International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

Prominent Muslim Jamaaths in

A. SHAHILA BANU

Ph.D. Research Scholar (Reg. No.11842) Department of History, Women’s Christian College, – 629 001. Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, – 627 012, , .

Abstract in has been enriched by and saintly savants of Islam. Due to their selfless service, Islam has thrived in this part of the country. The spread and growth of Islam is conspicuous by the presence of 52 Jamaaths in this district. These Jamaaths speak of their antiquity and they contain a lot of information regarding their life style and culture. In Kanyakumari District there are 52 Jamaaths. Among them six Muslim Jamaaths are considered very large and prominent. They are, Muslim Jamaath, Muslim Jamaath, Thiruvithancode Muslim Jamaath, Muslim Jamaath, Elankadai Muslim Jamaath at , faithulmal Muslim Jamaath, Kottar, Thittuvilai Muslim Jamaath. Some other Jamaaths are steadily growing in strength, stature and popularity.

Keywords: Muslim Jamaath, Kanyakumari District, Life style, culture

Introduction Jamaath means a Sangam, Federation or group based on some Islamic Principles. So it is said that a life without Jamaath is meaningless. If a Muslim keeps himself away from the Jamaath it means that he excommunicates himself from Islam. The form a Jamaath where they live and solve the problems that may arise out of marriage, divorce and other disputes. The solution to the problems would be based on the tenets of Holy and the Hathees. Kanyakumari District Muslim Jamaath Federation was founded in 1982 at Thiruvithancode. It was reconstructed in 1984 and an office began to function at Thiruvithancode. The first President of this Federation was M.A. Mohamed Kannu who was followed G.M. Shah. The first one to hold the post of Secretaryship was N.S. Hameed. The last time elections were held for this Federation was on 29.05.2015. New office bearers took charge. This took place in the Federation office at Thiruvithancode. Mr. Uduman Maintheen, an advocate was the Election Commissioner. Abdul Latheef of Eraviputhoorkadai and M.A. Khan of Nambali were elected president and secretary of the Federation respectively. Pavalar Siddique of Elankadai was elected Treasurer and the Vice President were Tamil Mahan Hussain (President of Wakf Board, Tamilnadu) R.M.S Khader of Thengapattanam Jamaath, Mohammed Haneefa of Thiruvithancode Jamaath, Abdul Kafoor of Kottarjamaath and Maideen Pillai of Thittuvilaijamaath. The following were elected Deputy Secretaries. M.P.K Nazeer of Kaliakkavilai, J.M.S Safeek of Kulasekharam, Akbar of Makkayipalayam and Mohammed Basheer of Manavalakurichy.

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Thiruvithancode Muslim Jamaath Thiruvithancode is one of the historical places in the district. It was ruled by Chera, Chola, Pandya– kings followed by Nanjil Valluvan and later on by the kings of Tranvancore. Once it was the capital of Venad which comprised the district of Kanyakumari. It is about 18 km west of Nagercoil on the way to Triuvananthapuram. Thiruvithancode then formed part of Venad and was surrounded by thick forests. In the 8th century this area was ruled by Kolka, a relative of Cheramanperumal. When Kolka was hunting in this forest he heard the sound of Malik Mohammed (Son of Malik Ifnu Habib) chanting the 'Bhanku'. Riding on his horse, Kolka came to the place of Banku. He spoke to Malik and permitted him to build a mosque there. He marked with his arrow the spot where the mosque was to be built. Since then the place came to be known as "Athaan code" Meaning "that is the line". Later on a respective prefix "Thiru" was added and came to be called "Thiru Athaan code". In due course it came to be known as Thiruvithancode. Today there are about 12000 Muslims in Thiruvithancode. The Jamaath at Thiruvithancode has a history of 800 years. Most of the inhabitants are migrants from . They settled here some 1200 years ago. Even now they have close relationship with Kerala including matrimonial relationship. In , the capital of Kerala, these people own many shops in highways. In Thiruvithancode itself there are four mosques. They are Malik Mohammad Valiyullah Jummah Masjid (Kallupalli), Bhuhari Masjid, Mohaideen Masjid and the Jilani Masjid. There is a big pond in front of the Kallupalli built by Malik Mohammad. Such ponds are also at mosques in Anjuvannam and Thengapattinam. The head of the Jamaath is Auditor Haji Shakul Hameed. Secretary is Haji Mohammad Hanifa and the Treasurer is Basheer. Mowlawi Shakul Hameed Alim Anwar has been the Imam of Malik Jummah Masjid for the past 46 years. Mawlawi Sulfikar Ali is the Imam of Mohaideen mosque. In 8th century Malik Ibn Dhinar, a Sufi saint along with his son Malik Muhammed came from Saudi Arabia and reached south , preached Islam at Thengapattanam and constructed a mosque there. Then Malik Muhammed came to Thiruvithancode, a place which had close association with Venad Kingdom. He preached Islamic Principles and built a Jummah mosque there. When he breathed his last, his body was buried there within the mosque complex. Now it is called Malik Muhammed Pallivaasal. In memory of his great services, a tomb was built in the mosque. Most of the people work in Singapore, Malaysia and in Arab countries. Their Primary vocation was weaving. A poet by name Uduman Labbai lived here and he has composed many poems called 'Nazood Maalai". There is a Nursery School where 50 children are studying. Education has been accorded much importance here. Many Muslim girls attend the govt. Higher Secondary School and there is a Primary School also. I.M.S. Model School attracts a number of students from many parts of the district.

