If you are looking for a place in India that is steeped in history and culture, then you must visit the Malik Deenar Juma Masjid in Kasaragod, Kerala. The mosque is one of the best-preserved and most attractive in the district, and is located at Thalangara. It is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Deenar, a Tabi'in who is famous for being the first to bring Islam to India in 624 AD.
According to historical records, Malik Ibn Deenar and his trade associates landed in Kerala with a mission to propagate Islam. Their distinct way of trade and the propagation of Islam soon attracted the attention of the then ruler Cheraman Perumal. On enquiry, Malik Bin Deenar and his comrades related the reason for their honest trade practices to be their recent conversion to Islam. The king was fascinated by the doctrines of this new religion, which prompted them to make 10 mosques in India.
They erected the mosque on 13th Rajab, 22 Hijra (A.D.642) and his son Malik Ibn Muhammad was nominated as the Qazi of the mosque. Years later, the mosque was reconstructed in A.D.1809 (1223, Hijra) by the generous helps from the native people. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar.
The mosque is a historical landmark in the Kasargod area of Kerala and has great significance for the local Muslim community. It is one of the only surviving mosques built by Malik Mohammad Diana and his men after their arrival to propagate Islam. The mosque has the typical architectural style of Kerala and is a perfect example of the traditional Islamic architecture in the region.
In addition to the Malik Deenar Juma Masjid, there is also another great mosque in the area, the Theruvath Mosque, located in the city center. Both of these mosques are sacred places for Muslims and are important pilgrimage sites. Uroose, a local festival held every year to commemorate the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar, attracts many pilgrims from across India.
Visiting these mosques is not only a religious experience but also a cultural one. You can learn about the history of the region and the influence of Islam on the local culture. The mosques are open to visitors of all faiths and are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and religion. So, don't miss the opportunity to explore these beautiful mosques on your next trip to Kerala.