The Juma Masjid of Kasargod, Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque is located in the
heart of the town at Thalangara, 2kms away. Built in typical Kerala style
of architecture, it is one of the most attractive and well-maintained
mosques in the district which is believed to have been founded by Malik
Ibn Dinar. Dinar was a missionary from Arabia who is credited with propagating
Islam to the shores of Malabar. Of the 10 mosques built in Kasargod by
Dinar and his followers, only this mosque survives today. The original
mosque was a small structure with a thatched roof and later his followers
constructed it as an elaborate structure. The mortal remains of Malik
Dinar can be seen inside the mosque and some of the descendents of the
prophet are also buried here.
The festival of Urs (Uroos), commemorating the death anniversary of Ibn
Dinar is held here, once every three years with great pomp and gaiety.
On this occasion, thousands of devotees throng the premise of the mosque
to pay homage to their revered saint. Religious speeches are held and
food and clothes are distributed among the pilgrims. |