GUIDE TO THE Kramats OF THE WESTERN CAPE
Published by the Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society
1 a Contents All rights reserved Copyright © Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society Page First published 1996 Second impression 2001 Third impression 2010 Foreword ...... 5 Guide to the Kramats Message from the MJC ...... 6 Editor : Mansoor Jaffer Sub-Editor : Razia Essack Message from Habibia Soofie Masjid ...... 7 Design & Illustrations : Abdullah Amien A word from Captour ...... 8 DTP Repro : Mogamat Faiez Martin History of the Kramats : Achmat Davids The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society – Life President’s Message ...... 9 Photography : Mohamed Amien Dhansay Munower Ali Banderker Historical Background ...... 10 Nazier Banderker Printing and Binding : F A Print cc Etiquette of visiting a Mazaar (Kramat) ...... 12
Publication Committee 1 Robben Island: Tuan Matarah (Sayed Abdurahman Motura) ...... 14 Khaleel Ahmed Allie • Mohamed Akkil Brey Munower Ali Banderker • Ismail Dalvie 2 Faure: Sheikh Yusuf ...... 17 Saleh Khan Dalwai • Mohamed Amien Dhansay 3 Simonstown: Tuan Dea Koasa and Tuan Ismail Dea Malela ...... 20 Abdul Hamied Dhansay • Mohamed Iqbal Dhansay Cassiem Foflonker • Mahmood Limbada 4 Muizenberg: Sayed Abdul Aziz ...... 22
5 Klein Constantia: Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah ...... 23 Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this booklet, 6 Constantia (Summit Rd): Sayed Mahmud ...... 26 we suggest that you do not act solely on material contained herein as the nature of the information contained is general and may 7 Constantia Forest: Sheikh Abdul Mutalib ...... 28 in certain circumstances be subject to misinterpretation 8 Oudekraal: Sheikh Noorul Mubeen ...... 29 The Publication Committee has tried to the best of our ability to produce this booklet. If we have erred, please forgive us and Map of the Cape Peninsula ...... 32 make Dua the Almighty Allah forgive our shortcomings and accept our efforts, Insha Allah. 9 Bakoven: Sayed Jaffer ...... 34 The views and opinions expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team, the Publication Committee or the publishers. 10 Camps Bay (Hely Hutchinson Road): Sheikh Ali (sayed Bassier) ...... 35 11 Signal Hill (Ridge): Sheikh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibie Shah ...... 36 ISBN 0-620-19889-3 12 Signal Hill (Army camp): Tuan Kaape-ti-low ...... 38
2 3 a
13 Bo-Kaap (Tana Baru): Tuan Guru ...... 40 Foreword 14 Bo-Kaap (Tana Baru): Tuan Sayeed Alawie ...... 42
15 Bo-Kaap (Tana Baru): Tuan Nuruman ...... 44 The Western Cape has become or is destined to become the tourist capital of South Africa. The Guide to the Kramats expected influx of international and local visitors to these parts has made the different segments of 16 Vredehoek: Sayed Abdul Malik ...... 46 the tourist industry shift into top gear. 17 Deer Park: Sayed Abdul Haq ...... 48 The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society, in keeping with these trends, has produced this booklet 18 Mowbray (cemetry): Sayed Moegsien bin Alawie al Aidarus and “Guide to the Kramats of The Western Cape”, which to date is the only work of its kind. This booklet has been long overdue and will prove to be indispensible to the more mature and serious visitor to Sheikh Abdurahman ibn Muhammad al Iraqi ...... 50 the Kramats of the Western Cape. 19 De Waal Drive: Sheikh Abdul Kader (Biesmillah Shah Bawa) ...... 52 Most visitors are at a loss concerning the names or even the most basic facts about the Saints buried at these Kramats. For generations, residents of Cape Town and its environs have been visit- 20 Athlone (College): Moulana abdul Latief ...... 54 ing these shrines. Since early times, traditions regarding the history of these Saints, have been passed 21 Rawsonville (Worcester): Tuan Masud ...... 57 down mostly by word of mouth. This we agree, is not the most reliable way to record history for 22 Caledon (Overberg): Sayed Abdul Kader ...... 58 posterity. Many people have set ideas and beliefs about individual Kramats and may therefore find the information in these pages rather surprising or to say the least, different. However, it is not the 23 Bainskloof (Wellington): Sheikh Suleiman ...... 59 purpose of this booklet to confuse, but rather to assist the Kramat visitor. Many a reader, including Muslims, may find words in the text of the booklet which are not The History of The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society ...... 60 fimiliar. They are of Indonesian, Malaysian and Indian origin. A glossary of these terms have been included. Glossary ...... 62 Moreover, visitors to the Kramats are representatives of all the different faiths. This booklet has Index and location map of kramats ...... 64 therefore been designed to afford one an insight into this long established culture. The sources from which information has been extracted are numerous. The most noteworthy being Mr. Achmat Davids, regarded by many as the doyen of Cape historians. He has done extensive Errata: 1. In the first edition, the saint buried at Simonstown was incorrectly titled as Sayyid Musa and and invaluable research in this field and is generally accepted as reliable. Sheikh Suleiman/Abdul Samad. This has now been corrected as Tuan Dea Koasa and Tuan This booklet should prove informative and enjoyable to the discerning reader and would not be Ismail Dea Malela. out of place on a library shelf. 2. Based on new research, the chapter referring to Sayed Moegsien bin Alawie and Sheikh Abdurahman ibn Muhammad al Iraqi has also been updated to include the new information.
4 5 a
Message from the MJC Message from Habibia Soofie Masjid Guide to the Kramats
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatu
The Muslim Judicial Council South Africa (MJC SA) hereby wishes to place on record its It is with great joy and happiness that we wish to compliment you for under- undivided support for the sterling work done by the Cape Mazaar Society over the past 30 taking the initiative to publish a book which will serve as a guide for years. The initiative taken by the Cape Mazaar Society to embark upon preserving the history visitors of the various mazaars in the Western Cape. Such a book has been long overdue and legacy of Muslims at the Cape is without doubt commendable, admirable and praiseworthy. and we hope and pray that your endeavour will serve the purpose that it was intended for.
The Muslim Judicial Council South Africa (MJC SA) fully endorses the launch of the third These shrines (mazaars) are the resting places of the pioneers of the muslim com- edition of the book “ Guide to the Kramats of the Western Cape ”. This book preserves the munity in South Africa and our children are in need of such a book which will keep them identity of Muslims and unveils the outstanding contributions of our pious predecessors in pre- informed of these beloved ones of Allah. serving Islam in the Western Cape. Since the first circulation of the book in 1996, the demand for it has increased amongst the South Africans and the international visitors. This informative We hope and pray that this book will be printed soon and hope the muslim com- compilation testifies to an unrecorded history of Muslims at the Southern tip of Africa. munity will support you in this noble effort.
We pray that the Cape Mazaar Society is successful in all their future endeavors and continue to serve assiduously the Muslim community in South Africa. Yours in Islam
Ml. I. Hendricks PRESIDENT of the Muslim Judicial Council South Africa Moulana Qutboodien Kagee
6 7 a A word from CAPTOUR Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society Life President’s Message Captour, the Tourism Authority for the Greater Cape Town Metropolitan area, congratulates Guide to the Kramats you on the publication of this guide. There is no doubt that the publication of this Guide fulfils an important need in the cultural I greet you with the universal greeting of peace and goodwill on behalf of the Cape life of Greater Cape Town and its Tourism Industry. Mazaar(Kramat) Society. I have been their President since inception in 1982, and have recently The contribution of the Muslim Community of Cape Town to the history and traditions of been made Life President. Over the years they have done me proud in their achievements. our City has been enormous since the days of the early Cape Settlement in the 17th Century. In every Society, inevitably, there are sceptics and we were not short of our share. However, This contribution continues to be a vital one today. Indeed, the social and cultural uniqueness they have been silenced or won over by the sheer committment of these diligent workers. of Cape Town is largely due to the important role played by the Muslim people through the They have always delivered on their promises. From the Kramat on Robben Island to those in centuries. Constantia and elsewhere one can see the fruits of their hard work. These renovated shrines of We are thrilled that this publication will play its part in informing and educating local the Saints bear testimony to me a sincere pursuit of the aims and objectives they have set for residents and visitors to our City on the existence and importance of the holy shrines in the themselves in their constitution. Greater Cape Town area. We hope that by means of this Guide, Capetonians and visitors will be This book, “THE GUIDE TO THE KRAMATS IN THE WESTERN CAPE” is a major encouraged to visit each shrine, to learn of the wonderful and fascinating history of the social accomplishment and should be lauded accordingly. I wish this venture every success as it so and spiritual contribution of the local Muslim Community to Cape Town life and at the same rightly deserves. time to derive inspiration and upliftment through such visits. The successes of the Society are largely due to public generosity and I pray that this co - operation and mutual trust continues forever. I conclude by wishing the Cape Mazaar ( Kramat ) Society every success in their future.
