The first Malabari Muslim

Though historians and scholars vary in opinion on the exact time of the advent of Islam to Malabar coast, an analytical scrutiny of the legend of Cheraman Perumal has culminated in its partial acceptance as history.

Perumals were the titular leaders who ruled the powerful Chera dynasty. There are varying opinion regarding their appointment whether they were appointed by the leaders of various independent dynasties, selected by the Brahmins or were foreign appointees of the Chola and Pandiya kings.Originally they ruled for twelve year periods but later they extended this period. Cheraman Perumal was a king of Kerala and the last of the Perumal dynasty. Kesari A. Balakrishna Pilla , an internationally reputed historian, states that Cheraman Perumal had also received a letter in the year 628 AD from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) along with many other rulers of the then known world.

Cheraman Perumal , according to Sheikh Zainuddin Al Malbari, is said to have divided his land to 12 rulers before he left for Mecca. It has been established that this last Perumal travelled to Mecca and embraced Islam and that had his 'Kalimatul Shahadat' at the hands of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) himself. He thus became the first royal Malabari convert to Islam and his Muslim name was Tajuddin. Cheraman Perumal passed away in Shahar Mukhalla reportedly in Hijrah 10.

 

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