Thuckalay Muslim Jamaath Thuckalay is about 15km on the National high ways from Nagercoil to Thiruvananthapuram. Thuckalay is a historic and a picturesque place. Thuckalay has a history of more than 500 years. , that is very close to Thuckalay had been the seat of the king of Travancore. It was a capital city once upon a time. In the 15th century A.D. Thuckalay was thinly populated and the Muslims were very few in number. In times of yore the Muslims in Thuckalay were engaged in weaving mats made of reeds and containers made of coloured palm leaves. They visited many places in the district to sell those mats and the containers. That was their main source of income.

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People from the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu migrated to Thuckalay and the population increased. Muslim scholars came to this place and preached the tenets of Islam. Many people embraced Islam. When Peer Mohammed Sahib settled here, in the 17th century A.D Islam began to flourish. Even today Thuckalay is renowned because of the memory of Peer Mohammed Muslim Jamaath. The president of this Jamaath is Hyder Ali. Thuckalay is a famous Muslim center with more than 3000 Muslims living here. Not only the Muslims but also the people of other religions love and pay respect to seer Peer Mohammed. The reverence people of all communities have for the saintly Peer Appa leads to social harmony. On the festival day of Peer Appa, thousands of people throng to Thuckalay to pay their respects to him. A lot of property belongs to this Jamaath. There is a big auditorium by the side of the Darga and an artistic arch adorns the Dargah. There is yet another auditorium meant for functions. Marriages and banquets are conducted in this auditorium. Many of the Muslims of Thuckalay have settled in Singapore and even now they are there having a Muslim Association. Likewise they have a Muslim Association in Dubai also. He possessed the power of healing and doing miracles. He was a wise man and versatile poet. He has composed 18,000 poems. He has authored many books such as Thiru Nery Neetham, Bismil Kuram, Mafripathu Malai, Gnanakuravanchi and Ganana Puhazhchi. All his works speak about God and his wisdom. In his Thiru Nery Neetham he has illustrated the culture of his times. The annual festival is celebrated from Rajab new moon 1 to 14. One the last night his poems are sung devotionally. The festivities go on throughout the night and many people from Kerala and Tamilnadu participate in huge number and get the blessings of the saint. The Peerappa Mosque at Thuckalay had been built in the 16th century itself. It is one of the many mosques built by Malik Muhammad in this district. This mosque is built artistically. It is called Mohaideen Jummah Masjid. It has been renovated by the generous contribution of the people and the Masjid today stands as a splendid monument. It was opened in 1974. A lot of educated people live here. There is a Govt. Muslim Primary School and a Madrasa in the name of Peer Mohammed. About 50 children study in the Madrasa. Thuckalay has produced a number of great scholars and famous poets. Of them Hameem Mustafa, Haleema, H.G. Rasool are noteworthy.

Thengapattanam Muslim Jamaath Thengapattanam is situated on the west coast near Painkulam village in VilavamcodeTaluk. It is a place of historical importance. It is 35km from Nagercoil and 12k.m from Kuzhithurai. Thengapattanam is a place blessed with the beauties of nature. It is surrounded by sea, river, canal, paddy fields, Rocky Mountains, and Lush green groves which lend a magic spell to the serene atmosphere. As are abundant in this place, this might have derived this name (-thengai). It is also probable that this name was given to the place, as a result of its being the centre of Thenganad ruled over by members of Ay dynasty. The village had in ancient times, trade relations with foreign countries like Arabia. There was direct cargo boat service between Thengapattanam and other foreign maritime towns. Copra, dry fish, coir and shark fin were the main products that were exported. The history of Thangapattanam is interlinked with the . There are six Mosques here. It is a matter of great wonder that when there were no Muslims in this area, many individual Muslim leaders came to this place, converted the polytheist into Muslims and built mosques for them to worship. There are about 10,000 Muslims at Thengapattanam.

