Malé, Maldives – September 24, 2025
The Maldives today observed The Day Maldives Embraced Islam, a national Islamic holiday commemorating the country’s conversion to Islam in 1153 AD under King Dhovemi. This historic transformation, led by the influence of Abu al Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, continues to define the religious, cultural, and national identity of the Maldives.
Nationwide, mosques hosted special prayers, communities organized parades and cultural events, and families gathered for traditional feasts. Celebratory dishes such as kulhi boakiba, garudhiya, mas huni, and bondibaiy were prepared across the islands, reflecting the unity and shared faith of Maldivians.
The holiday follows the Islamic lunar calendar, falling on the first day of Rabi’ al-Thani. While this year it was observed on September 24, it will shift to September 13 in 2026 and September 3 in 2027.
“Islam is the cornerstone of Maldivian identity,” said cultural historians, emphasizing that the nation’s constitution enshrines Islam as the state religion and requires all citizens to be Muslim.
The Maldives Islam celebration highlights the country’s spiritual heritage while strengthening community ties. The annual holiday not only commemorates the nation’s historic conversion but also reaffirms the Maldives’ unique role as a 100% Muslim country in the Indian Ocean.
Maldives Islam Celebration – A Nation United in Faith and Culture
Every year on September 24, the Maldives comes alive with one of its most significant festivals: The Day Maldives Embraced Islam. This national holiday commemorates the year 1153, when King Dhovemi converted to Islam under the guidance of Abu al Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari.
A Historic Transformation
Before Islam, the Maldives practiced Buddhism for over 1,000 years. The arrival of Abu al Barakat changed the nation’s destiny forever. His legendary triumph over the sea demon Rannamaari and his teachings of the Qur’an convinced King Dhovemi to accept Islam, beginning a new era of Islamic governance, law, and identity.
Modern-Day Festivities
The Maldives Islam celebration today blends faith, culture, and community:
- Special mosque prayers and Qur’an recitations
- Parades and public ceremonies in Malé and across the atolls
- Traditional food such as kulhi boakiba, mas huni, garudhiya, and bondibaiy
- Family gatherings with festive meals served in Malaafaiy trays
Islam – The Heart of Maldivian Identity
The 2008 Constitution of the Maldives makes Islam the official religion and requires all citizens to be Muslim. This religious foundation unites 1,192 islands and defines the Maldives’ laws, governance, and culture.
Why This Celebration Matters
The annual holiday reminds Maldivians of their shared faith and heritage while strengthening social unity. It also attracts international attention as a unique Islamic cultural festival in the Indian Ocean.
Each year, as parades, prayers, and feasts fill the islands, Maldivians proudly celebrate not just a historic conversion but their ongoing Islamic identity a legacy that continues to shape the soul of the Maldives.
