The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam is observed in the Maldives every year on the first day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-thani. This public holiday commemorates the introduction of Islam to the Maldives, which marked a significant turning point in the nation's history, as Buddhism was the predominant religion prior to the 12th century. The last Buddhist king converted to Islam, adopting the title of Sultan, influenced by the growing presence of Arab traders. A notable legend associated with this conversion involves a Sunni Muslim traveler named Abu al Barakat, who saved a girl from being sacrificed to a sea demon, leading the king to embrace Islam. Today, Sunni Islam is the state religion, and the constitution mandates that all citizens adhere to it, with non-Muslims prohibited from becoming citizens. The tomb of Abu al Barakat is located in the capital city of Malé, serving as a significant symbol of this historical event.