Thajuddin

Last updated

Thajuddin, formerly known as the Tamil King Cheraman Perumal (lit. "Great lord of the Cheras"), [1] [2] [3] played a significant role in history as the first Indian monarch to embrace Islam. After his conversion, the Siddhars gave him the title Makkahvukkupona Perumal (lit. "Emperor who went to Makkah"). [4] [5] His conversion tale is steeped in intriguing events, with a pivotal moment revolving around the legendary splitting of the moon. [6] [7]

Contents

The splitting of the moon

A story says that while Cheraman Perumal, possibly named Baskara Ravi Varma, walking late at night with one of his wives in the palace garden, he alone saw the moon split. Returning to the capital of the Chera Kingdom, he sought the counsel of Hindu astronomers, the Siddhars, renowned for their expertise in celestial matters. [8]

Despite the advanced Hindu mathematical system, the astronomers could not pinpoint the exact time and coordinates of this lunar phenomenon. When Arab merchants from the Banu Quraysh tribe visited his palace, he asked them about it. Modern writers claim that, in the 10th century, Al-Tabari wrote about this in his Tarikh al-Tabari, and Ferishta in his Tarikh Ferishta. [9] [10] [ page needed ]

Journey to Mecca and encounter with Muhammad

Arab traders had arrived at a busy Malabar port, which was known as a hub of global commerce, and they wanted to meet the King to obtain his permission to travel to Eelam. During their conversation, the merchants informed the King about Muhammad, and as a result, he appointed his son as the regent of his kingdom and accompanied the Arab traders to meet Muhammad in person. Cheraman went on a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he planned to pray at the temple of the Arabian Moon-god Hubal and the Shrine of Quraysh idols. [11] During this pilgrimage he met Muhammad. [12]

In the precincts of the Kaaba, Cheraman gave Muhammad and his companions gifts. [13] Speaking in Arabic, Cheraman asked Muhammad about the lunar event he had witnessed. Bilal, a companion of Muhammad, encouraged him to convert to Islam. [14] [ better source needed ]

Conversion and Recognition as Thajuddin

Cheraman converted to Islam and Muhammad gave him the name Thajuddin, meaning "crown of faith." Thajuddin was the first Indian Muslim. [15] [16] [17] [18]

Death

This is identified as the tomb of Tajuddin (Cheraman Perumal) in Salalah, Oman. Tomb of Cheraman Perumal (r).JPG
This is identified as the tomb of Tajuddin (Cheraman Perumal) in Salalah, Oman.

Following his demise in Oman while on his way back, Thajuddin was laid to rest in Salalah. [19] Upon completing his funeral rites, his companions proceeded to Kerala carrying a letter from the King. Received with respect by his relatives and attendants, they were permitted to spread the teachings of Islam which lead to the arrvial of Malik Dinar. [20] [21] Their efforts led to the establishment of Islam in 629 AD, marked by the construction of India's inaugural mosque in Kodungallur. [22]

Qissat Shakarwati Farmad

Shakarwati Farmad, an Arabic rendition of the historical Indian royal designation 'Chakravarti Cheraman Perumal,' also known as the Chera (Spice Merchant) king, is mentioned in texts as 'al-Sultan Shakrawati'. [8] The qissat is presently held within the British Library's India Office Records. [23] [24]

Versions of the legend

The later versions of the Cheraman Perumal legend are incorporated by

Different versions of the legend are also observable.

According to scholar Y. Friedmann, the rendition famously recounted by Zayn al-Din Makhdum was directly sourced from the qissat. [24] In contrast to certain variations of the tale, significant portions of the story unfold following the demise of the king along the Arabian coastline. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodungallur</span> Municipality in Kerala, India

Kodungallur (IPA:[koɖuŋːɐlːuːr]; formerly also called as Cranganore (anglicised name), Portuguese: Cranganor; Mahodayapuram, Shingly, Vanchi, Muchiri, Muyirikkode, and Muziris) is a historically significant town situated on the banks of river Periyar on the Malabar Coast in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is 29 kilometres (18 mi) north of Kochi (Cochin) by National Highway 66 and 38 km (24 mi) from Thrissur. Kodungallur, being a port city at the northern end of the Kerala lagoons, was a strategic entry point for the naval fleets to the extensive Kerala backwaters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malabar Muslims</span> Muslim community

Malabar Muslims or Muslim Mappilas, is a member of the Muslim community found predominantly in Kerala and Lakshadweep islands in Southern India. The term Mappila is used to denote Muslims of middle eastern descent in Northern Kerala, and in Southern Kerala for Mar thoma Nazarenes. Muslims of Kerala make up 26.56% of the population of the state (2011), and as a religious group they are the second largest group after Hindus (54.73%). Muslims share the common language of Malayalam with the other religious communities of Kerala.

