Every Thursday night, the serene atmosphere of Malabar Mosque comes alive as its religious leaders lead a diverse congregation of about 150 men and women in heartfelt recitations invoking God’s greatness, Prophet Muhammad’s holiness and the piety of Islamic saints.
Each week, a different litany is selected from a collection of five – Jalalliyah Ratib, Chistiyyah Ratib, Qadiriyyah Ratib, Badr Maulid and Burda Majlis. These recitations have been performed by the Malabaris in present-day Kerala for generations and this tradition is continued at Malabar Mosque.
On the final Saturday of every month, the sacred nights at the Malabar Mosque extend to remembrances of the 11th century saint important to the Malabaris, Abd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī. During the special gathering or Quthbiyyath majlis, congregants sing praises of the founder of the Qādirīyah Sufi order. This occasion is particularly significant as the knowledge and practice of these recitations are gradually fading away, putting them in danger of being forgotten. Additionally, every year, Malabar Mosque celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad during the Manqoos Maulid. The occasion spans 12 days, dedicated to praising the prophet over the Islamic month of Rabiulawal. Moreover, as part of its religious duties, Malabar Mosque holds classes on Islam for children and adults and runs a free legal clinic to assist those seeking legal advice
