Islam
Way back in the 5th century, a brutal
caste system existed in Kerala. People were divided into 4 castes, viz.
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and the Sudras. Brahmins were considered as holy
disciples of God; Kshatriyas, the rulers and the Vaishyas and Sudras formed the
laborers of the system. Vaishyas and the Sudras had few rights in society. Men
and women of these castes were not even allowed to cover
their upper body in front of the landlords. The
Christian and the Muslim missionaries were a blessing to this working class.
13 followers of Prophet Mohammed
under the leadership
of Malik Bin Dinar arrived at Kodungaloor (then 'Musiris'), a famous
port on the ancient Spice Route in the north of Kerala (known as Malabar).
The then ruler of Kodungaloor, Sri Cheraman Perumal,
warmly received these travelers. He offered them houses and encouraged inter
- caste marriages with the lower castes. The first mosque in India was built
at Kodungaloor and was called Cheraman Masjid. This mosque even today has
typical features of a temple. Later, Cheraman Perumal also became a follower
of Islam and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Many from the Vaishya and Sudra community followed
Malik Bin Dinar and Cheraman Perumal. Slowly the Muslim community flourished.
Unbelievably, they received enough support from the rulers of the era. These
fresh converts and their later generations held many offices in the kingdom of Hindu
Rulers especially because of their mercantile skills and warriors.
