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 legendary splitting of the moon.

The splitting of the moon
A story says that while Cheraman Perumal, possibly named Baskara Ravi Varma, walking late at night with one of his wives in the palace garden, he alone saw the moon split. Returning 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. When Arab merchants from the Banu Quraysh tribe visited his palace, he asked them about it. Modern writers claim that, in the 10th century, Al-Tabari wrote about this in his Tarikh al-Tabari, and Ferishta in his Tarikh Ferishta.

All of the claims regarding this comes from modern writers who claim that there are 'old depictions' of the event, but the said 'old depictions' have yet not been found.

Historical research has found this story to be fictitious.

Journey to Mecca and encounter with Muhammad
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 Muhammad, and as a result, he appointed his son as the regent of his kingdom and accompanied the Arab traders to meet Muhammad in person. Cheraman went 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. During this pilgrimage he met Muhammad.

In the precincts of the Kaaba, Cheraman gave Muhammad and his companions gifts. Speaking in Arabic, Cheraman asked Muhammad about the lunar event he had witnessed. Bilal, a companion of Muhammad, encouraged him to convert to Islam.

Conversion and Recognition as Thajuddin
Cheraman converted to Islam and Muhammad gave him the name Thajuddin, meaning "crown of faith." Thajuddin was 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 which lead to the arrvial of Malik Dinar. Their efforts led to the establishment of Islam in 629 AD, marked by the construction of India's inaugural mosque in Kodungallur.

Qissat Shakarwati Farmad
Shakarwati Farmad, an Arabic rendition of the historical Indian royal designation 'Chakravarti Cheraman Perumal,' also known as the Chera (Spice Merchant) king, is mentioned in texts as 'al-Sultan Shakrawati'. The qissat is presently held within the British Library's India Office Records.

Versions of the legend
The later versions of the Cheraman Perumal legend are incorporated by


 * Zayn al-Din Makhdum in his work Tuhfat al-Mujahidin during the 16th century CE and in Ta'rikh-i Firishta written in Persian during the 17th century CE.

Different versions of the legend are also observable.


 * Several medieval literary texts from Kerala, including the Keralolpatti, along with accounts from Portuguese chronicles, provide valuable historical insights.
 * Some scholars also make reference to a Telugu rendition of the tale.

According to scholar Y. Friedmann, the rendition famously recounted by Zayn al-Din Makhdum was directly sourced from the qissat. In contrast to certain variations of the tale, significant portions of the story unfold following the demise of the king along the Arabian coastline.