Gordon R Oliver Chief Executive
Hadjie ismail Sydow
8 9 a Historical Background
The early history of the Cape cannot be neglected for it is here that local Muslims have their ences in battles, but they brought with them a supra-national ideology of liberation... the ideol-
roots. ogy of ISLAM. Guide to the Kramats Historical research shows that what transpired during the 17th century at the Cape involved not only the Malays, but also large numbers of Indians, Javanese, Bengalese, and even Arabians. It is said that 250 years ago a prophecy was made that there would be a “circle of Islam” In fact, there were more Indians brought to the Cape than any other nationality. Therefore, be around the Cape. According to local beliefs the circle is complete, comprising the tombs of we Malays or Indians, our history originated here and cannot be ignored. saints and auliyah (friends of Allah) who were brought as slaves to the Cape. It starts at the old Firstly, we must look at events in the East which led to Muslims being brought to the Cape. cemetry on the slopes of Signal Hill, just above the quarry in Strand Street, where two saintly There was a power struggle between the Dutch and the Portuguese for supremacy of the seas. men lie buried, the circle continues to two graves on the top of Signal Hill. The circle then These two powers were competing to plunder and loot as much as possible. In order to do so, continues at a grave much revered, situated above Oude Kraal beyond Camps Bay, and sweeps they built up a large naval capacity in the Asiatic sea. The target centres were places like Bombay, around the mountain to a Kramat at Constantia, on the Tokai Road. Goa, Cochin, the Coramandel Coast and Bengal in India, Columbo and Galle in Ceylon, Medan The circle proceeds to the most important and widely known of all tombs, the Kramat and Padang in Sumatra, Patani in Malasca, Batavia and Bali in Java, as well as smaller islands like of Sheikh Yusuf at Faure, on the farm Zandvliet. The circle is completed by an old tomb on Macassar, Rotti, Timor, Ternate, Tidore and others. Robben Island. Modern pilgrims can visit all, except the Island Tomb, in a single day. Very soon, the inhabitants began to resist and united to form defences against the imperial- ist tyranny. The men to lead the people were of a high calibre; men of great spiritual intellect who commanded a great deal of respect from the communities. They were however cunningly captured, and together with their followers, banished to the Cape. In the meantime, Jan van Riebeeck, had his own peculiar problem in the Cape. His plan was to establish a Dutch garrison here to defend the sea route to the East, but all was not going well. He had hoped that the capture of the local Hottentot population would adequately serve his labour force requirements. This proved difficult as the Hottentots soon fled to the interior. Those captured were too lazy to work. Van Riebeeck wrote to the Dutch Council in the East (VOC) to plead for slaves. The slaves would be used for the hard labour, in addition to which they could be made to carry stones, build the Fort, make bricks, dig, plough, sow, plant and construct homes. They would also be used to work the salt mines and club seals. This marked the beginning of the Muslim community in the Cape. The Dutch arrived as conquerors and slave-masters, and the Muslims arrived as conquered slaves. Some historians have a different view: “The slaves” arrived here with chains around their necks, leg-irons and hand-cuffs on their wrists, but their minds could not be chained. These very ‘slaves’ were the leaders of resistance against the Dutch colonialists and exploiters in the Far East. These ‘slaves’ did not have experi-
10 11 Sheikh Abdul Kader de waal drive a
Wali. One should stand or sit respectfully at the graveside facing the Wali. One should avoid Etiquette of visiting a loud and unnecessary conversations and worldly indulgence. One should recite the Holy Quran; even the smallest surah, Durood Shareef, and indulge in Zikr-ul-laah etc. One should make dua Mazaar or Kramat to Allah with the Waseela of the Auliyah after Esaale-e-Sawaab. Guide to the Kramats
“When I make someone my beloved then I become his ears by which he hears, his eyes by which he sees, his hands by which he holds and his feet by which he walks.” (Hadith Qudsi).
When a person reaches the stage of Wilaayet, then he becomes the Beloved of Allah and everything he does is done through the power of Allah. A person with such a great status is called a Wali-Allah. When the Auliyah physically depart from this earth, then their status is still upheld. The grave of a Wali is unlike that of an ordinary person. Their bodies do not decay or perish, but remain intact and fresh. The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said: “The bodies of the Ambiyah and Auliyah remain intact in their graves. Furthermore, the mercy and blessing of Allah continuously descends on them.” In order to distinguish the grave of a Wali-Allah from the ordinary person’s grave, and also as a sign of recognition, a Chaadar or Ghilaaf is placed on their graves. It is spiritually beneficial to visit the Mazaars of the Auliyah and partake in their remem- brance. In a hadith of the Prophet (SAW) it has been reported that, “When the beloved of Allah are discussed, abundant and intense mercy of Allah descends on all those present.” This is because Allah loves His Auliyah, thus He loves the discussion of the Auliyah. This discussion can be upheld in various ways; which include; reading a book on their life histories, struggles, striving in the path of Allah, emulating their examples and patterns of thinking, learning to uphold the Sunnah as practised by Auliyah, lecturing to an audience and informing them about the life history of a particular wali or other Auliyah. This Quraan is over 300 years old and was handwritten by the great-great-grandfather of Hazrath Sufi Saib (r.a), who founded numerous Islamic institutions As the mercy and blessings of Allah descend with the remembrance of the Auliyah, like- and mosques in South Africa. wise the blessings of Allah descend at the graves of the Auliyah. One should maintain utmost respect when visiting the tomb of a Wali. Shoes should be removed. One should be in a state of tahaarah and wudhu. It is prohibited to sit on, lean against or put your feet on a grave. No other intention must exist in one’s mind beside intending to derive spiritual benefit from the
12 13 Guide to the Kramats 15 ISLAND
his
ROBBEN
visit
to
water
the
Tuan Matarah across
Island.
walked
Robben he
on
that
it
buried
has
lies
who Legend
man
warders. holy
the
prison
the about
by
extensively detected
Tuan Tuan Matarah died on Robben island. Upon his death, his grave soon became a respected friends in Cape Town. in Town. Cape friends shrine. Here those they who release, their knew On death. his him after came arrived who to prisoners other meditate by and followed was seek example Their consolation for their suffering. talked difficulties. There difficulties. are many legends associated with him. He was known for his wonder cures and the comfort he brought his fellow prisoners when they were ill. Probably the most striking without pleased, he go as and come could He him. hold to small too was island the that is legend being - ill- the
Islam. Island by exiles, the power,
of
and experiencing
Islam’s Robben
political of
constructed
those
thus injustices
was
establishment and the
eastern of
the consoled expression
shrine
for an for
and country; this
is
It
reminder this
a prison Islam in struggle
as a of Islam. Ironically,
is the
as of It Islam
of
of earth.’
message
slaves. the wonder
symbol the
of
notoriety
and a the
pioneers
is
of
the spread
gained convicts He Island,
truly
a circumference indication are first
man.
an the
Robben
on spiritualists,
also on
Island
convicts
religious Tuan Matarah Tuan
was
Cape
and it
shrine
sultans, and
obben fairest
The exiles them Sayed Abduraghman Motura Abduraghman Sayed
R R treatment afforded these prisoners that a Kramat is to be found on the island. The eastern politi eastern The island. the on found be to is Kramat a that prisoners these afforded treatment cal 1960s. the in authorities Prison Apartheid MATARAH TUAN Tuan Matarah also known as Sayed Abduraghman Motura was learned reputed to have been a very having survived all kinds of restrictions, prejudices, imprisonment and oppression in a land called called land a in oppression and imprisonment prejudices, of kinds all restrictions, survived having ‘the To becomes very much a part very much ofbecomes the history of in Africa. South the Muslims Robben Island Robben
1
Guide to the Kramats 14 Guide to the Kramats 17 FAURE
the again Yusuf Sheikh Yusuf which in Sheikh
Purbaya and
battle
wounded
Yusuf fierce a The Sheikh after routed.