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In 1990's Thengapattanam was a proud destination for Islamic cultural developments. In 1952 some of Thengapattanam members and well-wishers formed Muslim Muhall a Paribalana Committee under the leadership of Janab. Ad.Sultans Mydheen and ex-Thasildar Janab. Abdul Samad. That M.M.P (Muslim Muhalla Paribalana) Committee had formed 41 members who followed the hathees of Prophet (P). Moreover that M.M.P executive committee made the by-lane with the permission of general Body of Thengapattanam. They managed to collect the incomes and maintained 3 mosques. After 1952, Mohammed Kannu Hajiyar built Rifai Mosque at Bus stand (Which is known as Anthikdai) There was no Bus stand in 1960's. After 1960 Hajji S.M. built a mosque, which was called, Mohaideen Mosque at sea shore side. In 1980's another general body meeting was held, which passed the rules and regulations. M.M.P. Committee continued with some other members. They continued from 1980 to 1983. After 1994 a new committee was formed due to riots with the fishermen community. The M.M.P committee continued to maintain the management. The name M.M.P.C is changed to Muslim Jamaath, Thengapattanam. The present President is Haji R.M.S. Khadar, the Secretary and Treasurer are Mr. Nowpalkhan and A. Siyad respectively. Altogether there are six mosques at Thengapattanam including the Valiya Palli, the Landmark of this beautiful town, are situated at five vital areas, making it convenient for all the people to come and offer their prayers. The Valiya Palli, which is at the centre of Thengapattanam, is surrounded on the four sides at the north, near the bus stand by Rifai Masjid, at the west by KozhathuPailli, at the west on the river bank of Valiyar by Attupalli , which is situated on the rocky hill and on the south close to the beach by Muhiyuddin Masjid, Chenta Palli, the rains of which are present on the hilly rock at the eastern side is still considered as a holy place. All the mosques have splendid look. Kallupalli is outstanding and the onlookers are wonder struck. The Malik Ibn Dinar mosque (ValiyaPalli or Kallupalli) and the Nahoor Meeran Sahib Mosque (Aattupalli) are built with cut stones and adorned with artistic works. Both of them provide feast to the eyes. There are more than 50 graduates and about two dozen people are employed in Govt. Service. More than 100 children get religious education at the Madrasa here. In olden days they did not give much importance to higher education. But education is now coming up. Many Muslim girls attend the Primary Islamic model school. There have been 25 Alim and 5 Haabiz bail from Thengapattanam.

Elankadai-Kottar Muslim Jamaath Kanyakumari district is at the tail end of India and Kottar is in the heart of the district. Before Nagercoil came into being Kottar played an important role in the district. Kottar is about 10sq.km. It comprised the present Vadasery, Ozhukinasery, Kampolam, Konam, Erulappapuram and Parvathipuram. Elankadai is an annex of Kottar. 1200 years ago only 25 families were living here. What is called today the Bazaar street was then called Elankadai Street. 'Kadai' in Tamil means shop. So the street got its name 'Kadaitheru' from Elankadai13. There were a few families along this street. What today is filled with houses and bangalows was once all paddy fields, coconut and plantain farms. People engaged themselves in agriculture and pottery. The original inhabitants of Elankadai were potters, blacksmith and 'pattariars’ who were engaged in weaving. Apart from these, were some Vellalas and Mudaliars in the east of Elankadai and a few farmers. So to say it was a cosmopolitan village. When they converted to Islam they continued to have their caste names added to their Muslim names like Malukkumudali, Maideenpillai, Tharakanar, Moopanar etc. There was a pond near Elankadai. It was called Chenkulam. He came to Kottar in the beginning of the 8thcentury. It is strongly believed that Bava Khasim was the first Muslim missionary from Arabia to South India.

