Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said the Maldives has remained an Islamic nation for 900 years because of Maldivians’ strong commitment to Islam and the constitutional safeguards protecting the religion.
Speaking on the Heyyanbo programme, Minister Dr Shaheem described the Maldives remaining an Islamic nation for 900 years as a profound blessing.
Minister Dr Shaheem said the Maldives has maintained its Islamic identity since embracing Islam because of the respect and unity among Maldivians. He said that although Maldivians may differ politically, there is no doubt about their unity on matters concerning the country’s independence and religion.
Minister Dr Shaheem further highlighted the role of Maldivians’ strong commitment to Islam and the constitutional protection afforded to the religion in preserving the country’s Islamic identity. He said the country’s rulers and governments, as well as the Constitution within the Maldives’ legal system, have strongly protected Islam and stressed the importance of maintaining these safeguards.
Minister Dr Shaheem noted that the Constitution states that Maldivian citizens are Muslims and that no law contrary to Islam may be enacted. He also said the Constitution identifies the Maldives as a Sunni Muslim nation and requires the country’s ruler to be a Sunni Muslim.
The Minister said no other constitution in the world contains provisions of this nature and described the Maldives maintaining its Islamic identity under such safeguards as a profound blessing.
“Since the Maldives embraced Islam, the country remaining an Islamic nation to this day is truly a great blessing. We have reached this point because of the unity among Maldivians. Even today, despite being politically divided, there is no doubt that Maldivians remain united when it comes to the country’s independence and matters of religion,” Minister Dr Shaheem said.
Speaking on the same programme, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed said one of the most important lessons to take from the Maldives having remained an Islamic nation for 900 years is the respect shown by the people towards their rulers.
Minister Heena said that when the ruler at the time established the Maldives as an Islamic nation, the people embraced Islam and began working to preserve Islamic unity.
“One of the most important lessons to take from marking this occasion is the independence and progress achieved by Maldivians, as well as the respect the people showed towards their rulers after embracing Islam. When the ruler at the time established the Maldives as an Islamic nation, everyone embraced the religion and began working to preserve Islamic unity,” Minister Heena said.
She said the Maldives remaining a Muslim nation reflects the respect and good conduct among Maldivians, as well as the positive example demonstrated by their forefathers. Minister Heena stressed the importance of passing these qualities on to future generations.
To mark 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments are planning a series of activities throughout the year.
The commemoration aims to preserve the Maldives’ Islamic heritage sustainably, advance Islamic arts and academic research, strengthen relations with the international Islamic Ummah, and reinforce Islamic faith and religious unity among future generations.