1683, captured. was
completely September and In himself Eijgel
Ageng resistance. Sultan
Lieutenant
their by before long
continued overtaken not
and was
were
It During the resistance against the Dutch, many people died of starvation rather than surren- again escaped and sought refuge in a little village. He lived there in complete destitution, fearing fearing destitution, complete in there lived He village. againrefugelittle a sought and in escaped betrayal. By then, his company had been reduced to a total of 24, consisting mainly of priests and four women. escaped Sheikh Sheikh was wounded, he again managed to escape and fled to Cheribon en route to Macassar. They der. his This and enough
Banten. rallied Judge in
had out
Kidul. Religious
broke and Ageng son Chief Sultan Purbaya him Ageng’s 1683 sons,
By two Sultan appointed Haji, Dutch. and Sultan’s
the
the by Pangeran marriage, and
by in Yusuf hand engineered a
headed Sheikh
old probably
daughter’s revolution Tuan Yusuf Tuan a his year was
57
1680, He He was of noble birth, a maternal nephew of King Biset of Goa. He studied in Arabia the Sheikh heikh Yusuf Tjoessoep. born as was Abadin Tadia also at known Macassar in 1626. He was
The capture of Macassar made the by Dutch, it impossible for Sheikh Yusuf to return to his In Sheikh Yusuf Sheikh native land. native Thus, when he left Jiddah in 1664 he did not sail to Goa, but to Banten in Western Sheikh Java. Yusuf was never to see Goa and Macassar again. Sultan Ageng of Banten offered the under under the tutelage of several pious teachers. personal personal advisor. revolution support and besieged Pangeran Haji in his fortress the at Dutch at Soerdesoeang. Batavia The for assistance. latter The Dutch welcomed this appealed opportunity. Sultan Ageng to was ofparty them a Among with escape of to soldiers. managed5000 but were defeated 1300 which was
S S Faure Kramat Faure
2
Guide to the Kramats 16 19
above tranquility. concentrated and clearing
and calm pool.
forest a of small a in small
a aura was an
There form in to Drive. community
collects enveloped
it the
been Runciman’s
where
always above a
Simonstown, mosque has just
of the area
to situated the years
down early
shrines
and Kramats, the Tuan Dea Koasa Tuan Dea Malela Ismail Tuan or hundreds of residents years, of Simonstown had known of the existence of two holy all Many Many have tried to solve the mystery surrounding the true identity of the Auliyah In
Simon’s Town Simon’s one one – all living within the immediate proximity of the identity two of shrines. While these Auliyah could the never be verified, precise regular visitors have been unanimous in their opinion that buried in these graves are indeed the “friends ofof Allah”. Typical buried buried here. Oral history passed down from generation to generation has shown little deviation over the years. Close family members always remember being told never forget to their royal heritage – their ancestors prince and princesses of the court. An ambience heightened by the sound of a full stream running along the length of the shrines Goede Goede Gift, people from far and wide came to pay their respects. F F 3
his fol-
was was first The near
of he 49
the refused, grounds
were Islam 1684. his
the that extent in were of
While
they and on
the here Goa he
that
pardon of Ceylon.
was message
that release,
It of displays
knew
the his King
for the that
slaves.
Colombo,
clearly Sheikh
promise by
it in a
necessitated here the
so,
on received made fugitive
If castle that
from for were the was been
to Natal.
requests
background
It Goa surrender
of
to have of The sanctuary guard a
coast
King could
isolation.
under Indonesian the It
the its
persuaded resistance. became of
His from drink. soon Stel. noble despite
a to transferred currents his der eventually one,
was requests good for
van - was water
he
settlement vibrant Tuan Yusuf Tuan Saint
Ceylon, fresh a 1684 -
Simon Yusuf perfectly in the Yusuf ’s was
and of
When Sheikh Yusuf arrived at the Cape, on the Voetboeg, he was royally welcomed by Sheikh The voyage to the Cape was not without mysterious events. En route the fresh water supply ‘Kramat’
disseminated disseminated to the slave community living in When Cape Town. Sheikh Yusuf died on 23 May 1699, he was buried on the hill overlooking Macassar at Faure. A shrine his grave. was Over the constructed years over this shrine has been rebuilt and renewed. it Today remains a place ofpilgrimage. cohesive cohesive Muslim Community in S.A. was established. This first settlement of Muslims in South Africa lowers be settled well away from Cape Town. They housed on were the Farm Zandvliet, near the from Cape Town. away be settled well lowers mouth of the Eerste River, in the general area now called ofMacassar. He received 12 an rix dollars allowance from the Cape Authorities for support of himself and Sheikh his At party. Zandvliet, exceptional exceptional knowledge. Nevertheless, the legend lives on in the oral history of and is related the with great pride community by those who believe in his mystical powers. Governor one that his holy presence and religious guidance were needed. By then, Sheikh Yusufas regarded Sheikh was then, By needed. were guidance religious and presence holy his that a Dutch Dutch never fulfilled their promise and he was incarcerated in the castle of Batavia. At Batavia he was treated kindly. The Dutch however suspected that he would September attempt to escape, and in detained and the Dutch, fearing that attempts would be made to rescue him, transferred Sheikh Yusuf to the Cape of Good Hope on 27 June 1693. became depleted and being far away from land, this caused deep concern. When Sheikh Yusuf came to hear of he merely this, put his foot in the sea, and told the men to let the down casks in was water the that amazement, their to discovered, they casks, the up pulled they When spot. that fresh
Faure Kramat Faure
Guide to the Kramats 18 Guide to the Kramats 21 TOWN
SIMON’s
ranges Malela
Pemangong in
Dea
mountain
the Kramat
Ismail
the across Tuan language.
son, stream; a and roared his
near and that Koasa
Sumbawanese 1940’s Malela situated Dea
the community; the Dea in in
Tuan fire trees
Ismail Muslim remarkably written
by are Tuan severe a
to
thriving kitaabs
of
elements in mosque;
but a Kramats home
that the is the small from
a from
retold, recorded
by instances often distance
Simonstown history
hill; protected a a both most short
is home to that of his grandfather; Application to have the holy sites declared National Monuments is at present being processed processed being present at is Monuments National declared sites holy the have to Application Additionally, Additionally, both Kramats are surrounded by stories of inexplicable spiritual happenings. In and well on a surrounded While destroying destroying everything in the its Miraculously, fire wake. leapfrogged the area of the burial sites burning its way around the shrines. On every occasion a veldt area since fire then, the has shrines have been swooped left completely through unscathed. This the singular phenomenon is said to be more than enough evidence that the persons buried at these great spiritual ancestry. shrines are indeed of by the National Monuments Council. The • • • • • • • a Jalil as gen- cites Muller to Koasa). 1779 Mr Imam in Dea Simonstown. research bin in
certain His Tuan generation shores a
and family Karriem from these descent. to royal student,
Malela Abdul passed Dea royal
UCT Dea a
of the brought Imam
by to
kitaab, as are was Ismail a
rest of to
Tuan Koasa Auliyah Malela
– put Kaharuddin Dea Dea (aka was these translation a Tuan Sultan
Ismail that and
son, identifies Indonesia. “mystery”
Tuan in his the
kitaab
century time, of a and
Indonesia the his this
part Sumbawa
of Malela of earlier men
second Sumbawa, Dea Tuan Dea Koasa and & and Koasa Dea Tuan Malela Dea Ismail Tuan a Ismail only many Sumbawanese,
Ismail 1969, was so
Imam
A combination of research and Kitaab revealed a family tree that stretched to Sumbawa, Java. of A combination Java. Sumbawa, to stretched that tree a family revealed and Kitaab research In It political exile. Strangely, his political birthplaceexile. Strangely, in Pemangong and Simonstown has similar demographic and other Both features. villages the have following: Like who who conducted his theses on and the specifically Muslim this community in area Cape in Town, Simonstown. His research findings revealed what oral history had claimed for centuries – that Tuan the the Kitaab as the most piece ofvaluable evidence linking the families of the Dea family royal in Pemangong, eration, eration, revealed with any definite certainty the identity of the Auliyah buried here. ancient Written in bin
Simon’s Town Simon’s
Guide to the Kramats 20 Muizenberg a Constantia a
4 Sayed Abdul Aziz 5 Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah
he prescence of runaway slaves in the False Bay area early in the seventeenth century Tprobably explains the presence of kramats in Muizenberg and Simonstown. Very little is known about the kramat in Muizenberg. An oral source relates that this auliyah’s grave was originally situated on the Muizenberg beach front. The grave was discovered by a lady who was directed to it in a dream. The grave did not remain here long. After a time it was relocated . There is no clarity about his name and his history is completely unknown. Was he possibly one of the runaway slaves of the Steenbergen mine who were hunted on the False Bay coast as reported by Simon van der Stel in 1687? F n the 24th January 1667, the ship the Polsbroek left Batavia and arrived at the Cape O on the 13th of May 1668, with three prisoners in chains. They were Malays from the West Coast of Sumatra, brought here after their defeat at the Castle of Soeroesang in 1667. One of them was incarcerated on Robben Island, while the other two were sent to the Company’s forest at Constantia.
Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah, the last of the Malaccan Sultans, was one of the two. He was regarded as Orang Cayen, a title which means ‘man of power and influ- ence’; and viewed as particularly dangerous to the interest of the Company. The Malaccan Sultanate, from which the men came, was founded by the Sumatrian prince, Megat Iskander Shah during the fifteenth century. Megat Iskander Shah, was a refugee prince, who after seeking protection from the Chinese, made contact with the
22 23 Guide to the Kramats 25 onstantia C
- a
or
in said shack effec shrine
leading process 1682 and
the tranquility was
the standing the wooden either Town’s In
a in
in fortress meditated
with Cape history,
here the
created. of of
water. Visiting of
died
one was contained ablutions,
He by his atmosphere, was
presence
capture running
It of took Islam. the
structure
Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah
serene living he
designed of
a but new the stream a had in a
where Constantia. edifice, religion to and
was
place river,
the
Klein Soeroesang, one to
the
The if beautiful adjacent them as A attack
near dilapidated
to gateway felt trees,
spot, Islam.
teaching the the
One spiritualism. of became the at sacrificed. a
decided is
on were with amongst enemies shrine Dutch building
Constantia,
buried
experience. trees
at filled the the
His
old
was the situated
met
the spot
unique of and 1661,
he against a prayers. In Oral history relates that Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah, soon befriended the slave popula- slave the befriended soon Shah, Matebe Abdurahman Sheikh that historyrelates Oral But quaintly architects, Gawie Fagan, architects, and constructed by the Cape Mazaar(Kramat) Society. his was 1685, some tively tively averted. Another attack followed in 1667, and after a fierce battle, Soeroesang Sultan, fell. The Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah, and his two religious advisors, were made have would him execution a martyr, captured. and thus an inspiration to his His people to continue the The war. three were thus banished to the Cape becoming the first political exiles here. tion tance tance continued. They still held the fortress at Soeroesang from which Abdurahman they Sheikh launched of Sultan, sporadic bravery young the the attacks these During Dutch. the on attacks Matebe Shah, was recognised by his who followers, saw him as a Saint, leading them in a Holy War sweetly sweetly broken by the running water and the chirping of birds. The cramped little shack, with its small window and grave inside was a place. wonderful sacred and - resis under established islands Islam, had Malaccan
But adopted
Indonesian Sultanate He 1641. the in
in Asia.
City Malaccan
the the campaign
South-East which in captured in
military
areas
appearing The extensive subsequently then an
and activity. on
were a who attacked embarked missionary
he traders Dutch
Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah Matebe Abdurahman Sheikh Islamic Arab The banner and
established established the first notable Malaysian Empire. By the end was of not only the the fifteenth century, greatest Malacca military power in trade the Malaysian peninsula, but also the centre for Muslim its its influence, presented the strongest resistance to Portuguese of city the only 1511 gradually by was and Empire captured, Malaccan entire imperialism. some and Malacca Despite this, the strongholds in Sumatra remained. The arrival of the Dutch, compounded the problems of the Sultanate. This did not stop Malacca from encouraging rebellion in the areas Dutch,. captured by the which
Constantia
Guide to the Kramats 24 Guide to the Kramats 27 onstantia C
illus-
It Constantia
correct.
Groot be Sayed Mahmud in to Hill” appear “Islam on Archives Colony.
road Cape
Cape
the the
the of in from Islam
Records
of distance the
of spread
some the terms in for situated is
description Shrine implications
This The and has a beauty all of its own. The need to walk up the hill fills you with a desire to pay your respects to this noble saint in his majestic court. trates, however, the beginning ofbeginning the however, of policy the trates, slave the from influential exiles isolating political population. This policy persisted throughout Dutch rule of the Cape of Good Hope and severe had appears: a Constantia Hill,
Islam
on
“On 24 January 1667, the ship the Polsbroek left Batavia and arrived here on 13 May 1668 ayed ayed Mahmud was a spiritual and religious leader of the Malaccan Empire. He was one of the religious advisors captured with Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Sayed Mahmud Sayed Shah. He was also banished to Constantia in the Cape where the following inscription shrine on his with three political prisoners in chains. Malays of Coast the ofWest Sumatra, werewho banished to the Cape until further orders on the understanding that they would eventually be released. They were rulers ‘Orang men Cayen’, of wealth and influence. Great care had to that be they taken were not left at large as they were likely to do injury to the Company. Two were sent to the Company’s forest and one to Robben Island.”
S S Constantia
6
Guide to the Kramats 26 29 died,
he unknown
by When Island Islam.
of Robben religion from the escaped night,
at
he mainly legend them, popular a a to teaching area, this According in Island. estates f the three prominent Auliyah buried on the nearest hills to facing Oudekraal, the appears Atlantic to seaboard, be the the one better known. The man buried there is Sheikh Sheikh Noorul Mubeen Noorul Sheikh the Sheikh Sheikh Noorul Mubeen was apparently banished to the Cape in 1716 and incarcerated on means means and came to make his home in this desolate spot. Soon he made contact with the slaves on Oudekraal Noorul Mubeen. His ascending grave is by the reached 99 steps leading to it from Victoria Road up the mountain slope. The a tomb, simple, recently building, renovated stands beside a stream. of side other the On of set another is Some stream this up. higher grave another to steps leading believe the wife of Sheikh Noorul Mubeen lies buried here while others believe it is one of This his grave followers. too is afforded the respects of a holy personage. Robben O O 8
- for spot grave
The special this Company’s
found. the was
was
to
There grave sent exiles another afternoons.
1972 political
In Friday on only the
clock o’ Constantia.
not
in one
were a found
about
1667 be at
to of especially Cayen Auliyah
of carts, Orang
he shrines of shrines he of only Cayen the Orang not the are prominent, most the though Constantia, graves their Sheikh Abdul Mutalib Abdul Sheikh The est in Constantia. Company During rule many - politi of prisoners cal - stand high ing were exiled to the Cape. They were usually placed at the more remote post prevent to them from having contact with the of majority the slaves. sent Many to were work in this forest where they later died. One of them possibly lies buried at this grave. over over which their animals refused to go. Some spiritualists were consulted and they confirmed that a kramat lies buried at that spot. was identified by woodcutters working in working Constantia. identified was Strangewoodcutters by things happened to their donkeys and Constantia Forest
T T
7
Guide to the Kramats 28 Guide to the Kramats 31 OUDEKRAAL
to spot comes ideal an still who serenity,
Island quiet Sheikh Noorul Mubeen a
there Robben find from Mubeen horseback on
Noorul spirit a
Sheikh Island.
of of
Head. tells grave Robben
mainland. Lions
the
the legend from of
to visit day
ocean
who dignity
Island the present quiet
Those His mountainside refuge, aside from allowing him to easily detect danger, gave him a mag- An alternative version is that he did not swim, but walked, across the Atlantic Ocean from A for meditation, from away the rigours of urban life. take take lessons He from at is his about seen, teacher. midday on so a they white say, horse coming across nificent nificent vantage point from which he could see the peaks towering of Apostles and the Twelve the Robben - wood fisher Ocean
a The time, a Atlantic
the After difficulties.