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Since he came alone and restricted his life and work within Elankadai, very many outsiders do not know much about him. From many historical and other evidences we come to know that Bava Khasim Appa's arrival occurred about 1275 years ago. He was not only a religious propagandist but also a good physician. He came to Elankadai and lived with the people propagating Islam. His hard work bore fruit. Thus Bava Khasim Appa came to Elankadai and began his service of emancipating the people from their miseries. Since he had the knowledge of Unani medical care, he treated the sick people, and cured them. The erudite Bava Khasim learnt the language of the local people and taught them the tenets of Islam. Since he cured many sick people, they all requested him to stay with them and he obliged them and stayed at Kottar. The house he stayed in has become his graveyard. Due to his ardent preaching, people were attracted to Islam. Elankadai became a centre of learning and culture. So people living in places like Vadasery, Kambolam, Chettikulam, Nagercoil and Vettoornimadam and converged in Elankadai and settled here. What once was a small hamlet with only 25 houses, became a big bazaar fulfilling the various needs of the inhabitants. Many huts were thatched with palm leaves. Education began to develop. What today stands as Kutba Mosque was once a thatched mosque built by Bava Kasim Appa with the help of the local people. After a long life he died here itself. In the 15thcentury Sree Veera Udaya Marthandavarma donated the people of Elankadai Jamaath, Kalavanaadivilai and its surroundings and some other gift in the form of cash. This money was made use of to build a mosque in the place where Bava Khasim Appa was buried. That is the Bava Khasim mosque. Due to his selfless sacrifice, Kottar Elankadai has become the largest Muslim Jamaath in Kanyakumari District. At present more than 20,000/- Muslims live here where once there were only about 25 families. Even at the time of Bava Khasim, the population had begun to increase leaps and bounds. It is to be noted that Bava Khasim, was the person who introduced Islam in this part of the district. The present president Mr. Pavalar Siddiq was elected 2016. He has been running the administration efficiently. Many Islamic institutions have been flourishing here. Sadavathani Seikuthambi Pavalar Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Govt. Primary School and S.E.D School. The aim of his society is to upgrade the status of the Muslims socially and economically. It was founded in 1997-98 and is shortly called KISWA (Kottar Islamic Welfare Association). There are also two libraries at Elankadai. Thus the Muslim Jamaath has been flourishing at Elankadai.

Thittuvilai Muslim Jamaath Thittuvilai Muslim Jamaath is situated 14km East of Nagercoil. Of the three Jamaaths in this taluk Thittuvilai is the largest. This place has many specialities. More than 15,000 Muslims live here. It is its first specialty. This Jamaat is 500 Years old. It is a cosmopolitan town with many castes and creeds. All the people live like brother and sisters. The name 'Thittu' is derived from 'Thirattu'. Thittuvilai is situated as a high ground Surrounded by hills and rivers. So it got the name 'Thittuvilai' so says a tradition. The mosque adds beauty to this village. It could the spotted from a long distance. This is the only mosque in the district where more than 2000 people could conduct prayers at a time. The burial ground is nearby. The mosque is about 550 years old. So it has been renovated many times. The last time it was renovated was in 2006. The minaret and other works were completed in 2013. This Jamaath possesses a lot of properties. The Jamaath gets much income from the properties. The properties are in the name of Sheik Uduman Lebbai Mashaik. He was belongs to the 27th generation of Prophet Nabi (P). He came from Arabia to Cochin in the 12th century of Hijiri. From Cochin he travelled southward and settled at Kottar. After staying there for sometime he went to Thittuvilai. He was a cloth merchant. He did miracles among the local people.

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He maintained a simple life along with his wife and three children. This great man was dearly loved by the local people. Due to the great efforts of Uduman Lebbai the Jummah Masjid at Thittuvilai was established36. It was just like the Malik Dinaar Mosque of Kottar. Significantly it was a granite mosque and later in 1955 it was expanded. Again renovation work was started in 1984 and it was completed in 1989. Once again expansion and modification works were conducted. He was locally called as "Appachi Appa" when he died he was buried at Thittuvilai with due reverence and a Dargah was raised on the tomb. A festival is conducted in his memory from 16 to 26 of Jamad-Al-Akhir. On that day free meal is given. This dargah named "Fakkir Bava Valiyullah" Stands in the entrance to Thittuvilai. Yet another saintly personality is 'Fakkir Baava'. He is called, "Hayaat Avuliya". The Annual festival is conducted on the 26th day of Rajab New moon. Thousands of people participate in this feast. It is being celebrated as an inter-religious festival. Celebrities belonging to many religions come and grace the functions. Though this Jamaath abounds in facilities, it has not grown in its stature. Only a few people work in foreign countries, people are very simple. Dr. Shahul Hameed was once very famous. He built the Hythuroos Hospital and rendered yeoman Healthcare to the people. People are education-conscious and many attend colleges and universities. It abounds with many teachers. There are Govt. Primary and Higher Secondary schools and a Muslim Model School at Thittuvilai. About 500 children attend the Madrasa both in the morning and evening. A Wedding Hall has also been constructed. They get a lumpsum amount as rent. A. Maitheen Pillai looks after the administration of this jamaath and three Imams serve in the mosque.

