Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam

As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam or As-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu (; died 18 August 1585) ruled over the Maldives Islands from 1573 to 1585. He is known as a military strategist for fighting the Portuguese who ruled over the Maldives from 1558–1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI in Malé. His victory is commemorated in the Maldives as Qaumee Dhuvas or National Day. He was also the first Maldivian Sultan to form a (a unified military body). in a period which the history describes as

A time when intolerable enormities were committed by the invading infidels, a time when the sea grew red with Maldivian blood, a time when people were sunk in despair It is said that Muhammad Thakurufaanu received a help from the Maroshi (toddy-tapper) who mended and maintained the sail of the – the ship used in the battle and supply water to the vessel every time it docked at Maroshi. The island has the tree that grew from the (a raw wooden post) used to make the sail of . It is also the largest tree of its kind in the country.

Aftermath After killing , as per a treaty he got refuge from Ali Raja of Cannanore, India. Muhammad Thakurufaanu's base of operation was Maliku under the sovereignty of Cannanore. The Ali Raja demanded dominion over the Maldives, as promised to him by the Muhammad Thakurufaanu. The nature of the relationship between Muhammad Thakurufan and Ali Raja of Cannanore was outlined in a letter sent by a later Ali Raja, Mariambe Ali-Adi Raja Bibi, to the Sultan Muhammad Mueenuddine I of the Maldives. The letter was dated Friday 17 Jumad al-Awla Anno Hegirae 1243 (7 December AD 1827). According to the letter Muhammad Thakurufan had entered into a treaty ceding sovereignty of the Maldives to the Ali Raja of Cannanore in the event Thakurufan was established in power in Male.

Muhammad Thakurufaanu concluded a treaty with the King Dom Manoel who lived in Goa, in order to ward off the Ali Raja of Cannanore. Although Muhammad Thakurufaanu was made a regent of King Dom Manoel (as per the treaty), the Maldivians assigned Muhammad Thakurufaanu as the Sultan of the Maldives, no longer recognizing the sovereignty of the self-exiled Christian kings in Goa or their regents. The chronicles report him to have ruled wisely, being just and considerate, protecting all the poor, and even solicitous for the people’s interests. Muhammed Thakurufaanu died a natural death on 16 August 1585.

The army (lashkaru) organised by him has evolved into the Maldives National Defence Force.

The Highest National Award in Maldives, formally known as The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghazi (Nishaan Ghaazeege Izzathuge Verikan) is named after him.

The Islamic Centre, the largest mosque in Maldives, Masjid as-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam is named after him. Culturally he has become is regarded as a national hero.