THE CHERAMAN JUMA MUSJID
THE CHERAMAN JUMA MUSJID
- Believed to date as far back as 700 C.E, the Musjid is regarded as India’s first and oldest Musjid. It is known as the Malik Dinar or Cheraman Musjid.
- There are differing oral traditions as to how it came into being. One narrative suggests that the ruler of Kerala from 622 – 628 CE was Cheraman Perumal Bhaskara Ravi Varma who was known to be a respected sage. Malik bin Dinar RA, a well-known tabi’i (one who saw a companion of Muhammad ﷺ) and twelve of his trade associates arrived in Kerala and began their trade. The ruler was informed about the honest manner of their dealings and met them. He accepted Islam and according to some narratives proceeded for the Haj thereafter.
- Cheraman had commissioned the building of a Musjid in Methala village, in Kodungalloor, Kerala. Its design and architecture was based on the local Indian style of the time. It remained as such, with renovations over time, right until 1984 when minarets were added as well as other modifications.
- The Musjid was recently renovated again and an underground prayer facility which is able to accommodate 5000 people has been added. An Islamic heritage museum, spread over two storeys has also been constructed at the site.
- The Musjid houses two tombs; one which is believed to be that of Malik bin Dinar RA and the other that of his sister.
