Religion, Power, and National Identity: The Dual Role of Islam in the History and Modernization of the Maldives

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This is a very in-depth and compelling analysis that thoroughly explores Islam and religion/colonialism in the Maldives.

Author Response

Comments 1: [This is a very in-depth and compelling analysis that thoroughly explores Islam and religion/colonialism in the Maldives.]

Response 1: [Dear Reviewer, Thank you very much for taking the time to review our manuscript. We greatly appreciate your recognition of our work. In this revised version, we have added an introduction section and made appropriate revisions based on the feedback from other reviewers. All changes are highlighted using the revision mode. Wishing you a successful year of research ahead!]

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1.              The article offers valuable insights into the development of Islam in the Maldives and its impact on the country’s politics. It, however, requires some revisions to achieve its full potential. By clarifying the purpose, addressing inconsistencies, and providing additional contextual analysis, the author can create a more coherent and impactful narrative. The article’s detailed account of the challenges faced by successive Maldivian governments in institutionalizing Islam is a significant contribution to the field and should be highlighted more prominently.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript titled "Religion, Power, and National Identity: The Dual Role of Islam in the History and Modernization of the Maldives" presents a fascinating exploration of how Islam has played a central role in both unifying and dividing Maldivian society. The abstract reveals a nuanced understanding of the tension inherent in the Maldivian experience, making it a strong contribution to the discourse on religion, power, and national identity.

Strengths:

1. Historical and Modern Context: The manuscript successfully addresses Islam's dual role, highlighting its role as both a unifying force in the national identity and a source of political division. This duality is essential for understanding how religion shapes governance and societal structures, particularly in a small island nation like the Maldives.
2. Relevant Theoretical Framework: The framing of Islam’s role through the lens of power negotiation and legal reform is both thought-provoking and essential for broader discussions on how religious practices and national identities evolve within modern governance structures. This helps situate the Maldives within global trends of religious revival and political transformation, offering useful insights into the intersection of religion and statecraft.
3. Geopolitical Relevance: By considering the Maldives as a microcosm of global religious revival and geopolitical interaction, the manuscript contributes a unique case study to the broader field of religious and political studies. The focus on how the tensions between traditional religious identity and modern state functions play out within a globalized context makes this study both regionally specific and globally relevant.
4. Social and Political Impact: The identification of the politicization of religion as a contributor to extremism and social tensions adds an important dimension to the analysis. This critique of the consequences of homogenizing religion within state structures opens up avenues for further inquiry into religious inclusivity and its impact on societal cohesion, especially in the face of globalization.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Empirical Evidence and Case Studies: While the abstract outlines the theoretical framework and central argument effectively, further discussion of specific empirical data or case studies could strengthen the analysis. This would provide concrete examples of how the tension between Islam’s traditional role and its politicization manifests in Maldivian society, politics, and law.
2. Exploring Social Divisions More Deeply: Although the abstract mentions the exacerbation of religious extremism and social tensions, further exploration into how these divisions are experienced by different social groups—such as youth, women, or minorities—could add more depth to the analysis. This would enrich the discussion of how globalization influences internal societal dynamics.
3. Linking Global Trends More Explicitly: The abstract highlights global religious revival and geopolitical interaction, but more explicit connections to other global examples of similar tensions between religion and national identity could provide a broader comparative perspective. This could help readers draw clearer parallels between the Maldives and other nations experiencing similar challenges.

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

In depth proofreading required

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf