MCQ Detailed View

The first mosque in the Indian subcontinent is the Cheraman Juma Mosque, located in Kodungallur, in the state of Kerala, India. It is believed to have been built in 629 CE, during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making it one of the oldest mosques in the world outside the Arabian Peninsula.

According to historical and local traditions, the mosque was constructed by Malik Dinar, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), after the conversion of Cheraman Perumal, the Chera king of Kerala, to Islam. The story narrates that Cheraman Perumal saw a miraculous dream about the moon splitting, traveled to Arabia, met the Prophet, embraced Islam, and was given the name Tajuddin. On his way back, he passed away in Oman, and his companions continued the journey to India, building the mosque in his honor.

The Cheraman Juma Mosque has undergone several renovations over the centuries, yet it still preserves its traditional Kerala architectural style, with influences from Arab design. It remains an active place of worship and a symbol of India’s long history of multicultural and interfaith interactions.

Key facts about Cheraman Juma Mosque:

• Location: Kodungallur, Kerala, India


• Built in: 629 CE


• Founder: Malik Dinar


• Significance: First mosque in the Indian subcontinent


• Architectural style: Traditional Kerala with Arab influences


• Historical legend: Linked to Cheraman Perumal, the Chera king who converted to Islam


• Status: Still in use as a mosque today

For competitive exams, remember: Cheraman Juma Mosque is the first mosque in the Indian subcontinent, built in 629 CE in Kerala, and is associated with early Islamic history in South Asia.