President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that nurturing decent citizens is as vital to national progress as advancing infrastructure.

He made the remarks in a statement issued on the occasion of the Day Maldives Embraced Islam. The President stressed the importance of education and upbringing of children to preserve Islamic values, promote unity, and ensure that Maldivians continue to address one another with kindness and respect.

Reflecting on the Maldives’ conversion to Islam 898 years ago, President Dr Muizzu described it as the most positive change in the nation’s history, noting that Maldives has since remained 100 per cent Muslim. He said the country stands firm in its determination to give no place to any other religion and to uphold Islamic principles in all aspects of national life.

The President recalled the contributions of Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, as well as the sultans, rulers, scholars and teachers who carried forward the message of Islam in the Maldives.

He added that historians studying the Maldives over the past nine centuries have consistently described Maldivians as hospitable, peaceful and of good character, attributing these qualities to Islamic teachings.

Going forward, President Dr Muizzu said the Government will continue to uphold the Maldives as a strong Islamic state that contributes to the defence of the Ummah. He added that the country will commemorate the 900th anniversary of its conversion to Islam next year with a series of nationwide activities aimed at reviving Islamic and national spirit and strengthening unity among the people.