Kuwait's official state religion is Maliki Sunni Islam. Most Muslim Kuwaiti citizens are Sunni. Shia Muslims are a significant minority in Kuwait; several other Muslim sects do exist in Kuwaiti society but in very small numbers.[2] The Al Sabah ruling family (including the Emir) adhere to the Maliki school of Sunni Islam.
Over one million non-citizen Muslims resided in Kuwait in 2019.[1]
Population estimates
There is no official national census disclosing sectarian affiliation. The population estimates have varied over time. In 2001, there were an estimated 525,000 Sunni Kuwaiti citizens and 300,000 Shia Kuwaiti citizens.[5] In 2002, the US Department of State estimated that there were 525,000 Sunni Kuwaiti citizens and 855,000 Kuwaiti citizens in total (61% Sunnis, 39% Shias).[6] In 2004, there were an estimated 600,000 Sunni Kuwaiti citizens, 300,000-350,000 Shia Kuwaiti citizens and 913,000 Kuwaiti citizens in total.[7] In 2007, it was estimated that around 70% of citizens belonged to the Sunni branch of Islam while the remaining 30% were Shias. [4] In 2008, the Strategic Studies Institute estimated that Sunnis constitute 60% of the population.[8] In 2022, it was estimated that around 70% of Muslims living in Kuwait belonged to the Sunni branch of Islam while the remaining 30% were Shias.[2] Other population estimates gave an 80:20 ratio.[9]
Christianity is a minority religion in Kuwait. In 2020, there were an estimated 289 Christian Kuwaitis residing in Kuwait.[3] Kuwait is the only GCC country besides Bahrain to have a local Christian population who hold citizenship. Of the non-citizen population, there are an estimated 837,585 Christians (31 December 2020), or 17.93% of the population.[1]
The official 2013 census only shows three religion categories: "Muslim", "Christian" and "Other", with only 18 people in the other category.[3] There are a small number of Kuwaiti citizens who follow the Baháʼí Faith, with other sources state that there are approximately 400 Baháʼís in total in Kuwait in 2022.[2]
Sectarian affiliation has been a source of civil conflict in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti Constitution guarantees freedom of belief and the right to practice any religion so long as it does not interfere with customs. Law No. 19 of 2012 criminalizes the instigation of violence based on the supremacy of one sectarian faction, promoting the supremacy of any faction, or promoting hatred or contempt of any party.[11]
In April 2022, a Kuwaiti citizen was convicted of atheism and sentenced to two months in prison and a fine of KD10,000 ($33,000) after posting comments on social media.[12]
In 2023, Kuwait was scored 2 out of 4 for religious freedom;[13] blasphemy is a punishable offence and non-Muslims are forbidden from proselytizing, although they can worship privately.
