The Maldives has commemorated Martyrs’ Day on the first day of Sha’ban in the Islamic calendar, paying solemn tribute to the men who laid down their lives in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and the Islamic faith that underpins Maldivian society.
The observance honours Sultan Ali VI, who fell in battle in 1558 while resisting Portuguese colonial forces. Revered as a national hero and martyr, Sultan Ali VI’s resistance is widely regarded as a defining chapter in the Maldives’ struggle to preserve its independence and religious identity.
Martyrs’ Day has been officially observed since 1400 in the Islamic calendar, corresponding to 14 June 1980, and remains a central moment of national reflection and remembrance.
In contemporary history, the day also signifies the 19 Maldivians who lost their lives during the armed attack on 3 November 1988, when mercenaries linked to a Tamil secessionist group from Sri Lanka, aided by a group of Maldivian collaborators, attempted to overthrow the elected government. Their sacrifice is remembered as a pivotal moment in safeguarding the country’s democratic order and territorial integrity.
Martyrs’ Day stands as a powerful symbol of national duty, underscoring the responsibility of every citizen to honour the legacy of those who fought for the country’s freedom. It serves as a reminder that the security, unity and prosperity of the Maldives have been secured at great cost, and that future generations, particularly the youth must draw inspiration from these sacrifices to uphold nationalism and work towards a resilient and prosperous nation.