Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid located in Methala village of Kodungallur town of Kerala. It is the first and the oldest mosque built on the land of India. It is located about 2 km from Kodungallur town. Cheraman Juma Masjid was built in 629 AD by Malik lbn Dinar. It is also second oldest mosque in the world to offer Jumu’ah prayers. The mosque is different from other mosques in Kerala unlike the mosques facing westwards this mosque faces eastwards.
The mosque was built in Hindu Architectural style, there is a lamp also in the mosque believed to be about 1000 years old which always burns. People of all religions bring oil for the lamp as an offering. The mosque allows other religion people also to enter the mosque and offer prayers. Vijaya Dasmi a Hindu festival is also celebrated in this mosque. The festivals of Ramadan and Bakra-Eid are celebrated with a lot of joy in this mosque. The mosque also has a white marble which is believed to be brought from Mecca.
History of Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Perumal, the reigning King of Kerala, with Kodungallur as its capital saw an unusual dream which after researching by him he was convinced and he decided to embrace Islam. He then decided to go to Mecca. While returning he wrote letters to local rulers of Malabar. Later a group of Arabs led by Malik Bin Deenar and Malik bin Habib arrived in north Kerala in 629 AD They were given permission to construct mosques in different places. And thus the first mosque in India was established.
Also Read: Enlightening Your Minds: Largest Mosques in India
Post Your Comments