Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has highlighted the Maldives’ centuries-old religious and historical connections with Makkah and Madinah in a message marking Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day.
In his message, Shaheem said it has been 93 years since the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established as a hereditary monarchy, bringing together the Hijaz, Najd and other regions of the Arabian Peninsula under the name of Saudi Arabia.
He also recalled what he described as the Maldives’ longstanding support for the two Holy Sanctuaries, saying the Maldives had provided various forms of assistance to the Harams for hundreds of years.
According to Shaheem, numerous properties in the Maldives were historically dedicated as waqf for the Holy Sanctuaries. He said Maldivian contributions also included assistance connected with the maintenance and beautification of the Harams, continuing over many years.
The minister placed these links within the much longer history of Islam in the Maldives. The country adopted Islam in 1153, and Shaheem noted that the roughly nine centuries since then have included Hajj journeys by Maldivian sultans as well as ordinary Maldivians.
Among the rulers he highlighted was Sultan Hassan Nooruddin I, who ruled from 1779 to 1799 and was known by the Maldivian royal title Siri Kulasundhara Bavandha Maharadun. Shaheem referred to the Sultan’s Hajj journey in 1799 and noted that he died in Makkah.
Shaheem also pointed to the historical presence of Arab Sayyid families among the rulers of the Maldives. He specifically mentioned Sultan Ahmed Sharif al-Makki, who ruled in 1511–1512 under the title Siri Sudda Bavandha Maharadun, describing him as a member of the Sharif family of Makkah.
The remarks point to a relationship between the Maldives and the Holy Cities that predates the establishment of the modern Saudi state by centuries. The Maldives’ historical connections with Makkah and Madinah developed through Islam, Hajj, religious scholarship, travel and the movement of scholars and families across the Indian Ocean.
Waqf also became an established institution in Maldivian society following the country’s conversion to Islam, with historical records documenting endowments for mosques and religious purposes across the islands.
Shaheem’s remarks therefore frame the Maldives-Saudi relationship not only through modern diplomatic ties, but also through a much older religious connection centred on Makkah and Madinah.
The minister made the remarks on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, which marks the unification of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
