Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar explained

Building Name:Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar
Religious Affiliation:Islam
Map Type:Indonesia
Coordinates:-0.5287°N 101.5731°W
Location:Pasar Taluk, Indonesia
District:Kuantan Tengah
Municipality:Kuantan Singingi Regency
Province:