Islam came to Maldives at a time when Arab traders travelled in the Indian Ocean spreading their culture and customs.

According to Arabic custom the successor to the king is his eldest son. Before Islam this was not the practice in Maldives.

The successor to the king was his eldest sister's eldest son. Evidence for this practice is documented in the Isdu Loamaafaanu, and Raadhavalhi published in 1979 by the National Council for Linguistic and Historical Research.

The old custom continued for hundreds of years after the court adopted Islam as the Maldivian religion in 1153. This period of transition added to the tension and conflict which often accompanied a change of kingship.

It helps to explain the importance of prominent and assertive women, and was one of the sources of their influence on the court.

Some of the most powerful women in this period of Maldivian history were:

Khadeeja Rehendhi (1347-1363), (1363-1374), and (1376-1380).

Raadhafathi Kanbaidhi Kilege (1379-1381).

Rehendhi Dhaainkanbaidhi Kilege (1384 -1388)

Bureki Ranin

Kanbaa Aisa

The old custom would not go away, particularly if it coincided with the aspirations of a court clique.

Violence and murder sometimes resulted from clashes between the supporters of each succession system.