Hussain Salahuddin to receive posthumous honor for service to nationalism

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to posthumously honor Hussain Salahuddin with the Highest Honor for Service to Maldivian Nationalism.

Hussain Salahuddin is being awarded in recognition of his service to the development of religion, Dhivehi language, heritage and culture, and his effort to spread knowledge.

Born in 1881, Hussain Salahuddin is recognized for his contributions to Maldivian literature, including the translation of various books written in Arabic, Urdu and Persian into Dhivehi.

He also served in various key positions in the Maldivian government, including the Attorney General of the Maldives and Chief Justice of the Maldives – a position he retained for a long time.

He was also a founder and principal of Majeediyya School in Male’ City, the first institution of formal education in the Maldives.

Salahuddin served in the National Literary Committee established by the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Amin Didi.

Books that he wrote include: The Story of Dhon Beefaan; The Story of Thakurufaan the Great; Sheikh Zubair, an interpretation of the works of two great Maldivian poets; Nu'umaan and Mariyam; two anthologies of poetry titled Morning Star I and II; and his most famous work, The Biography of Prophet Muhammad, in which he translated and combined various Arabic books about the Prophet into Dhivehi.

He died at the age of 67 in 1948.

Individuals conferred the Highest Honor for Service to Maldivian Nationalism will receive a shield of honor.

The award, along with the National Award of Honor and the National Award of Recognition will be conferred during the National Day function scheduled for 09:00 am Wednesday.

The National Award of Honor will be conferred to seven individuals this year. This includes the late Mohamed Thaufeeq of Haajaraage, who will receive a posthumous National Award for a sustainable special service, for his narration of Prophet Mohamed’s life story, and for his efforts to promote interest in it.

10 more individuals will receive the National Award of Recognition.