requirements. across of his prayers. all Island, his with moments read
him Robben their in from frequently
them providing swam
most he side,
had that counselled he
and mountain
claimed where
the a is
it Imam site on
the him their
legend, on hid Sheikh Noorul Mubeen Noorul Sheikh and became buried second a was In health
and iron structure was erected around the grave, acting as the first tomb. men men soon discovered he was a holy man and started to take lessons from him. Sheikh Noorul Mubeen he and made good his escape. His tired body was discovered by slave fishermen. slave They him by nursed and made gooddiscovered His tired body was his escape. to
Oudekraal
Guide to the Kramats 30 KRAMATS OF THE WESTERN CAPE
3
2 4 5 6 7
8 20 9
10
17 16 11 19 13 15 12 14
18
1
32 33 35 - - mountainside, stumbled across rock a which fascinating the resembled form of a man lay ing on the ground. On touching this became rock, alive. it The liv ing rock then instructed the humble stone mason to advise build- the discontinue to ties - authori ing a school on this site. Apparently the - authori stone the and agreed, ties mason became the - cus todian of this grave. a long the Signal Hill Ridge, Sheikh Ali Sheikh Bassier Sayed but towards Camps Bay on Drive side, lies the grave of However, legend relates that a stone mason, in search of special rocks along the the the Camps Bay the lesser known also Sheikh known as Ali This Sayed grave, from oral accounts, Bassier. appears to be a recent - discov Nothing is ery. known of the history of Sheikh Ali. Camps Bay – Hely – Road Bay Hutchinson Camps A A 10
the the
peril East at Sheikh
past
platform, of
See page 29 29 page See location for map. Dutch
just constant the grave in
discovered
by concrete Road, be
a
only fourth of
must
Hope
it was the
Victoria to centre Good off
grave the of suggests His in leading
leading Cape
raised location the Tariqa; steps footway is
to Its It few a
Alawiah one. zig-zag 1970’s.
by a banished the
early
of simple was finds
a the reached is one in
be Sheikh Jaffer a a Alie can Jaffer
storm
was Sayed
Sayed grave
Sayed He
that severe of a
of
Jaffer’s grave
grave claimed during
Company. is the Bakoven bus Bakoven terminus. These steps lead to an easy virtuallypathway next to the jeep track ayed
The first of these graves, right on the footpath, is the grave of grave of the The first is offootpath, disciple the a on right Alie, Sayed graves, these Sayed The It Sayed Jaffer Sayed Jaffer. Jaffer. The grave of Sayed Jaffer lies in a of grave the from leading said grave, third a finds one ravine Further same ravine the in up Alie. Sayed which could be reached by a small pathway to be the burial place of the wife ofpast Sayed Jaffer. Walking in the direction towards Bakoven on the mountain slope. There are at least four known graves in this area and numerous others. Muhammad Zaid. the floor the of structuremain the of Theitself tomb flood by tomb. original the away washed was waters of being washed away during Cape winter storms. That the grave continues to ofseverity withstand the the Cape after winters, the protecting structure of the tomb was remains destroyed, inexplicable. end end of the nineteenth century. India
S S Bakoven
9
Guide to the Kramats 34 Guide to the Kramats 37 RIDGE
HILL
SIGNAL
Sayed Hassen Ghaibe Shah
of Both Kaape-ti-low. is
one Islam.
other
of The teachers Ridge. Hill learned
Signal were
the men
on a These buried lies behind. who
remain to Auliyah
There are other known graves as well. These are the graves of Tuan Nur Ghiri Bawa also he person buried in the grave inside the newly erected Ghaibie tomb Shah al is Qadri. Sheikh Sheikh Mohamed Mohamed Hassen Hassen Ghaibie Shah, is one of the two better Sheikh Hassen Hassen Sheikh Shah Ghaibe known as Tuan Galieb, Tuan Sayed Sulaiman Tuan known and as Sayed Galieb, Osman. Tuan Tuan them, them, according to oral tradition, were followers of Sheikh Yusuf of ofMacassar. On the Sheikh death Yusuf and the return of his party to Banten, two of elected his followers and his daughter known Signal Hill Ridge Hill Signal
T T
11
Guide to the Kramats 36 Guide to the Kramats 39 CAMP
ARMY
Java great HILL ‘Jawhi
as the from to with SIGNAL
general
Cape a referred the was also
to is
Kaap-ti-Low
exiled was Tuan Kaape-ti-low Kaape-ti-low and
Tuan
Tuan army
that Yusuf ’s claimed community
is
the Sheikh It Tuan’. Sheikh. Sheikh. This oral tradition cannot be In verified in official records. in
the the
pond. In of
a distance
bricks. some behind entrance
with the path
Camp, up
the from built Scout
seen from
the been
be of away has end clearly far which
can distance
the
grave at
some the a was
lies
Kaape-ti-low situated
is
of
It shrine
Hill. the shrine Kaap-ti-low
The Tuan Signal Inside
of on
wall.
one shrine Camp
Kaape-ti-low. to
the on Scout
urther up the Signal Hill Road, though not visible from the road itself, lies the grave of Tuan
Tuan Kaap-ti-Low Tuan 1930’s, Boy This pond was apparently destroyed when the area around the shrine was fenced in as a militarya as in fenced was shrine the around area the when destroyed apparently Thiswas pond camp during War. the Second World away from the road. The shrine is a simple structure, rectangular in shape, with a moon and star star and moon a with Theroad. structure, simple the from a is shape, in shrine rectangular away built
F F Signal Hill Army Hill Signal Camp
12
Guide to the Kramats 38 Guide to the Kramats 41 –TANA BARU
- the the the wait aap wor Dorp in
K led to perform in other madrasah
to had by 1795, BO Islamic the in Abdullah mosque which
According to 1807, at Street. Madrasah operated. Achmat of Bengal, it the Craig, General was British Commander, who for the first time allowed ship in the died Guru Tuan When Colony. in and flourishing were Street institutions.
prejudice, opened Imam institutions
Tuan Guru venue a Cape. colonial mosque Chiappini students,
of in the educational
his first Nonetheless, in face acquiring
The quarry teach similar
the to refused. of been in operated
1795. was disused was in
have the site to
madaris mosque, in replication
Teacher!’. British a 12 concern
the the
mosque seemed than first a by ‘Mister Juma’ah less establish for to no Guru’s
concern encouraged open-air meaning occupied an 1832, Tuan
desire soon
major was in application
By Guru’ very
It Cape His Guru’s ‘Tuan second Imams. Muslims the
established. His The establishment of the Dorp Street Madrasah had a tremendous impact on the Cape Tuan other establishment establishment of a Muslim school or madrasah. Thus in 1793, the Dorp Street was Madrasah mainly mainly Free Blacks and Eastern slave children, to read and write Arabic. named Hence he was - nick Muslims. Cape Juma’ah. until warehouse warehouse of the home of van der the Kaap, Trijn same premises from which the Dorp Street
a the in Guru Collie (Tuan Abdul
Island, for Islamic on Tuan sons, need where Jurispudence
involved
Salaam Robben
the
two of works were Island saw Islamic his
Abdus
he on
of records imprisonment,
Kadi Robben that
of book the Badroedien, on handwritten ibn a
mother
Street years and from
His the wrote Dorp Abdullah Imam twelve appear in Kaap, incarcerated
memory. de after Abdullah and Noro Imam would
staying van it from 1780 1792, Rauf, Imam was Baru,
a in he
Ka’ieja though April Quran Tana 6 Abdul
Island,
Island while on the
Holy known, Callie woman, at was
Robben It the Robben
free on clearly Prisoners of
namely buried Rauf. the from
not State is
copies as others, Abdul
Auliyah release married imprisoned
and and ‘crime’
the his Cape he
several he f Guru), is the best known. He was a prince from Tidore in the islands, Trinate who traced
the His While On Tuan Guru Tuan conspiracy conspiracy with the English against the Dutch. They were captured by the Dutch and brought to that his ancestry to the Sultanate of Morocco. Rakiep Abdul Rauf and Badroedien died. went to reside in Dorp Street, then the main residential Here area of the Muslims in Cape Town. and became Jurispudence, the main reference work of the Cape Muslims in the 19th century. Bo KaapBo Baru – Tana
O O
13
Guide to the Kramats 40 Guide to the Kramats 43 –TANA BARU
a the end aap atars
was
K top It the
Inside the of
BO wall. at
oils
the simple structures. when they called their their called they when a cemetry
with circular grave
Muslim his Tuan Sayed Alawi stained the in cloth,
around incomplete buried two
white are erected was with he him which
1803, of Islam.