Beypore or Beypur is an ancient port town and a locality town in Kozhikode district in the state of Kerala, India. It is located opposite to Chaliyam, the estuary where the river Chaliyar empties into Arabian Sea. Beypore is part of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation. The place was formerly known as Vaypura / Vadaparappanad and also as Beydary. Tippu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, named the town "Sultan Pattanam". There is a marina and a beach while Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala, which historically traded with the Middle East. Beypore is noted for building wooden ships, known as dhows or urus in the Malayalam language. These ships were usually bought by Arab merchants for trading and fishing but are now used as tourist ships. According to Captain Iwata, founder member of the Association of Sumerian ships in Japan, Sumerian ships might have been built in Beypore. There is evidence to prove that Beypore had direct trade links with Mesopotamia and was a prominent link on the maritime silk route. The first railway line of Kerala was laid in 1861 from Tirur to Beypore (Chaliyam) passing through Tanur, Parappanangadi, Vallikkunnu, and Kadalundi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ezhimala (hill, Kannur)</span>

Ezhimala, a hill reaching a height of 286 metres (938 ft), is located near Payyanur, in Kannur district of Kerala, South India. It is a part of a conspicuous and isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km (24 mi) north of Kannur (Cannanore). The Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala is Asia's largest, and the world's third-largest, naval academy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Kerala</span>

The term Kerala was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Magadha. It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka's time, the others being the Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras. The Cheras transformed Kerala into an international trade centre by establishing trade relations across the Arabian Sea with all major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports as well those of Eastern Africa and the Far East. The dominion of Cheras was located in one of the key routes of the ancient Indian Ocean trade. The early Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Cholas and Rashtrakutas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koyilandy</span> Town in Kerala, India

Koyilandy is a major town municipality and a taluk in Kozhikode district, Kerala on the Malabar Coast. The historical town is located right in the middle of the coast of Kozhikode district, between Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kannur, on National Highway 66.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mushika dynasty</span> Malayalam dynasty

Mushika dynasty, also spelled Mushaka, was a minor dynastic power that held sway over the region in and around Mount Ezhi (Ezhimala) in present-day North Malabar, Kerala, India. The country of the Mushikas, ruled by an ancient lineage of the Hehaya clan of the same name, appears in early historic (pre-Pallava) south India and it is believed that Mushika dynasty has their descents from Heheya Kingdom. Early Tamil poems contain several references to the exploits of Nannan of Ezhimalai. Nannan was known as a great enemy of the pre-Pallava Chera chieftains. The clan also had matrimonial alliances with the Chera, Pandya and Chola chieftains. The Kolathunadu (Kannur) Kingdom, which was the descendant of Mushika dynasty, at the peak of its power, reportedly extended from Netravati River (Mangalore) in the north to Korapuzha (Kozhikode) in the south with Arabian Sea on the west and Kodagu hills on the eastern boundary, also including the isolated islands of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Splitting of the Moon</span> Miracle attributed to Muhammad, in which the Moon was split in two

The Splitting of the Moon is a miracle in the Muslim faith attributed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is derived from Surah Al-Qamar 54:1–2 and mentioned by Muslim traditions such as the asbāb al-nuzūl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheraman Juma Mosque</span> Claimed oldest mosque in Indian subcontinent

The Cheraman Juma Mosque is a popular pilgrim centre in Kodungallur in Thrissur district. According to hagiographical legends, it is claimed that the mosque was built in 629 CE by Malik Bin Dinar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Thrissur</span>

Thrissur is the administrative capital of Thrissur District, in the central part of Kerala state, India. Thrissur district was formed on 1 July 1949. It is an important cultural centre, and is known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala. It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, one of the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. From ancient times, Thrissur has been politically, economically and culturally significant to the Indian subcontinent. It has opened the gates for Arabs, Romans, Portuguese, Dutch and English. According to tradition, Thrissur is where Christianity, Islam and Judaism entered the Indian subcontinent. Local Christian tradition holds that Thomas the Apostle arrived in 52 CE, and Muslim tradition states that Methala is the location of country's first mosque.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parappanangadi</span> Municipality in Kerala, India

Parappanangadi is a major town and a municipality in Tirurangadi taluk of Malappuram district, Kerala, India. It is a coastal town located close to the Arabian Sea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vallikkunnu</span> Village in Kerala, India

