Siyam: Islam is the bedrock of Maldivian independence and unity

Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, President of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Dhaalu atoll Meedhoo MP, has affirmed that Islam serves as the fundamental basis for the independence and unity of the Maldivian people.

Siyam extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Maldivian populace and all MDA members on the occasion commemorating the Maldives' embrace of Islam.

This significant day is observed annually on the 2nd of Rabi' al-Aakhir, according to the Hijri lunar calendar, falling on September 24 this year. In his address, Siyam made prayers, expressing profound gratitude to Allah for bestowing the noble guidance of Islam upon the people of Maldives.

He further emphasized that the guidance of the holy religion of Islam is the most complete and precious blessing bestowed upon the Maldivian people, stressing the importance of remembering all those who contributed to the dawn of this blessing.

Siyam also offered prayers for the blessings of Paradise for the souls of Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary of Morocco and the then King of Maldives, Sultan Muhammad bin Abdullah Sri Tribuvana Aditiya Maharadun.

He declared that the noble blessings of Islam are the most crucial pillar of the people's patriotism, and that Islam is also the bedrock of the independence and unity in which the Maldivian people thrive.

Siyam elaborated that the light of the holy religion of Islam has illuminated the hearts of all Maldivians, and the radiant glow of that light has brought the people much happiness, comfort, and unity, to the entire nation.

Since the Maldives' conversion to Islam, our ancestors have sacrificed their lives and wealth in protecting Islam and upholding its noble obligations, Siyam added. He urged the people to continuously remember and honor these sacrifices.

He also strongly condemned the inhuman atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. Siyam called upon all international agencies and Islamic countries to guarantee the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people and facilitate the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as soon as possible.

He concluded his address by praying that the people of Maldives would remain 100 percent Muslims forever. He also prayed for Allah to vanquish all enemies of Islam and always grant victory to truth.

The chronicler Hassan Thaajuddeen recorded that Maldives converted to Islam in the Hijri year 548, which translates to 1153 in the commonly followed Gregorian calendar.