Over the years, Kasaragod acquired considerable importance as a center of Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Deenar. According to Qissat Shakarwati Farmad, the Masjids at Kodungallur, Kollam, Madayi, Barkur, Mangalore, Kasaragod, Kannur, Dharmadam, Panthalayini, and Chaliyam, were built during the era of Malik Dinar, and they are among the oldest Masjids in the Indian Subcontinent. It is believed that Malik Dinar died at Thalangara in Kasaragod town. The mosque, Juma Masjid, one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara. Thalangara beach is on the western side of Kasaragod town, and it is close to the railway station. The mosque contains the grave of Malik Deenar, one of the Taabi’eens (people who had seen the companions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad), and the place is sacred to Muslims.[2] Another notable mosque in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the center of the town. Malik Deenar Urs is one of the main observations of Indian Muslims to celebrate the arrival of Malik Deenar to Kerala, India. It is conducted in the holy month of Muharram and lasts for one month. It includes various rituals such as the Ziyarath (visiting tomb), Pataka Uyarthal (flag hosting), and Annadanam.
