Maldives Celebrates 900 Years Of Embracing Islam

By Shakir Husain

HYDERABAD, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The Maldives is celebrating 900 years since the arrival of Islam in the archipelagic nation.

A grand ceremony was held at Hulhumale Central Park on Saturday night to commemorate 900 Hijri years of Islam in the Maldives.

President Mohamed Muizzu asserted that the monotheistic faith is the essence of the nation's cultural sovereignty and independence.

The president said in a statement issued by the government that "Islamic guidance dispelled the darkness of polytheism and social inequality that existed in Maldivian society before its conversion to Islam."

He stressed that Islam instilled the conviction that all people are equal before Allah and safeguarded the sanctity of human life and the dignity and property of the Maldivian people.

In his speech, Muizzu spoke out against the consumption of intoxicating substances, saying they represent a scourge that destroys families and communities.

He also announced the setting up of Maldives Awqaf Investments Limited to fund social infrastructure and undertake halal business activities.

Also in attendance at the Hulhumale Central Park event were First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, ministers, religious figures, members of parliament, and foreign ambassadors.

-- BERNAMA