Ponnani Juma Masjid or Ponnani Valiya Jumath Palli located at Ponnani in Malappuram district is a mosque that deserves historical importance in Muslim mosques in Kerala. The Juma Masjid played an important role in the intellectual field of Ponnani, once referred to as the ‘Little Mecca’ of Malabar. At that time, the mosque was also the headquarters of those seeking knowledge in Ponnani.Jama-at Mosque, a 600-year-old mosque, is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala and has given Ponnani the name, ‘Mecca of the East’.
It is said that the mosque was designed by a Hindu carpenter for a Sufi Saint from Yemen. The carpenter had an untimely death during construction and was buried inside the mosque with all due respect. The four-day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila Ballads. Kerala is known for its religious tolerance and diversity, and the Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram is a testament to the region’s commitment to fostering harmony among various communities.
Overall, the Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram plays a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the local Muslim community and contributes to the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
