hoping for goodness in their lives. Their sound intellect and prudent opinions help them choose the right scholars and imams as role models to emulate in various aspects of life. People in the villages, in particular, follow and imitate these imams in their prayers and religious activities.

Morning Routine

When dawn rises and people awaken for prayer, you will notice a calm and peaceful atmosphere. After the Fajr prayer, children head to the Quran schools and regular schools in groups, with Quran copies hanging from their necks, smiling after their mothers have awakened them early.

Quranic Recitations

"When you inhale the gentle morning breezes, wandering through the alleys and neighborhoods, you enjoy the sounds of the Quran melodiously resonating from the alcoves of houses, recited by women and girls immediately after prayer; a scene that captivates you with its beauty and grants you a sense of tranquility and clarity amid the fragrant fresh air."

Religious Character in Politics

Influence on Politics

Although the country's politics do not serve Islam and Muslims, nor do they have any relation to Islam, Islam and Muslims play an active role in changing the politics and turning it upside down. It is undeniable that their influence in politics and sovereignty is significant, as it impacts societies regarding the most enthusiastic supporters. Consequently, many candidates before parliamentary elections feel compelled to adorn themselves and wear religious attire; they don the cap on their heads and hold prayer beads in their hands, often attending mosques, religious gatherings, and Islamic centers, promising the people with false political aspirations that have no reality, all to gain their trust and rely on the account of others.

Religious Character in Markets and Cities

Market Atmosphere

The markets and cities prominently feature a religious character; you can see shops adorned with short Islamic signs displaying verses from the Quran or translated short hadiths, and you can enjoy songs and Quranic recitations—though such shops are slightly fewer. In addition to this, you find that most merchants are deeply fond of religion and its followers, donating to it and to those in need, even though vagabonds approach them daily, extending their hands in supplication, yet they do not bother or annoy them, despite the fact that what they donate is minimal.

Religious Atmosphere in Mosques, Centers, and Gatherings

City of Mosques

Bangladesh is overflowing with mosques, schools, and Islamic institutes, to the extent that its capital, Dhaka, is renowned as the City of Mosques. This reflects the love of its people for Islam and religion. These mosques fill with worshippers on Fridays, with people arriving early to enjoy religious guidance and divine instructions from the pulpits of the speakers, who deliver directional messages before the adhan of the sermon in the light of the Quran and Sunnah. People listen to them as if birds were perched on their heads. After the obligatory prayers, worshippers practice correcting their recitation and enjoy reading religious books.

Islamic Gatherings

You see people, during winter nights, attending Islamic gatherings and seminars, going in groups and throngs crowded along the roads to them, seeking to turn towards the Hereafter and to enjoy a significant measure of psychological comfort. Indeed, this, by God, reflects the culture of our country and indicates the faith roots deep within its essence.