Tomb of Indian Hindu King Turned Indian Sahabi

Outside View of the Tomb of Cheraman in Salalah(Oman)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Salalah, the historic port city of Oman, has the distinction of having the tomb of the first Indian to embrace Islam. History reveals that the Indian was King Cheraman Perumal of Kerala and had witnessed the miracle of moon splitting with his own eyes, His curiosity to meet the Holy Prophet arose when some Arab traders visited his kingdom and narrated as to how the miracle had taken place. As the King himself had seen the miracle, he joined traders to visit Mecca with them after handing over the authority of his empire to his kin.

In Mecca, he embraced Islam but died in Oman during his return journey. He was buried in Salalah. After performing his last rites, his companions however, reached Kerala with a letter written by the King.His kin and courtiers treated them respect and also allowed them to preach Islam. They  established their faith  in 629AD, the first mosque in India was constructed at Kodungallur.

The tomb of Perumal who had taken the name of Tajuddin after embracing Islam is a popular place of pilgrimage in Salalah and visited by a large number of people. The holy pace is simple in structure but the grave is quite large and covered with richly decorated ‘Chadars’(Sheets). There is a small Masjid beside the tomb and cocoanut trees and gardens in front of it.

(Grave of the India Emperor Cheraman who embraced Islam and considered as a Great Sahabi )

In 2011, a high-level team, as part of the Muziris Heritage Project of Kerala's Ministry of Tourism, had visited the tomb. Former Indian Ambassador to Oman Anil Wadwa had also visited the last resting place of King Cheraman. Though the tomb does not have any kind of restrictions but those willing to visit it are expected to seek permission from the Keralites settled in  Salalah or  Al Baleed area. All the Taxi drivers in Salalah are well aware of the tomb of the great companion of the Holy Prophet in view of its popularity.