Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu: First Convert to Islam
Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu (Sultan Dhovemi) was the king of the Maldives who converted to Islam in 1153 CE, marking the nation's transformation from Buddhism to Islam. According to Maldivian tradition, the king's conversion was triggered by the miracle of Abu'l-Barakat al-Barbari, who vanquished the sea demon Rannamaari by reciting the Quran. The king built the first mosque in the Maldives, the Hukuru Miskiiy (Friday Mosque) in Malé, and declared Islam the state religion. Known for his piety and justice, he was given the name Dharumavantha ('the Pious/Righteous One'). He established the Sultanat