First Lady Hails 900 Years of Islamic Identity as Unique National Honour

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has described the Maldives' 900-year history as a fully Islamic nation as a source of singular pride and honour, noting that such a legacy is unmatched globally. In a special message commemorating the anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam, the First Lady attributed the country's achievement of becoming a 100 percent Muslim nation to a deep-rooted spirit of unity and togetherness. She expressed gratitude to Allah (SWT) for this milestone and offered prayers that the Maldivian people will continue to cherish and practice their faith with devotion. Islam was introduced to the Maldives in 548 AH (1153 AD). The transition occurred following the conversion of the Maldivian king, Sultan Mohamed Ibn Abdullah—historically known as Dhovemi Kalaminja—which led to the entire population embracing the religion. This religious identity remains central to the state's legal and social framework. According to the Constitution of the Maldives, citizenship is contingent upon being a Muslim, and the majority of the nation's laws are derived from Islamic principles. The Maldives officially celebrates the day it embraced Islam on the 2nd of Rabi al-Thani, marking a pivotal turning point in the archipelago's cultural and spiritual history.