loved in wrapped of side who was died
either spread slate Those on Alawie the in way, Island
Street.
him Sayeed passage Robben Tuan aided
a of
thus Longmarket This simple structure, with its garden gate, was for some unknown reason destroyed and When
structure very Cape much in origin, but also symbolical of the simplicity of his life. The - tomb stone and other scents which his sprinkled devoted followers on it. replaced by a black brick structure with a through stainless steel minaret. This new tomb is entered main chamber lies the grave of Sayeed Alawie. Tuan could could never account for his visits but the evidence was there to see slaves slaves to work the next morning. His job as policeman gave him free access to the slave lodge and of a with
Matarim night Haji at prisoner,
quarters
fellow slave a and
he guarded and locked Nonetheless, the a enter to missionary. a used was he he
that
where Islam. relates
them Indonesia t t is an extraordinary man, who after a prison sentence of 12 years could his forgive goaler and help him keep law and order in the very city to which he was banished. Such a man Sayeed Alawie was Tuan a citizen of the southern Mocca in portionYemen, of the Arabian Legend Tuan Sayed Alawi Sayed Tuan Quran in his hand. After teaching the he slaves, would leave and return with food. The guards was was Tuan Sayeed Alawie. He became a policeman in Cape He Town. obviously had a motive in becoming a policeman. The job gave him access to the and slaves, hence an opportunity to teach peninsula. There is no certainty as to whether he from was brought here directly from Mocca, or arrived arrived at the Cape in 1744. They were classified as Mohammedaansche Priesters, who had to be kept in chains for the rest of their lives.
I I Bo KaapBo Baru – Tana
14
Guide to the Kramats 42 Guide to the Kramats 45 –TANA BARU
at by sufi aap 1810.
Town. K him
- occupa
to some about Cape BO chief in to
among offered accommodated His
died
be he Baru to Town.
tradition Greenpoint a Tana when Tuan Nuruman Cape
the also daughter from of as is
buried his It was Head roads
and known he
the him Lion land
executed.
Here for of of repaired piece rump
family.
diligently still the his the Islam. he application
an and
vow along A Nuruman accepted him made pits propogate
for sins.
to of Imam site 80, Nuruman earlier
Nuruman efforts of sinking burial his
a his Imam age for the
Imam as
the was At Later, He He is not known to have ever compromised his religion, not even in the friendship which sunset the slave the lodgeslave which was He approved. now had free access to the and slaves the Free Blacks, facilitating tion These wells and dams were for collecting rain water and to serve sunrise from as place a source public of some at work drinking would water he that vow a made apparently He animals. the for to groups to render services to ease the life of fellow human beings. the Commander him between ofand developed General Janssens, the As Cape. a oftoken this friendship Janssens
He the was
in he though escape. considered buried to prayed, was
lies Norman, he he who
planned Imam when short,
as who In Alawie that known slaves
Sayeed of related also is is
it Tuan
He group wonderworker. of a
by their Oude.
tradition de
oral a
doctor, azeemat the contemporary an a their Schaapie
for Island. and Paay priest, is Wali
functions. occassions.In Robben their approached as all on
cemetry, was
prominent upon communal he Baru
all
described at Tana
equally 1786, oracle incarcerated n was On his release, he did not take up lodgings in the slave lodge, but settled among the free
In
Tuan Tuan Nuruman is the only Wali whom we definitely know was a slave. He arrived in Cape Tuan Nuruman Tuan blacks blacks in the As city. a free man, he again became involved in religious activities, officiating as Imam eagerly consented. Unfortunately, the slaves were captured and the azeemat found on them. The them. on found azeemat the and captured were slaves the Unfortunately, consented. eagerly authorities used this as evidence to implicate him in the crime of assisting runaway He slaves. was their engulfed engulfed by a strange light which radiated from his body.
his real name is Nuruman.Tuan in Town 1779. He was housed in the slave lodge, the present Cultural History Museum at the of end top Wali. as a him recognise to came immediately slaves fellow his Here Street. Adderley He A
Bo KaapBo Baru – Tana A
15
Guide to the Kramats 44 Guide to the Kramats 47 VREDEHOEK
is
It spiri- society. as was
It Muslim
playground. Cape Sayed Abdul Malik their Muslims. the in all
on
were school impact slaves his Cyprians His
made St
of slaves. appears. Malik,
he as several
Abdul students
of the quickly Sayed
as owner
with that the Imam time, disappears as
the
he conversation
and at
in that doctor Sayed Sayed Abdul Malik, was also an efficient businessman. He and became as fairly was wealthy, Tuan Tuan Sayed Abdul Malik is probably one of the best known of the holy personages who his estate, as well as the guardian of his sons. two customary tual claimed lies lies buried around the mountain ridges of the Cape Many Peninsula. legends of his miraculous appearances abounds in There the are city. many reports of the friendly “old Malay man” who indulges - medi spiritual administered
he
that indicating Priest’, and Doctor
a ‘Malay a as
listed
was he shrine of Sayed Abdul Tuan Malik of Batavia is to be found in Upper Buitenkant Street, near St Cyprians School, Vredehoek. Today the grave of Sayed Abdul The historic data painted ofon the inside wall are the incorrect.grave There is no possibility The only Sayed Abdul Malik, who was brought to the Cape from Batavia, arrived here near He Sayed Abdul Malik Abdul Sayed cine and guidance. He became involved with Tuan Guru in the establishment of establishment the Street DorpGuruin the Tuan with involved became He guidance. and cine Madrasah. GuruTuan had so much confidence in him, that he appointed him the executor of Malik is situated inside a beautiful green and white attractive Mausoleum whose arched windows windows arched whose Mausoleum attractive white greenand beautiful a inside situated is Malik and domes add an eastern feeling to the surroundings. that Sayed Abdul Malik could have “arrived at the Cape on the with Voetboeg Prince Yusuf ” and “died in Cape 21st Town, September 1669”. Sheikh Yusuf Arrived in the in 1694. Voetboeg only Ruska woman, born free the married he Cape the At slave. a ofas century end eighteenth the the of the Cape, whom he claimed in his will to be the mother of his children.
T T De Waal Drive De Waal
16
Guide to the Kramats 46 Guide to the Kramats 49 park R dee
Haq name
reverend the a
Abdul on
have Sayed Haq ‘Sayed’,
title Abdul The Sayed
Haq. of Abdul followers Sayed
the of
may,
it know as
ever that
will
be
we But all
(SAW). possibly is The roofless shrine At presents the a end magnificent ofscene. just to the right the pathway, This steps lead to a platform in the centre of which the grave is by situated. an ornate The steel rail. grave is surrounded of the shrine, looking like a sentinel, stands a beautiful palmtree. On your left the rugged face of Table Mountain gives the appearance of a protective wall. The atmosphere engulfs visitors in a feeling of intense piety. plate plate at the grave suggests that he might have been a descendent of the family of the Prophet Muhammad respect respect for their spiritual guide. This is clearly evident from the shrine and its impeccable surroundings. condition of the a is used Sayed who and
stream
lady the a
by from Muhammad Leading Sayed discovered was crossed.
