Thajuddin

Thajuddin, formerly known as the Tamil King Cheraman Perumal (lit. "Great lord of the Cheras"), played a significant role in history as the first Indian monarch to embrace Islam. After his conversion, the Siddhars gave him the title Makkahvukkupona Perumal (lit. "Emperor who went to Makkah"). His conversion tale is steeped in intriguing events, with a pivotal moment revolving around the mysterious splitting of the moon.

The Enigmatic Moon Splitting Incident

Muhammad points out the splitting of the Moon. Anonymous 16th-century watercolor from a falnama, a Persian book of prophecy. Muhammad is the veiled figure on the right.

As the narrative goes, Cheraman Perumal, possibly named Baskara Ravi Varma, was taking a late-night stroll with one of his favored queens in the palace garden. During this serene walk, he alone witnessed the unusual splitting of the moon, an occurrence that perplexed him. Hastening back to the capital of the Chera Kingdom, he sought the counsel of Hindu astronomers, the Siddhars, renowned for their expertise in celestial matters.

Despite the advanced Hindu mathematical system, the astronomers could not pinpoint the exact time and coordinates of this lunar phenomenon, leaving Cheraman intrigued. Seizing an opportune moment when Arab merchants from the Banu Quraysh tribe visited his palace, he inquired about the event that had unfolded in the Eastern sky. In the 10th century, Al-Tabari wrote about this in his Tarikh al-Tabari, and Ferishta also discussed it in his Tarikh Ferishta. They both agree with the information presented.

Journey to Mecca and Encounter with Prophet Muhammad

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri narrated that a king from India gifted the Prophet Muhammad a jar filled with ginger. The Prophet distributed the ginger among his companions, giving each person a piece. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri himself received a piece and ate it. This narration is found in Hakim al-Nishaburi's "al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn."

Arab traders had arrived at a busy Malabar port, which was known as a hub of global commerce, and they wanted to meet the King to obtain his permission to travel to Eelam. During their conversation, the merchants informed the King about Prophet Muhammad, and as a result, he appointed his son as the regent of his kingdom and accompanied the Arab traders to meet the Prophet in person. Driven by a desire for knowledge, Cheraman decided to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he planned to pray at the temple of the Arabian Moon-god Hubal and the Shrine of Quraysh idols. It was during this pilgrimage that fate brought him face-to-face with the revered Islamic prophet, Muhammad.

In the sacred precincts of the Kaaba, Cheraman presented gifts, including ginger pickles, to Muhammad and his companions. Engaging in conversation in Arabic, Cheraman sought guidance from the prophet regarding the perplexing lunar event he had witnessed. In a moment of profound significance, Bilal, a companion of Muhammad, played a pivotal role in guiding Cheraman toward the path of Islam.

Conversion and Recognition as Thajuddin

Impressed by the teachings of Islam, Cheraman embraced the faith at the hands of Prophet Muhammad, who bestowed upon him the name Thajuddin, meaning "crown of faith." This momentous event marked the initiation of Islam in the Indian subcontinent, with Thajuddin becoming the first Indian Muslim.

Death

Following his demise in Oman while on his way back, Thajuddin was laid to rest in Salalah. Upon completing his funeral rites, his companions proceeded to Kerala carrying a letter from the King. Received with respect by his relatives and attendants, they were permitted to spread the teachings of Islam. Their efforts led to the establishment of Islam in 629 AD, marked by the construction of India's inaugural mosque in Kodungallur.

The tomb of Perumal, who adopted the name Thajuddin upon his conversion to Islam, stands as a revered pilgrimage site in Salalah, drawing a significant number of devotees. While modest in its construction, the sacred site features a sizable grave adorned with intricately decorated 'Chadars' (cloths). Adjacent to the tomb lies a small mosque, with coconut trees and gardens adorning its surroundings.

References

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