Certain shrines have developed into pilgrimage centers, and Mappilas traditionally visited them for prayers. One such center is Mamburam, which houses the shrine of Mamburam Thangal (d.1845), a key figure who supported the Mappilas in their struggles against the British. After Sayyid Alavi, his son Sayyid Fazl (d.1901), led the resistance but was banished from Malabar. He later died in Istanbul after serving the Ottoman Sultans.
In Ponnani, the shrine of Shaikh Zainuddin the Senior attracts pilgrims. Zainuddin was instrumental in reforming Islam and was a leader of the Kunhalis, who fought against the Portuguese. He was a close ally of the Zamorin.
The shrine of Sayyid Husain Madani is located at Manjakkulam, Palakkad. Madani is believed to have been a soldier who died fighting against the British. At the southern tip of Kerala lies the shrine of Mahin Abubakkar and his mother, Majid Beevi. Mahin is said to have been killed in a battle against the local landlord ruler. An annual festival (Urs) is held here, drawing pilgrims from all over Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
