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Male’: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives will always move forward under the guidance of Islam, describing the faith as the source of the country’s spiritual and material security.

The President made the remarks at a ceremony held to mark 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.

He described the acceptance of Islam as one of the most important events in Maldivian history, saying it was a mercy and opportunity from Allah that brought Maldivians under divine guidance.

President Muizzu said Islam is the path to goodness in this world and the hereafter. He urged Maldivians to protect the honor of living under Islamic guidance for nine centuries.

How Islam changed Maldivian society

The President said Islam brought major changes to Maldivian society and removed beliefs and practices that existed before the country embraced the faith.

He said people previously worshipped idols made from objects taken from the sea and depended on them for their needs. He also said there was severe social inequality, with ordinary people relying on noble or powerful individuals as intermediaries to reach Allah.

According to President Muizzu, Islam removed these beliefs and established a direct spiritual connection between people and their Creator.

He said the faith also taught people patience, contentment and self sufficiency while guiding them to worship Allah sincerely.

President Muizzu said these changes brought spiritual purity, social equality, psychological well being and greater justice to Maldivian society.

Islam and protection of human life

The President also highlighted the protection of human life as another major change brought by Islam.

He said Islam forbids the unjust taking of life and recognizes the dignity and right to life of every human being.

President Muizzu said historical accounts indicate that human sacrifice was practiced in the Maldives before Islam and that people were killed in the name of false religious beliefs.

He said Islam ended such practices and established the right of every Maldivian to live.

The President said the lessons brought by Islam extend beyond protecting the lives of Maldivians and teach the value of every human life.

He said the kindness, loyalty and compassion shown by Maldivians were later recorded by foreign travelers and historians because of the changes brought by Islam.

President Muizzu said Islam has strengthened social harmony, equality and respect for human life, while providing spiritual and social security for Maldivians and others living in the country.

He said the Maldives will, by the will of Allah, continue moving forward under the shade and guidance of Islam.