Oman
(2003)
The Constitution or Basic Charter protects the freedom
to practice religious rites, in accordance with tradition, provided
that their practices do not breach public order, and the Government
generally respects this right in practice; however there were some restrictions.
The Basic Charter also declares that Islam is the State religion and that Shari'a is the source of all legislation.
The Government permits worship by non-Muslim residents; however, non-Muslim
religious organizations must be registered with the Government, and
the Government restricts some of their activities.
There was no change in the status of respect for religious
freedom during the period covered by this report. Christian and Hindu
worship is permitted, and Sultan Qaboos has given land for the construction
of centers of worship for these religions. It is illegal for non-Muslims
to proselytize Muslims.
The generally amicable relationship among religions
in society contributed to religious freedom.
The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues
with the Government in the context of its overall dialog and policy
of promoting human rights.
Section I. Religious Demography
The country's total area is 119,498 square miles,
and its population is approximately 2.8 million, of whom 1,889,910 are
Omani. Most citizens are Ibadhi or Sunni Muslims, but there also is
a minority of Shi'a Muslims. There is a small community of ethnically
Indian Hindu citizens and reportedly a very small number of Christian
citizens, who came from India or the Levant and who have been naturalized.
The majority of non-Muslims are noncitizen immigrant
workers from South Asia. There are a number of Christian denominations
represented in the country.
While there is no information regarding missionary
groups in the country, several nonproselytizing faith-based organizations
operate. Clergy of the Anglican Church, the Reformed Church of America,
and other Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox groups are present in the
country.
Section II. Status of Religious Freedom
Legal/Policy Framework
The Constitution or Basic Charter protects the freedom
to practice religious rites, in accordance with tradition, provided
that their practices do not breach public order, and the Government
generally respects this right in practice; however, there were some
restrictions. The Basic Charter also declares that Islam is the State
religion and that Shari'a is the source of all legislation. Within these
parameters, the Government permits freedom of worship for non-Muslims.
The Charter prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis
of religion or religious group. Some non-Muslims worship at churches
and temples built on land donated by the Sultan, including two Catholic
and two Protestant church complexes. Hindu temples also have been built
on government-provided land. In addition the Government provided land
for Catholic and Protestant churches in Sohar and Salalah. Non-Muslim
religious organizations must be registered with the Ministry of Awqaf
and Religious Affairs, and the Government restricts some of their activities.
The criterion for registration is opaque. One non-Muslim organization
present in the country for several decades has had its application for
formal registration pending at the Ministry for several years. Anecdotal
evidence suggest that visiting non-Muslim organizations are permitted
to operate within legal boundaries if a registered entity agrees to
sponsor them with the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.
Citizen children must attend schools that provide
instruction in Islam; noncitizen children may attend schools that do
not offer instruction in Islam.
The Government has sponsored forums at which differing
interpretations of Islam have been examined, and inter-faith, government-sponsored
dialog takes place on a regular basis.
The following religious holidays are considered national
holidays: Eid al Adha, Islamic (Hijra) New Year, Birth of the Prophet,
Ascension Day, Eid al Fitr.
Restrictions on Religious Freedom
Citizens and noncitizen residents are free to discuss
their religious beliefs; however, the Government prohibits non-Muslims
from proselytizing Muslims. Under Islamic law, a Muslim who recants
belief in Islam would be considered an apostate and dealt with under
applicable Islamic legal procedure. Non-Muslims are permitted to change
their religious affiliation to Islam and proselytizing non-Muslims by
Muslims is allowed. The authorities reportedly have asked members of
the Baha'i community not to proselytize, in accordance with the country's
law and custom.
The Government prohibits non-Muslim groups from publishing
religious material, although non-Muslim religious material printed abroad
may be brought into the country. Members of all religions and religious
groups are free to maintain links with coreligionists abroad and to
undertake foreign travel for religious purposes. Ministers and priests
from abroad also are permitted to visit the country for the purpose
of carrying out duties related to registered religious organizations.
The Government expects all imams to preach sermons
within the parameters of standardized texts distributed monthly by the
Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The Government monitors sermons
at mosques to ensure that the imams do not discuss political topics
and stay within the state-approved orthodoxy of Islam.
Some aspects of Islamic law and tradition as interpreted
in the country discriminate against women. Shari'a favors male heirs
in adjudicating inheritance claims. While there is continuing reluctance
to take an inheritance dispute to court for fear of alienating the family,
women increasingly are aware of and taking steps to protect and exercise
their rights as citizens.
There were no reports of religious prisoners or detainees.
Forced Religious Conversion
There were no reports of forced religious conversion,
including of minor U.S. citizens who had been abducted or illegally
removed from the United States, or of the refusal to allow such citizens
to be returned to the United States.
Section III. Societal Attitudes
The generally amicable relationship among religions
in society contributed to religious freedom. Religious discrimination
in the private sector largely is absent. Christian theologians have
met with local Islamic authorities and with members of the faculty at
the country's major university. Private groups that promote interfaith
dialog are permitted to exist as long as discussions do not constitute
an attempt to cause Muslims to recant their Islamic beliefs.
In 2001, the Sultan invited Islamic leaders from many
countries and all major branches and schools of Islam to the opening
of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Section IV. U.S. Government Policy
The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues
with the Government in the context of its overall dialog and policy
of promoting human rights. Members of the staff at the U.S. Embassy
freely participate in local religious ceremonies and have contact with
members of non-Muslim religious groups.
Sources: U.S. State Department - Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor |