President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described National Day as a significant opportunity for Maldivians to renew their love for the nation and reflect on the sacrifices and values passed down by their ancestors.
Delivering his address at the official National Day ceremony, President Muizzu said the occasion serves as a reminder of the resistance mounted by Maldivians against the Portuguese occupation during the reign of the ninth Sultan, Hassan, and the events that changed the course of the Maldives.
He said Sultan Hassan, while under Portuguese protection, had undermined the religious sanctity of Maldivians and, with the backing of foreign powers, established relationships that were detrimental to the nation in his pursuit of the Maldivian throne.
In response, the Maldivian people placed the interests of the nation and national values above all else, while continuing to uphold the Maldives and the noble religion of Islam as their priorities, the President said.
President Muizzu said the national spirit inherited from previous generations is fundamentally a spirit of wishing what is best for the country.
He said National Day serves as an annual reminder of that spirit and of the privilege of expressing genuine love for the nation.
The President further noted that one of the important lessons demonstrated by National Day and the actions of Maldivian ancestors is that, regardless of their position in society, Maldivians have consistently placed national interests first.
Although only a limited number of people may have taken up arms, he said, people from different walks of life contributed to the struggle for the nation.
President Muizzu said the willingness to shed blood and make sacrifices in defence of national rights is a defining feature of the Maldivian national spirit, and that this commitment should not be divided according to profession, social standing or group.
He also highlighted the broad participation across the country in responding to the call to defend the nation.
Recalling the campaign led by the ancestors who raised the black flag and liberated the Maldives from oppression, President Muizzu said people from 40 different islands took part in the struggle using 40 boats.
He said this demonstrated that the effort was not confined to a particular island or group, but represented a national movement involving the entire country.
According to the President, this historical participation demonstrates that national consciousness has always existed throughout the Maldivian nation and that the country’s ancestors taught future generations that national safety and security depend on putting the nation first.
President Muizzu said Maldivians today should therefore learn from the wisdom and sacrifices of their ancestors and follow their example in protecting the rights and interests of the nation.
He also described Maldivians as a people of the sea, saying that their ancestors, following the example of the Utheemu Maharadhun, developed strong seafaring skills.
He said the lesson from that history is the importance of equipping today’s children with the knowledge and skills associated with the country’s maritime heritage.
Another key message conveyed by National Day, the President said, is that the sovereignty and independence of the Maldivian nation are inseparably linked with Islam.
During his address, President Muizzu also announced plans to establish a strong system to ensure that no law contrary to Islam can be formulated or enacted in the Maldives.
Reflecting on the historical relationship between the Maldivian people and Islam, the President said National Day teaches that remaining loyal to the noble religion of Islam brings honour and positive outcomes, while abandoning it carries painful consequences and leads to weakness.
He said the positive aspects associated with the Maldivian nation are rooted in the essence of Islam, describing the religion as the backbone of the Maldivian nation.
President Muizzu noted that the Maldives remained under Portuguese rule for many years after Maldivians had moved away from the noble religion of Islam.
He said this resulted in the spiritual bond between the Maldivian people and their homeland being weakened.
The President recalled that Bodu Thakurufaanu and his companions fought jihad in defence of the religion, saying the objectives behind their struggle remain deeply remembered by Maldivians today.
He said the connection between the historical events commemorated on National Day and Islam is therefore unmistakable.
President Muizzu warned that whenever policies hostile to Islam or detached from Islamic values are implemented, the independence of the Maldivian nation is placed at risk.
For that reason, he said a system that provides full protection for Islam must be established in the country.
He pointed out that the Constitution of the Maldives states that no law contrary to Islam can be enacted, and stressed that all laws, principles and regulations established in the Maldives must remain within the boundaries and standards of Islam.
President Muizzu pledged to establish, both in principle and institutionally, a robust system capable of preventing the enactment of laws that are contrary to or incompatible with Islam.
The President also said the successful life and achievements of the national hero commemorated on National Day demonstrate the importance of morality in developing the human and spiritual character that Maldivians aspire to build through Islamic principles.
He emphasized that morality within a society includes protecting and respecting the social values shared by its members.
He also stressed the importance not only of introducing laws, regulations and principles, but of ensuring that society accepts, respects and follows them.
Concluding his address, President Muizzu said the most important resolution Maldivians should make on National Day is to cultivate civilized, respectful and refined qualities throughout society.
He expressed his determination to revive within the Maldivian ummah a stronger sense of unity, where people value one another, care for each other and demonstrate mutual respect in all aspects of social life.
