Abstract
India has extended its rich and composite culture, shaped over centuries by interactions with different ethnic communities, religious groups and used in diverse languages. As is the historical understanding, Kerala is no exception to this cultural assimilation. The people of Kerala have been enriched from different parts of the world who settled in the region and made a great impact on its heritage. The social history of Kerala reflects a continuous process of synthesis, adaptation, and assimilation of old traditions with innovative ideas across all domains of life. Among the societies that have moulded Kerala’s cultural landscape, Islam and the Muslim community have a distinct role. They were popularly known as the Mappilas. Their influence on Kerala’s social, political, and cultural life has been significant. The development of Mappila culture in Kerala, is often labelled as a unique combination of Indian and Arabian elements, reflecting the deep impact on the development of Islam in the region.
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References
2. Jarams (also spelled dargahs, maqams, or makams in other regions) refer to the shrines or tombs of revered saints, scholars, or martyrs in the Islamic tradition, especially within South Asian and Kerala Muslim culture.
3. Personal interview with Ahammad,(63), Zakaf House, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
4. Mala refers to a devotional poem or hymn, usually written in Arabic-Malayalam, praising a saint, warrior, or religious figure.
5. Personal interview with Iliyas,(56), Palliveed,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
6. Ibid.
7. P.T Abdul Rahiman, Appavanibha Nercha Ganangal, p.28
8. Shakeela A Rahman, Customs and Practices of Muslims of Malabar with Special Reference to Festivals, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Calicut, 2007
9. Personal interview with Iliyas,(56), Palliveed, Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
10. Personal interview with Musthafa,(45), Assistant Imam, Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
11. Ratheeb is one of the distinctive traditional prayers performed in Muslim homes and mosques. These prayers, which praise the Prophet Muhammad, are conducted on special occasions. Usually, the ustads (religious teachers) in the mosque lead the Ratheeb
12. Personal interview with Iliyas,(56), Palliveed,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
13. Ibid.
14. Personal interview with Abdul Gafar Darimi,(50), Imam,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
15. Personal interview with Iliyas,(56), Palliveed,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
16. Personal interview with Abdul Gafar Darimi,(50), Imam,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
17. Ibid.
18. Personal interview with Iliyas,(56), Palliveed,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
19. Personal interview with Musthafa,(45), Assistant Imam, Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
20. Personal interview with Abdul Gafar Darimi,(50), Imam,Idiyangara, Kozhikode, on 22-04-2025
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