Great Mosques Around the World

KODUNGALLUR, KERALA, INDIA: The Cheraman Masjid is said to be the very first mosque in India, built in 629 AD by Malik lbn Dinar at the behest of Rama Varma Kulashekhara, a Chera dynasty ruler, who converted to Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad. He is thought to be the first Indian Muslim. Kodungallur is widely believed to be the site of the ancient port of Muziris, which was a sea port until it was destroyed by the great flood of the Periyar River in 1341. The mosque is built in the traditional Hindu architectural style. Today, many non-Muslims visit the mosque for prayers and are known to initiate children to letters here. less