al-Qadri, Haq be Tariqa. to Haq Abdul has Qadariah
Sayed
the
stream of
Muhammad of the
grave
Sayed side the member
a a Park that Jabaar, was
Deer he
relates Sayed
the that Illahie. is from history
him it
al-Qadri, Oral nother area which seemed to provided have accomodation for runaway is slaves the nature reserve area at the foot of Table Mountain, today called Deer Park. The forest itself The shrine is situated in a mountain ravine, adjacent to a fast flowing mountain stream. To Sayed Abdul Haq Abdul Sayed Mohammad would would have provided a convenient hiding place. There are at least five graves of Auliyah along the mountain stream running through the park. Oral sources give their names as: Sayed Abdul Haq to to do her at washing the mountain stream. She regularly a saw person performing his at prayers this site. Where he came from and other details of his history are unknown. All that is known about reach pathway, neatly laid out with mountain stones which in turn leads to five red painted steps. These steps. painted red five to leads turn in which stones mountain with out laid neatly pathway,
A A Deer Park Deer
17
Guide to the Kramats 48 Guide to the Kramats 51 mowbray Iraqi
- al the The paw
roused
large inside. Muhammad his step ibn acknowledged immediately placed
could and
and he
pride
feet the Abdurahmaan that
conceded so of Sheikh Sheikh’s & leader
opened
the doubters
the be at
Alawie of bin down group expected, enclosure
laid
As Moegsien the
den. that timidly astounded
Sayed
lion The lions’
request The the to hand. into lion.
the proceeded Moegsien’s stepped with then
Sheikh Of all the great wonders attributed to Sayed Moegsien, the one most vividly retold over the He Many Many such miraculous events and stories have been attributed to the life of the Sheikh. and walked over to the Sheikh. Those gathered, who knew the Sheikh to be well versed engaged - con was in Sheikh in the that see to astounded were 16 English), languages (except different versation years years describes an encounter with the Sheikh at Having Rhodes had Zoo. his piety and nobility contested one time too many by rather influential people, the Sheikh asked to be taken to the wild animal enclosure at the foot of the Constantiaberg Mountains. on divine divine spirituality of the Sheikh. A group of companions remember that having taken leave of the Sheikh, they fer story goes that after much persistence and deliberation, Moegsien the zoo keeper relented and Sheikh
he his
lived again as
Sheikh
Here he and the
1927, that Town.
In Mariam characterised here
Cape be was
for married to It Mombassa. was
to Kenya. departed Moegsien what in
of and returned
Sayed reigns calling
Mombassa
briefly India.
the to in he up which missionary took
emigrated his Hyderabad after and finally from years
a pursued
Yemen ten
of left Moegsien
expatriate he actively
an period Sayed He life, a his
for in 1909, work.
Mariam,
he history of Wali Allah Sayed Moegsien (RA) can be traced to the century beginning of to the a 20th mountain hamlet, Hadratul Mout near Aden in Yemen. As denoted by the great of exponent an as promise showed already Moegsien Sayed man, young a As Deen. the In On his return, he met and married Khadija Kamrudien From this Parker. union, a daughter Sayed bin Alawi and and Alawi bin Sayed ibn Abdurahman Sheikh al Iraqi Muhammad met title title Sayed, Sheikh Moegsien (RA) was Muhammed Mustafa (SAW). a direct descendent of the supreme prophet Nabi Early in Mombassa for a good few years. journeyed to to continue his Cape missionaryTown work. Sharifa Qubaba Futoon binyi Alawie Al Aidarus was Athlone and is a born. testimony to the legacy of She Sayed currently Moegsien (RA). resides in Rylands life’s stayed
T T Mowbray
18
Guide to the Kramats 50 53
are walk mystery. graves
would with these
prayer, of
filled
Two are midday the found.
are after Mountain
graves Table
Friday’s on and many who Peak Drive, man, a
Waal
Devil’s De
about a around above
curious just ridges was
Bismillah Shah Bawa Shah Bismillah Peak, he
that Devil’s mountain Sheikh Abdul Kader Abdul Sheikh
One One of these graves, which is marked with an oblong iron frame decorated with stars and he Spiritualists of all religious persuasions agree that there are powerful spiritual centres situ- On De Waal Drive De Waal covered with satin cloths normally used to cover the graves of saintly persons. Neither the names names the of Neither graves the persons. saintly cover to normally used cloths satin with covered of the saints nor the spiritual brotherhood to which they belong to is known. crescents can easily be seen from Walmer Estate. The name oflegend about the him saint circulates in is the This not community. legend known, relates but that a a certain Junaid Mazier reported ated ated on and around the ridges of these Many mountains. stories about the spiritual - ema power nating from the Table Mountain ridges are being told. These stories add to the mystery of mountain the whose majestic presence enhances the beauty of the mother city. T T 19
the lies bin city
Iraqi in buried al same lies
Moegsien scribed very Iraqi Al-Aidarus,
al the Muhammed Islam Sayed
of Alawie ibn Iraq, Like Al-Aidarus.
in bin Muhammed Alawie shores. Basra teachings ibn
of bin the her
Moegsien Abdurahmaan Macassar.
to on city at
Sayed Sheikh Moegsien leaders Abdurahmaan Persian volumes Kramat him, Thikrullah!
Africa, old his Sayed
his Sheikh spiritual the
before South visited numerous Sheikh
in great from Upon
of others near medicine.
the
performing
Islam hailed
a frequently lure Island. many into of to spiritual
authorship and cemetery and
well of
the Robben also (RA) ability pioneer
to with Abdurahmaan was
practice great Al-Aidarus Yusuf
Observatory but strange his
over
Amongst his most noble acts was the discovery and identification of identification and discovery the of Kramats was the acts noble most his Amongst Sheikh This Sheikh Most Most of his followers attributed to the Sheikh the status of Allah Wali (the friend of God) the Sheikh Abdurahmaan Sheikh ibn Abdurahmaan Muhammed al Iraqi. possessed years, early those in ifas Town, seem Cape would of it compilation book, the his From some ried their their arrival, they were astonished to see that Sheikh Moegsien only had reached not the shrine of Abdurahman Sheikh Maturra (RA) before them, Nurul Mubeen (RA) and Sheikh Sayed Jaffer (RA) of Oudekraal. He was sincerely Sheikh devoted to Alawie was was an emigrant to the Cape of Good Hope. that that gave to the the world great lady spiritualist and saint, Rabiah al Basri (RA). The Sheikh was most noted for his great his piety, spirituality and wealth of theological accredited knowledge. He is also buried buried in the cemetery. Mowbray most most unusual fashion of Afrikaans using Arabic lexicon. and like most great men of his calibre, many legends around were woven his life. One of these being in
Mowbray
Guide to the Kramats 52 55
his was Sufi first who
- com River
by decided Natal. establish was who
cementing India
in to Malay He then
Umgeni
recognised The recalled Latief the He from the Town
was
At Saheb century. from years.
plantations he
Abdul
Cape barriers. traders
Sufi to few 19th Natal. that
a sugar these
in distinct
the for
Muslim Moulana the there return
of proceed River down
of of on
culture from end teacher
work Latief broke and
influx
was the
Umgeni
temporary to
It at the his purchased. (faith) great Abdul madrasah a on
language as On had country Africa
a accomplishments was Imaan he
Transvaal.
this centre acted had Moulana the
of
father. site the to South
there of
in that to the India
bond Latief Islamic aging one on a
brought his came century from
teacher was strong Abdul requested centre visit
19th and their Latief established Indians Cape, to
the Muslims Saheb
Moulana the
the islamic Imam of Cape, the India newly Abdul
in Sufi an
and to the
end the as Centre, in
to Sheikh Abdul Latief Abdul Sheikh followed the
t return Durban, Sufi Saheb then came to and Cape purchased Town the land at Doornhoogte. On his return Moulana Although mosque Athlone: College to a potential potential as religious leader and persuaded him to stay even if it was for a short while. to sent sent here by Hazrat Goolam Muhammad Sufi (commonly known as Sufi Saheb). Islamic Saheb engaged of links between the Muslims from different backgrounds and the consolidation of the Muslim community munity A A 20 several
are
there
that claims also tradition oral
The Mountain.
Table a and Peak Bismillah Shah Bawa Shah Bismillah Devil’s on
These graves according to several Muslim spiritualists are not the only graves of auliyah buried towards towards the slopes. to Wanting know where the man was going, he decided to follow him. On the enter reaching mountainside his the he the grave, grave and saw man towards - disap walking pear. graves graves of auliyah buried on these slopes which has as yet not been is identified. that of One such grave a mysterious auliyah, Sheikh Abdul Kader. The location of his grave was only known by a few selected confidants of the Sheikh. They were told to keep the location a secret. Those who related this legend also speculated that Sheikh Abdul Kader is the divine guide referred to in African folklore.
