REPORT ON THE NEED OF FIRST SHIA MASJID / IMAMBARGAH IN THE STATE OF KERALA, INDIA.

Aal-e-Rasool Foundation, Cochin, Kerala

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Some General Background about Kerala and Cochin History of Islam in Kerala Shias in Kerala / Cochin Shia Communitys need for a Mosque / Imambargah at Cochin Estimate of Cost 2 4 5 6 8

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Some General Background about Kerala and Cochin The State of Kerala is located at the extreme southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, blocked between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. The coastal State that extends a length of 580 km varies between 35 and 120 km in width. Kerala is bounded by the State of Karnataka on the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. The main language used by the people is Malayalam, though English is well spoken and understood in the urban areas. The States population as per the 2001 census of India is over 3.18 crore (over 31 million), consisting of 24.7% Muslims (over 78 lakh or 7.8 million). The State has a literacy rate of about 91%, amongst the highest in India.

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The political capital of the State is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). However the city of Kochi (Cochin), in the district of Ernakulam is one of the most important cities of the State and one of the principal sea ports of India. The city has an estimated population of over 15 lakh (1.5 million), with an estimated Muslim population of over 200,000.

KERALA

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History of Islam in Kerala Cheraman Perumal, the king of Kerala, once experienced an unusual dream of the new moon being split into two halves at the horizon. His court astrologers could not give him a satisfactory explanation. Later when a group of Arab traders on their way to Ceylon met the Perumal, he mentioned about his dream. They explained that this could probably be the miracle Prophet performed at Arabia (Holy Qu'ran-54:1-5). This explanation convinced him and he decided to embrace Islam. His decision to leave for Mecca was kept a secret. He divided his land and assigned various territories to local chieftains to ensure smooth governance. He then left for Mecca, met the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and embraced Islam. He spent some years there and while returning home, fell ill and died at Dhufar in Oman. Before his death, he wrote letters to local rulers of Malabar and handed them to his friends. Later, when Malik Bin Dinar and his companions reached Kodungallur, the letters were handed over to the ruling chieftains. They were given permission to construct mosques in different places. The first mosque in India was thus constructed at Kodungallur and Malik Bin Dinar himself was the first Qazi of this "Cheraman Mosque". After a while he appointed his relative Habib Bin Malik as the Qazi at Cheraman Mosque and traveled across the length and breadth of Kerala. He established different Mosques in different parts of Kerala. Later, he left for Arabia where he died. It is believed that the old tombs now at Cheraman Mosque belong to Habib Bin Malik and his wife Khumarriah. Over 90% of Kerala Muslims are Shafiies. Due to the recent Wahhabi influence however, some of the Muslims in Kerala have become biased. However, majority of Shafiies in Kerala love Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and commemorate the tragedy of Karbala in their own ways.

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Shias in Kerala / Cochin While the State of Kerala has one of the largest percentage of Muslim population (and perhaps the largest percentage of literate Muslims anywhere in India), it is pertinent to note that there is not a single Shia mosque or Imambargah in the entire State of Kerala. The absence of a Shia mosque or Imambargah, has however not prevented Shias from gradually increasing their numbers in the State and especially in the city of Cochin. It is pertinent to note that Majlises and Shia religious programmes are being regularly held in the city of Cochin with great fervor and zeal, over the last four decades, thanks to the individual efforts of members of the community. These programmes are generally held in homes of Shia people. On many occasions there have been objections raised by neighbours, especially where the homes of Shia brothers, where such functions are organized are within gated communities or buildings because of the general inconvenience caused due to movement of people and noise generated from loud speakers etc. It is now becoming more and more difficult to conduct such large scale programmes from such homes of Shias. As per our best estimates, there are about 400 - 500 Shias in the city of Cochin alone. These include migrants from other states, first and second generation local converts and other people from local population under observance of Taqiyya (faith concealment). Islamic revolution in Iran made many people start reading about Shia thought. Many people are in thirst of acquiring knowledge. Many people want religious guidance of Shia Marjas.

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Shia Communitys need for a Mosque / Imambargah at Cochin. With a gradually increasing community of Shias in the city of Cochin, it is increasingly being felt by the local Shia community that the time has now arrived for the Shias to set up a Mosque / Imambargah and a Graveyard for the community. To this effect the community members have come together and formed a Society by the name of Aal-e-Rasool Foundation in the year 2002. This Society is registered in the State of Kerala under Societies Registration Act, 1955. The following people are the office bearers of this Society. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Mr. Gulshan Khatai Mr. Shamun Reza Mr. Mirza Younus Mr. Shoukath Khatai Mr. Nazir Hussein Mr. Saki Hyder Khatai Mr. Kifayath Hussein

The main objectives for which Aal-e-Rasool Foundation was formed are : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Propagation of true Islam. Religious guidance to new comers. Inter-sectarian dialogue and ijma among different sects. Prevent the influence of Wahhabism among the pure Shafiies. Publication of Shia books in the local language and in English. Commemorate the important dates in the Islamic calendar.

The establishment of a Mosque or an Imambargah will propel the current efforts of the Foundation towards achieving its objectives and hence is amongst the topmost priority for the Aal-e-Rasool Foundation currently. Additionally we believe that having a Mosque or an Imambargah will benefit the overall Shia community in the following manner : 1. It will facilitate the appointment of a full time Imam for the general benefit of the Shia community.

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2. It will become a catalyst in propagating the Shia faith in Kerala. 3. The Imambargah will become the central focal point of all socio-religious activities of the community in Cochin. 4. It will encourage the people who have been in Taqiyya (faith concealment), to come out and become a part of the mainstream community. 5. It is also hoped that the establishment of the first Shia Mosque / Imambargah in the State will set a chain reaction and encourage Shias from other parts of Kerala to establish more such Mosques and Imambargahs.

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Estimate of Cost. While ideally we would like to build our own mosque, however considering the immediate needs of the community we think it might be better and quicker to buy an independent house and convert it into an Imambargah. We believe that we would require an independent house of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. located somewhere centrally in the city of Cochin, with equal accessibility to the members of the community that resides all over the city, and with close proximity to the train and bus stations. Based on prevailing rates of Rs. 3,500/- to Rs. 4,000/- per sq ft, we estimate this will cost us approximately Rs. 175 lakhs (Rs. 17.5 million). We would also need to provision for another Rs. 15 lakhs (Rs. 1.5 million) towards legal fees, stamp duties and other initial work to be done in the acquired property to suit the needs of the Imambargah as well as provide accommodation space for the Imam. Hence our total estimate for the Project is approximately Rs. 190 lakhs (Rs. 19 million). We have shortlisted 2-3 houses in the above price range and hope to finalise something very shortly. This target is ambitious for the local community. We however feel, that with the Blessings of the Almighty, under the guidance of our Imam and with help from our Brothers and Sisters in other parts of India and the world, we shall Insha Allah, be able to raise the finances for this project soon. Should you want to contribute to this cause and help the Shia community in Cochin establish the first Imambargah in the state of Kerala, you are requested to please contact any of the following members of Aal-e-Rasool Foundation : 1. Mr. Shamun Raza + 91 98950 40278 2. Mr. Nazir Hussein + 91 98952 05411 Our bank account details are : Account Name Aale Rasool Foundation. Account Number 3333040100000245 (Savings Account) Bank Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., MG Road Branch, Cochin Thanking you. Sd / Aal-e-Rasool Foundation. January 2010.

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