Arabic centre to be set up in Ponnani to honour writer-historian Zainuddin Makhdoom II

Thiruvananthapuram: Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom, a 16th-century writer and historian who wrote the historical account of Malabar titled 'Thufatul Mujahideen,' is said to be a spiritual leader who united the people of the region against foreign forces through his work. The Kerala government is soon planning to start an Arabic Language and Culture Centre in Malappuram's Ponnani, which is known as the mecca of Kerala. The announcement was made by Kerala higher education minister R Bindu, recently.

Many experts regard Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom, widely known as Zainuddin Makhdoom the Second or Zaniudeen Makhdoom Al Sageer, as a writer who wrote the authentic history of Kerala and many anti-occupation works. He lived during the regime of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Experts say that he was also a strong advocate of freedom movements against foreign powers like the Portuguese and that he narrated the brutal, anti-muslim nature of their conquests in Malabar.

Zainuddin Makhdoom II was also the grandson of Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom I, who was also a writer, orator, historian, jurisprudent and spiritual leader. His family originated from Yemen and Ponnani Juma Masjid was built about 600 years ago by his grandfather. Zainuddin Makhdoom II, it is believed, used to sit in the Ponnani mosque while he worked on Tuhfatul Mujahideen. He is said to have inherited the legacy of his grandfather and was installed as the Chief Qadi (judge) in Ponnani, as well as appointed Chief Mderris (head teacher) of the historic Ponnani Dars at Ponnani Jum'ah Masjid, which was built by Zainuddin Makhdoom I, according to sources.  
(With PTI inputs)