There are different legends that credit different
people to the spread of Islam in Lakshadweep Islands, which is the major
religion of the Union Territory followed by 93% of its population.
According to the local parables, Cheraman Perumal, the last king of
Kerala, converted to Islam at the behest of some Arab merchants and left
his capital Cannanore (today's Kodungallor) to go for a pilgrimage to
Mecca. Bewildered by his sudden disappearance, search parties were sent
after him in sailing boats for Mecca. It is said that one of these
sailing boats was struck by a fierce storm and was shipwrecked on the
Bangaram island of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The crew shifted to
the nearby island of Agatti till the weather improved and then returned
to the mainland. On the way, they saw some more islands. Another party
of sailors and soldiers discovered the island of Amini and started
living there. However, a much ancient legend is more in vogue here.It is said that during the advent of Islam in the 7th century, St. Ubaidullah(r) fell asleep in Mecca while praying. He dreamt that Prophet Mohammed has ordered him to go to Jeddah and sail to different places, spreading the word of Islam. However, his shipwrecked near these small Islands due to a ranging Islam and he was swept ashore on the island of Amini, floating on a plank. There, he again dreamt that this is the place, where has to propagate Islam. However, it was easier said than done and he had to face the wrath of the headman of the island who exiled him from his land. However, a young woman was so impressed by his preaching that she decided to follow him forever by marrying him. She is said to be the first lady to embrace Islam in these islands and was called Hameedat Beebi. This further enraged the headman who at once ordered the execution of the couple. However, Almighty helped St. Ubaidullah(r) and people were struck blind for a moment as St. Ubaidullah(r) and his wife disappeared from the place. St. Ubaidullah(r) left Amini for Andrott, where he was opposed but yet he finally succeeded to win over a few followers at last. He continued to propagate Islam till his death and was buried in Andrott, which is considered a sacred place today.
