Arabi Malayalam literature can be classified into two main categories: prose and poetry, with poetry being the more prominent form.The Mappila poetry or songs, called Mappilappattu, includes various subgenres, such as:
The term Malappattu is used to refer the Biographic and Devotional Songs.
Pada literally means war.Padappattu refers to War Songs.
Kissappattu (Story Songs)
Madh (Songs of Praise)
Kessupattu (Love Songs)
Kalyanappattu (Marriage Songs)
Marthiyya (Dirge)
Thadi Urudippattu (Songs of Advice and Guidance)
Kathupattu (Letter Songs)
Nerchappattu (Songs connected with Saints and Events)
Mailanji Songs (Henna Songs)
These genres are rich in literary works and are widely popular, particularly within the Mappila community of Malabar.
Malappattu, for example, is a type of hymn that narrates significant events in the lives of saints, scholars, and devout worshippers of the past.These hymns pay tribute to their contributions and are highly revered.One of the foremost works in this genre is Muhiyaddin Mala, which is considered the oldest known work in Arabi Malayalam literature.
Scholars researching this field have yet to find any poetic work older than Muhiyaddin Mala.However, some argue that it is in a variant of Tamil and, therefore, cannot be considered the first true Arabi Malayalam work.Composed in 1607 by Qazi Muhammad of Calicut, who was educated in the Tamil region, Muhiyaddin Mala was chanted with great devotion, particularly by women in Kerala Muslim households, after evening prayers.The deep respect and devotion shown to this work helped preserve it orally even before the advent of printing.
Padappattukal (war songs) recount the histories of Islam’s early battles and served as a powerful medium to inspire the Mappila Muslims in their struggle against British colonialism and feudalism.These songs narrate famous battles such as Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, and Hunain, where Prophet Muhammad and his companions defended Islam against their enemies.
