Since man has been created to worship Allah hence the piece of land
which came into existence before the man was sent to the world was a
mosque itself. Similarly the first house is the house of Allah. The land
of Ka’ba first came into existence then the whole world was created.
The prophet’s companion wherever they traveled from Makkah
established mosques there. Some companions also traveled for India and
here too they built a mosque. Thus the first mosque of India was
constructed by Prophet’s Companions in Kerala. The historical background
of this mosque is quite interesting and astonishing.
Cheraman Perumal king was walking on his terrace along with his queen
when suddenly he saw that the moon had split into two. He narrated the
amazing incident to his courtiers and astrologers. But even the
astrologers failed to give an explanation.
After a long time when Arab businessmen traveled to Malabar he asked
them about the incident. They told him that it was the miracle of
Prophet Mohammad (salallahu alaihi wasallam). It deeply influenced him
and he traveled to Madina to meet the Prophet Mohammad (salallahu alaihi
wasallam). There he accepted Islam. He died on his way back at Oman
harbour.
Before dying, he instructed his travel companions to give a letter to
the king of Kerala. The group of Muslim travelers led by a companion of
the Prophet, Malik Bin Dinar came to Kerala and according to the wishes
of Cheraman Perumal, laid foundation of Cheraman Juma mosque which is
said to be the first mosque of India. It was built in 629 and has been
renovated several times since then. The place is called Cheraman Malik
Nagar in the honor of King Cheraman Perumal and Malik Bin Dinar.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is located in Kodungallur in the Thrissur
district of Kerala, the first mosque of India and one of the oldest in
the whole world.
The Masjid is run by a committee and they are doing their utmost to
preserve the history and traditions of this important landmark of Islam
in India. One of the living history is the Muezzin of the mosque. He
upholds his family tradition of several generations by being the current
Muezzin. The Imam and Muezzin live in quarters that are located behind
the Masjid.
There is a museum on the premises which is in desperate need of more
historical artifacts of the glorious past of Malabar Muslims.
Note: For more historical information, Please click this link: http://www.cheramanmosque.com/
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