Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam

Who was Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam?

as-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhamadhu Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam or Al-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu ruled over the Maldive Islands from 1573 to 1585 AD. He was a captain, environmentalist and a military strategist. He is considered as one of the most celebrated and most bravest Maldivian heroes, for saving the Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors who ruled over the Maldives from 1558-1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI in Malé. He earned the highest respect and admiration by Maldivians, for his brave and heroic actions which led to the Maldives gaining independence from a cruel ruler, and restoring the faith of Islam in the Maldive Islands. Every year the first day of Rabi' al-awwal is celebrated in the Maldives as the National Day or Gaumee Dhuvas in remembrance of Mohamed Thakurufaanu's defeat of the Portuguese. He was also the first Maldivian king to form the Ashkaru.