Vallikkunnu is a village in Tirurangadi Taluk of Malappuram district in the state of Kerala, India with an area of 25 km2. It is located 5 km north of Parappanangadi town and comes under the jurisdiction of Parappanangadi Police Station and Parappanangadi Judicial First Class Magistrate Court. Its latitude and longitude are 11'07" N and 7'51"E respectively. Vallikkunnu was awarded the best panchayath of Kerala in 1997. Vallikunnu is situated on Tirur-Kadalundi Road. Vallikkunnu is also a part of the Oldest Railway Line of Kerala laid in 1861 from Tirur to Chaliyam via Tanur, Parappanangadi, Vallikkunnu, and Kadalundi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kadalundi</span> Village in Kerala, India

Kadalundi is a village in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India. It is a coastal village close to the Arabian Sea. Kadalundi is famous for its bird sanctuary, which is home to various migratory birds during certain seasons and has been recently declared as a bio-reserve. The Kadalundi–Vallikkunnu Community Reserve is the first community reserve in Kerala. The Kadalundi River and the Chaliyar river, two of the longest rivers of Kerala, merges with the Arabian Sea at Kadalundi. The first railway line in Kerala was laid in 1861 from Tirur to Chaliyam through Tanur, Parappanangadi, Vallikkunnu, and Kadalundi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eranad</span> Erstwhile Province in Kerala, India

Eranad also known as Ernad refers to the erstwhile province in the midland area of Malabar, consisting of Malappuram and nearby regions such as Anakkayam, Manjeri, Kondotty, Nilambur, etc. Currently Eranad Taluk is a Taluk in Malappuram district. Eranad was ruled by a Samanthan Nair clan known as Eradis, similar to the Vellodis of neighbouring Valluvanad and Nedungadis of Nedunganad. The rulers of Eranad were known by the title Eralppad/Eradi. They also used the title Thirumulpad.

Parappanad was a former feudal city-state in Malabar, India. The headquarters of Parappanad Royal family was at the town Parappanangadi in present-day Malappuram district. In 1425, the country divided into Northern Parappanad and Southern Parappanad. Southern Parappanad included parts of Tirurangadi Taluk and the town Parappanangadi. Northern Parappanad included Panniyankara, Beypore, and Cheruvannur of Kozhikkode Taluk. Parappanad royal family is a cousin dynasty of the Travancore royal family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arakkal kingdom</span> Erstwhile Muslim Monarchy in North Kerala

Arakkal Kingdom was a Muslim kingdom in Kannur town in Kannur district, in the state of Kerala, South India. The king was called Ali Raja and the ruling queen was called Arakkal Beevi. Arakkal kingdom included little more than the Cannanore town and the southern Laccadive Islands, originally leased from the Kolattiri. They owed allegiance to the Kolattiri rulers, whose ministers they had been at one time. The rulers followed the Marumakkathayam system of matrilineal inheritance, a system that is unique to a section of Hindus of Kerala. Under Marumakkathayam, the succession passes to the male offspring of its female members, in other words from a man to his sister's son and so forth. As the only Muslim rulers in Malabar, they saw the rise of Hyder Ali, de facto ruler of the Mysore Sultanate as the opportunity to increase their own power at the expense of Chirakkal, and invited him to invade Kerala. Ali Raja Arakkal Sultan Afsal Ashraf living in Konni Panchayat of Pathanamthitta district is the living heir of the Arakkal dynasty. One other heir of Arakkal dynasty is Kunju Beevi residing in Kochi.

The legend of Cheraman Perumals is the medieval tradition associated with the Cheraman Perumals of Kerala. The sources of the legend include popular oral traditions and later literary compositions. The time of origin of the legend is not known to scholars. It seems the legend once had a common source well known to all Kerala people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chaliyam</span> Village in Kerala, India

Chaliyam is a village situated at the estuary of Chaliyar in Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Chaliyam forms an island, bounded by the Chaliyar in the north, and River Kadalundi in south, and the Conolly Canal in the east. It is located just opposite to Beypore port. Chaliyam was the former terminus of the South-West Line of the Madras Railway. Chaliyam is also famous for the Guinness World Records holder Muhammed Adil, a P.M who covered around seven km in the Chaliyar River with his hand and legs tied with ropes.

Madayi Mosque is mosque at Pazhayangadi in Kannur district, northern Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest mosques in Kerala, with local legends dating back to the 7th century AD. It is believed to have been established by Malik ibn Dinar and contains a block of white marble said to have been brought from Mecca by ibn Dinar. It is one of the several mosques around Pazhayangadi/Payangadi. It is situated on the banks of Kuppam River, which joins Valapattanam River at its estuary.