Colachel Muslim Jamaath From the very beginning when Islam set foot in India, Colachel embraced Islam. A large number of Islamic Tamil literary works have been produced here. The name Colachel comes from the word 'Colachi' which means 'Red Paddy'. This kind of paddy is cultivated in large area around Colachel and merchants from far and near came to purchase this paddy. 'Colachi' later on came to be known as Colachel. It is historic place on the Arabian coast. More than 6000 Muslims live here. The Muslims live mainly in Elappavilai, Panthavilai Street, Pandakasalaipuram, Iqbal Street, Colachel Bazaar, Azad Nagar and Cheempilivilai. The Jamaath at Colachel has a history of 800 years. Tradition has it that the administration was initially carried on by late. Mr. Abdul Razaak. But the recorded administration began about 75 years ago. It was headed by Mr. M.N. Osanar Pillai. Then began the custom of conducting elections once in three years and the members of the administrative body were elected. There are four mosques under the control of this Jamaath. There is yet another mosque at Colachel by name Meerania Mosque. It was built in 1983 by the contribution of Haji Meeran Mohaideen . After him, his children look after the affairs of this mosque. Tamil Mahan Hussain was the president of this Jamaath . When he resigned from that post, the administrative body was dissolved and the Jamaath came under the control of the Wakf Board. It is an interim arrangement with the consent of the Wakf Board a team of five people under. The former municipal Chairman Mr. Nazeer was formed as an Ad hoc Committee. At present they are running the administration. Their vocations are business, weaving, coir making and fish export. The main occupation of the people in and around Colachel was weaving. Hence the important export of Colachel port was the cloth woven in different parts of the district.

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Malik Ifnu Dinar and his family have built about 40 mosques in Kerala and Tamilnadu. One of his nephews Malik Mohammad built the Jummah Mosque here at Colachel and it is the last one of all the mosques he had built. There are four mosques in this town. Of these only in the stone Mosque (Kallu Palli) Jummah prayers are conducted. The other mosques are Ribai Mosque, Mohaideen Mosque and Akkarai Mosque. The Muslims of Colachel gave much importance to education. The Govt. High School at Elappavilai stands on the land donated by the Muslims of Colachel. The Orient Matric School, started in 1986 and the Cresent Matric School which functioned only for a few years bear testimony to the importance the Muslims of Colachel attach to education. The past 50 years have seen many medical practitioners from Colachel. Colachel Muslims had founded many Social structures. They are alive even to this day. But almost in all structures, men are the members. Young and old people are members in them. The Islamic Service Society was started in 1986 for the uplift of education of the Muslim people. The Muslim Youth Federation has been founded with the aim of educating and uplifting of the youth in Socio - economic conditions.29 Colachel is famed for its doctors and engineers. The Najmul Islam Madrasa has been functioning here for more than 25 years. 700 children learn the tenets of Islam through this Madrasa. In 1956 the Muslim Youth Club was started. It has been conducting cultural festivals and is doing social service. From 1972 onwards the Islamic Youth Development Association is rendering help to poor children for their studies.

Conclusion The Jamaath in the Muslim community is inevitable, because, disputes are not usually taken to police stations and to courts. They are settled in the Jamaath itself. The identity of the Muslims is protected by these Jamaaths. So for the preservation of the individuality of the Muslims the existence of the Jamaaths is very essential. In some villages there are more than one Jamaath. Usually, when the popular becomes large, a few streets combined together form a Jamaath. This smoothens, the administration. Because each Jamaath will have its own office bearers.In most of the Jamaaths all the male members above 18 years or 21 years could exercise their votes. But in some Jamaaths voting power is given only to the married male members. Kanyakumari District Muslim Jamaath Federation was decided to meet the educational expenses of five poor Muslim students annually. It was further decided to help the Poor People of the Muslim community for medical treatment and marriages. Almost all the Jamaaths in the district were represented in that meeting.

References: [1] Abu Hashima, Pettaham (Tamil), Rahmaniya Sangam, 2001. [2] Ahila Suthagar,. J., Ponvisiri (Tamil), 2017. [3] Shahul Hameed, Anchuvannagal, Adithala Muslimgalin Varalaru (Tamil) 2010. [4] Nilkam Perumal, the Truth about Travancore, Madras, 1939. [5] Venkata Ramayya, Early Muslim Expansion in South India, University of Madras, 1942. [6] Madhava Rao, T., ThiruvithancodeSarithram, Trivandrum, 1874. [7] Elphinstone, R., The , London, 1957. [8] Huseyn Hilmi Isik, The Religions Reformers in Islam, Turkey, 1974. [9] Badhusa. K.M., Vakf Nirvagamum Valarchiyum (Tamil), , 1990. [10] Raja Mohammed, J., Islamic Architecture in Tamilnadu, Vol XVII, Director of Museums Publication, 2004.

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