President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that Islam remains at the heart of the Maldives’ cultural sovereignty and independence, describing the preservation of the country as a 100 per cent Islamic state as its strongest national safeguard.
The President made the remarks while addressing a ceremony at Hulhumalé Central Park on Saturday night commemorating 900 Hijri years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
President Muizzu said Islamic principles have shaped the individual, social and national lives of Maldivians for centuries, and stressed that those values must be protected and passed on to future generations.
He said the five pillars of Islam and the protections provided by the faith across different aspects of life have contributed to building a peaceful and trusted Maldivian society.
Reflecting on the country’s conversion to Islam, President Muizzu said Islamic guidance brought an end to polytheism and social inequality, establishing the principle that all people are equal before Almighty Allah. He said Islam also protects human life, dignity and property.
The President highlighted the protection of intellect as another important Islamic principle, describing intoxicating substances as a serious threat capable of destroying individuals, families and communities.
He called for collective efforts to protect younger generations from such dangers and said adherence to Islamic principles was essential to developing a productive and wise society.
During the address, President Muizzu announced the establishment of Maldives Awqaf Investments Limited, a national endowment company aimed at strengthening the financial foundations of religious activities while supporting social and infrastructure development.
The company will undertake sustainable businesses permitted under Islam, with proceeds intended to expand funding for religious purposes and contribute towards the Maldives’ goal of becoming a developed nation by 2040.
President Muizzu also linked the country’s Islamic identity to its historic struggles to defend national independence. Referring to Utheemu Bodu Thakurufaanu’s resistance against the Portuguese, he said Maldivians who defended the nation had been driven by a conviction to protect their religion.
He said the Maldives had remained an Islamic nation because generations of Maldivians remained steadfast in their faith.
Concluding his address, President Muizzu urged citizens to preserve that religious foundation as the country navigates the challenges of an increasingly globalised world. He called for national development to remain rooted in Islamic values, beginning with individuals and extending throughout society.
The President also unveiled an official logo and slogan that will be used for one year to mark the 900th anniversary.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed accompanied the President at the ceremony. Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, foreign ambassadors, young khateebs and qaris, and members of the public were among those attending.
Bandar Abdullah Al-Rajhi, Chief Executive Officer of Al Rajhi Company, also attended the ceremony.
