Thrissur CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID

CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID

Cheraman Juma Masjid is a mosque in Kodungallur in the Indian state of Kerala. It is believed that  in 629 AD by, a group of Arabs led by Malik Bin Deenar and Malik bin Habib arrived in north Kerala, and constructed the Cheraman Juma Masjid at Kodungalloor, it is considered as the oldest mosque in India, and the second oldest mosque in the world to offer Jumu'ah prayers. Constructed during the lifetime of Muhammad, the bodies of some of his original followers are said to be buried here. Unlike other mosques in Kerala that face westwards this mosque faces eastwards.Cheraman Juma Masjid showing influences of traditional Hindu architecture on the mosque. The mosque has an ancient oil lamp which always burns and which is believed to be more than a thousand years old. People of all religions bring oil for the lamp as offering. This is one of the few mosques in Kerala which allow entry for people of other religions.