De Waal Drive De Waal
Guide to the Kramats 54 57 - a - the to was
out Legend of built artisan One be mosque found. to a the be 1885. that in to is mosques and requested there What is known is that Tuan Masud Tuan earliest Masud ofside Tuan Town. Cape was probably one of the on forced to work Muslim slaves early the farms around Worcester. built Worcester Worcester already had a Muslim slave population early in its exis- tence follow follow him. He did so for time until a they reached a cer tain spot. The man and the horse disappeared. returnedHe went and tent his to back to sleep. Next when he morning, went to investigate he found a grave on the spot man the and horse disappeared. has it that an artisan, working and sleeping in a tent site at at a Worcester, was building one night woken by a voice, name calling “Masud” the and beckoning obligedHe outside. come to him and a saw man on a white horse who There are also other Kramats around the Western Cape of whose history very little is known. At along Worcester, the Rawsonville, road the grave Masud leading of Tuan from Rawsonville–Worcester
21 Guide to the Kramats
the who great
living arrival, a
later his those
established.
year all of
he
became A deprivation,
Friday which soon
1904.
great first accomodate jungle to the mosque January
suffer the in on to the small in
to
and had Flats
too
mentor. next He centre was Flats, Cape
The spiritual vision of vision spiritual The never would Saheb Sufi spiritual the buried This in a and wood iron shack, without running water or other necessities. This he he endured, had because only one mission in mind, spiritual whose mentor, guidance he to knew would serve his centre centre of learning. have become a reality without Moulana Latief. Abdul time, society. Cape
on and was the
laid. the
at He on Islamic
was not Salaah
was
for
it 1917. as but in
mosque could Mosque brother-in-law Juma’ah
no large died him, religious a
his library. first
was for Latief
and
Habibya the Latief from
jungle’, not a there Islamic air, the
in Abdul
Abdul of
and request time
open educational greatness,
in this that
to led (r.a) presented to (r.a) him by his ustad.
At Moulana Moulana Although his shrine is to be Today it is a vibrant Muslim
Dalul Khairat of Maulana Abd al Latif refuse This‘mosque he foundation lead came came to the Salaah. Janazah found in the Habibya complex, his greatest monumentIslamic is the activities still evident in this - com plex. centre, with a junior primary madrasah, and orphanage high school, an
Athlone: College
Guide to the Kramats 56 59 a
800 metres Pinkilton river after the sign at Sheikh Suleiman Sheikh Wellington: Bains Kloof Kloof Bains Wellington: There is also a mysterious grave on the mountain slopes near the bridge at Bainskloof. All that is known is that the person buried here is named Sheikh Suleiman. 23 a available at Hotel reception. Sayed Abdul Kader Abdul Sayed Caledon Caledon also has a this Kramat. always was it The area, this in floods man severe During protected. mysteriously buried is legend to according in this grave is Sayed Abdul Kader. The site which was never The grave under water. location of the bridge on the Caledon Road, adjacent to through road the cut to tried They authority. local the upon forced been have to said is grave, the the grave, but to no After avail. several attempts they had no option but to build the bridge. Turn off after main Turn Caledon sign Caledon – OverbergCaledon showing Overberg Hotel. Directions
22
Guide to the Kramats 58 Guide to the Kramats 61 Brief history of Mazaar Society africa africa hours) (after hours)
2212 0508 (office ours 0500 27-21-633 27-21-699 / Fax: 1895 Guided T 27-21-699 Tel: For furtherFor information contact: The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society 27-21-705
Tours can be arrangedTours by the society. or P P O Box 443, Gatesville South 7766, Cape Town, For moreFor information, contact address. the above 27 Rylands Road, Rylands Estate South 7764, Cape Town, to had was kra-
could viz. needed the Society’s what teachings
and Mohamed Mahmood goals, heritage The much this a Islam Sayed
Sayed this formed their regarding as
with of and
serve Kloof, interest bearers keeping organisations. enquiries will
Constantia, established history In torch Scotches and many
Klein common
of Having venture, and faiths.
of
with
culture
latest Guru receiving Shah aforementioned
heroes
different people
the Tuan been Islamic Committee”. these of
the
society’s Matebe
in
with years owe
the
rich group East. is
the We a redehoek, (Kramat) amongst
was V standing ago, over of alive. which Middle
Abduragman
peace firm Mazaar has Africa the years a
kept
book, and Malick of
14 be Sheikh on who
and a
Island to this tip
unity
them Abdul of
almost Island, were most Captour
Robben put
Indonesia taught by Sayed few, 1982,
has a
“The Robben of uslims, especially muslims, Christians and Hindus regularly visit the Kramats.
India, Hill, Mazaar (Kramat) Society but Saints southern publication
of
A brief history of the Cape
non- record
called This informative guide will be distributed locally, nationally and internationally. The Society The The With true commitment and firmly entrenched allegiance, the Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society grew Society (Kramat) Mazaar Cape the allegiance, firmly and entrenched true commitment With Judicial Muslim the by recognised is and body constituted a is Society (Kramat) Mazaar Cape The The Islam
January name
mats mats from tourists to Cape. the Western intends placing these books on the international market due to the influx of tourists especially from Malaysia, many guide guide for tourists wanting to visit the various Kramats acknowledged in the Western Cape. This need has been accounts accounts are audited annually by an independent auditor. never repay them for their sacrifices. Subjected to most harsh formsofharsh most to never Subjected they torturecruelty and sacrifices. their for them repay never from wavered the true path. from strength to strength. From humble beginnings of cleaning and repainting the Kramats, major refurbishment and rebuilding projects were undertaken and successfully times the support completed. of During the public was and overwhelming these encouraged the Society even further. Council, the South African National Monuments Council, the Cape Regional Services Council, the Cape City Town Council and the Correctional Services Department amongst others. Their proven track of then In to to be preserved for posterity. The memories of Motura Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar, Sheikh Abdurahman ofShah Ghaibe Hasan Nurul ofSheikh Hill, Mubeen Signal of Jaffer Sayed and Oudekraal Bakoven to maintain maintain the numerous shrines located Cape in and the to Western propagate the teachings of these the Saints, name was changed to “The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society”.
Guide to the Kramats 60 Guide to the Kramats 63 Glossary (Dutch) behalf derwish Imam
ones or or
on Islam priest in
Friends Friends of Allah Ablution Teacher, learned man, elderly Teacher, man Mysticism Chapter of The Holy Quraan Body cleanliness ofRememberance Allah Observance of death anniversary of a saint ofBestowel sainthood Quadiriyah Sufi chain Peace and Peace Blessings of Allah upon him Descendent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) Muslim – – – Intercession – – – – – – – – – – –
Wudu Wasilah Sufism Soofie Soofie or Sufi Surah – Tahaarah Mystic Thikr-ul-laah Urs Sharif Willayet Quadiriyah Tariqah Wali-Allah Mohamadaansche Mohamadaansche Priester (S.A.W) Sayyid or Sayed Sheikh (S.A.W) (S.A.W) Imams. Prophet Prophet
four Islam
the the all
of
by of of related Prophet
traditions traditions and Holy
and and the to sayings sayings companions Glossary his
Arabic, Arabic, Proper name of God Alawi Sufi chain Perfume Friends of Allah Talisman Cotto sheet placed grave over of a saint Supplication to Allah Act Act to divine reward for invoke the deceased as recorded by his companions. One One who has performed the pilgrimage to Mecca Holy book of Allah revealed to His Messenger, The Holy Prophet Muhamed The (S.A.W). Bible of Muslims Urdu – Miracle of a saint Name commonly used in the Cape for tomb of a saint Urdu word for books Muslim school Muslim schools Pious _ a by – – – – – – – – – Inspired
– – – – – – – –
Alawiyyah Alawiyyah Tariqah Attars Auliyah Azeemat Chadar or Ghilaf Dua Durrud Sharif – Salutations Esale Esale Sawab Hadith
Hadith Hadith Qudsi – Inspired Allah Holy Quraan Karamat Kramat Kitaabs Madrasah Madaris Moestajap Hajji
Guide to the Kramats 62 Behold! Verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve;
Those who believe And (constantly) guard Against evil; –
Surah 10, verse 62 and 63
64