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Islam is the focus of the Maldivian life in every respect, all
being Sunni Muslims. Prayers are conducted five times a day in
all mosques on every inhabited island. The golden dome of the
Islamic centre dominates the skyline of Male’ whether first
viewed by air or from water. A result of the commitment of
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s government to uphold and
strengthen the character of the nation, this imposing mosque was
inaugurated in 1984.
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Islamic Centre
and Masjid Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanul Auzam, opened by
President Gayoom in 1984, is one of the most beautiful
mosques in Asia. |
The well planned, comfortable interior of the centre is often
utilized for important official occasions in addition to regular
meetings. Dark woodcarvings depict the history of the religion
and serve as inspiration for spiritual development. For the
artist they are a work of beauty. From inside the mosque,
worshipers can see both the spiraling communication tower of the
Postal building and the graceful minaret of the Islamic Centre.
It is a startling contrast of tradition and technology.
The night view of the mosque is breathtaking. In the quite
night, visitors may stand at the bottom of the impressive steps,
look upwards to what is said to be one of the most beautiful
mosques in Asia and find a moment for reflection.
Belonging to the Sunnis, the largest and most traditional
Islamic sect, the Maldivians believe that "There is no God but
Allah", confident that he is one, supreme and all-powerful. They
also believe that "Muhammad" is the messenger of Allah.
All Maldivians believe in an afterlife and a final judgment that
decides whether they go to hell or heaven. Only right conduct
can assure the latter, which entails keeping to the five pillars
of the religion, to repeat the creed "There is no God but Allah,
and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah", to say prayers five times
a day (at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and after
darkness), to give alms to the poor, to make a pilgrimage to
Mecca if possible at least once in a lifetime, and to fast
during the month of Ramadan.
Conversion of the
Maldives to Islam
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An artist's impression of the conversion of the Sultan
of the Maldives to Islam. The sketch shows the Sultan of
the Maldives, Sri Tribuvana Aditiya embracing Islam. On
the right hand side of the picture is Abulbarakaat
Yoosuf Al-Berbery. What you will hear is the sound of
the Azaan and the recital of the kalimat and a verse
from the Holy Quran. With the Sultan are members of his
family and some of his ministers. After converting to
Islam, the Sultan was known as Sultan Muhammed Ibn
Abdulla. He was popularly known as Dharumavantha
Rasgefaanu. |
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According to
legend, the Maldives was converted to Islam in the year 1153 AD
by a Muslim from Maghreb (North Africa) by the name of Abul
Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary. When he visited the Maldives the
reigning king was Sri Tribuvana Aditiya. The first King of the
Theemuge dynasty King Sri Mahabarana was his maternal uncle. Sri
Tribuvana Aditiya ascended the throne around 1138 AD. After
conversion to Islam he adopted the name Muhammed Ibn Abdulla. He
sent missionaries to various parts of the Maldives to spread
Islam. The first Friday Mosque to be built in Malé and the
Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu Miskiy at Malé were commissioned by
Sultan Muhammed Ibn Abdulla.
Legend has it that, after arrival at Malé Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al
Barbary stayed in Malé for several days. He was a Hafiz, a
person who could recite the entire Holy Quran from memory.
According to Thangeehu Kurevunu Dhivehi Raajjeyge Thaareekhuge
Thanthankolhu (Researched excerpts from the History of the
Maldives) the Hafiz succeeded in converting Maldivians to Islam
after much effort and endeavour. His first efforts to
proselytise did not meet with success. However his relentless
perseverance turned out to be a tremendous service to the nation
as Maldivians finally embraced Islam. The first convert was the
king himself, who was followed by his wives and children and
members of the court. After the people embraced the Islamic
faith the Buddhist temples and idols were destroyed.
Archaeological excavations carried out in Malé at various times
this century confirm the fact that there had been Buddhist
temples in Malé during the 12th century AD.. |
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Elimination of Buddhism from the Maldives - an artist's
impression. As the people converted to Islam the temples
and monasteries in various islands were demolished and
mosques were built. |
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Even after Maldivians adopted Islam Abul
Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary stayed in the Maldives to teach Islam
to the people. He died during the reign of Dharumavantha
Rasgefaanu (Muhammed Ibn Abdulla). According to historian Hassan
Thaajuddheen, he was laid to rest at the shrine at
Medhuziyaaraiy in Malé.
The popular title attributed to Sultan Muhammed Ibn Abdulla,
which is Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu implies that the Sultan was a
pious and kind-hearted person who was generous, especially to
the weak and poor. During his reign he strengthened adherence to
the rules and principles of Islam, established laws of
governance and destroyed the symbols of Buddhism. It is said
that a long time after Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary's death,
the Sultan left on pilgrimage to Mecca and did not return.
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The
construction of the first Friday Mosque - an artist's
impression. The mosque was first built by Sultan
Muhammed Ibn Abdulla. The works were carried out by
Minister Shaniviraza upon the order of the Sultan and
his brother Sri Kalo. |
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