The mosque is located in the Bunder area in the city of Mangalore and is known for its pure Indian style, reminiscent of Dravidian architecture.

[1] Arab traders have had a warm longstanding relationship with the local population as well as the rulers of the western coastal belt of India from the earliest of the times, and have engaged in trade through the Arabian Sea.

The then ruler, Chera king Cheraman Perumal, was appeased with the extremely pious, honest, disciplinary behaviour of Malik Deenar and his companions, and provided the traders with accommodation, necessary facilities, and also a place to trade.

The masjid was inaugurated on Friday the 22nd of the month of Jumada al-awwal,[a] AH 22 (642/643 CE), with Malik Bin Abdullah being appointed as the first Khazi.

[6] The prayer hall is on a plinth with an open colonnade running around the building under heavy overhanging eaves, also with carvings.