Qissat Shakarwati Farmad is an Arabic manuscript of anonymous authorship. It is argued that the qissat is the oldest, most detailed, and comprehensive recorded version of the Cheraman Perumal legend.

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Dr Y. P. (20 February 2016). Islam in India and Pakistan - A Religious History. Vij Books India Private Limited. ISBN   978-93-85505-63-8.
  2. ↑ O. Loth, Arabic Manuscripts in the Library of the India Office (London: Secretary of State of India, 1877), no. 1044.
  3. ↑ Y. Friedmann, "Qissat Shakarwati Farmad: A Tradition Concerning the Introduction of Islam to Malabar", Israel Oriental Studies 5 (1975), 239-241.
  4. ↑ Katz, Nathan (18 November 2000). Who Are the Jews of India?. University of California Press. ISBN   978-0-520-21323-4.
  5. ↑ Hurvitz, Nimrod; Sahner, Christian C.; Simonsohn, Uriel; Yarbrough, Luke (2020). Conversion to Islam in the Premodern Age: A Sourcebook. University of California Press. p. 257. ISBN   978-0-520-29672-5.
  6. ↑ "صحة حديث إهداء ملك الهند زنجبيلا للرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم - الإسلام سؤال وجواب". islamqa.info (in Arabic). Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  7. ↑ Prange 2018, pp. 93–95.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Prange, Sebastian R. (2018). Monsoon Islam: Trade and Faith on the Medieval Malabar Coast. Cambridge University Press. pp. 95–98. ISBN   978-1-108-42438-7.
  9. ↑ Samad, M. Abdul (1998). Islam in Kerala: Groups and Movements in the 20th Century. Laurel Publications. p. 2. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  10. ↑ Kurup, K. K. N.; Ismail, E.; India), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (Calcutta (2008). Emergence of Islam in Kerala in 20th century. Standard Publishers (India). ISBN   9788187471462 . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  11. ↑ Y. Friedmann, "Qissat Shakarwati Farmad: A Tradition Concerning the Introduction of Islam to Malabar", Israel Oriental Studies 5 (1975), 239-241.
  12. ↑ "Cheraman Juma Masjid: Advancing a Millenia-old Legacy of Islam and Community". People's History of South Asia. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  13. ↑ din, Mehraj ud (27 December 2022). "Is the Hadith of the Indian King Who Saw the Moon Split and Travelled to Madina to Accept Islam?". SeekersGuidance. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  14. ↑ "The Kerala king who embraced Islam". Arab News. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  15. ↑ "ETTUPARAYIL-Kannadi - Kerala History". sites.google.com. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  16. ↑ Sadasivan, S. N. (2000). A Social History of India. APH Publishing. p. 306. ISBN   978-81-7648-170-0 . Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  17. ↑ S.N., Sadasivan (January 2000), "Caste Invades Kerala", A Social History of India, APH Publishing, p. 303,304,305, ISBN   817648170X
  18. ↑ Kumar, Satish (2012). India's National Security: Annual Review 2009. Routledge. p. 346. ISBN   978-1-136-70491-8 . Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  19. ↑ "Cheraman Perumal in Salalah". issuu. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  20. ↑ Hirschler, Konrad (1 December 2019), "The Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī fihrist: Edition", A Monument to Medieval Syrian Book Culture, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 512–554, doi:10.3366/edinburgh/9781474451567.003.0007, ISBN   978-1-4744-5156-7, S2CID   219824015 , retrieved 8 February 2024
  21. ↑ "History". Malik Deenar Grand Juma Masjid. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2011.
  22. ↑ Y. Friedmann, "Qissat Shakarwati Farmad: A Tradition Concerning the Introduction of Islam to Malabar", Israel Oriental Studies 5 (1975), 239-241.
  23. ↑ O. Loth, Arabic Manuscripts in the Library of the India Office (London: Secretary of State of India, 1877), no. 1044.
  24. 1 2 Y. Friedmann, "Qissat Shakarwati Farmad: A Tradition Concerning the Introduction of Islam to Malabar", Israel Oriental Studies 5 (1975), 239-241.
  25. ↑ Y. Friedmann, "Qissat Shakarwati Farmad: A Tradition Concerning the Introduction of Islam to Malabar", Israel Oriental Studies 5 (1975), 239-241.
  26. ↑ H. H. Wilson, Mackenzie Collection. A descriptive catalogue of the Oriental manuscripts and other articles illustrative of the literature, history, statistics and antiquities of the south of India (Calcutta, 1828), II, appendix, p. XCV.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.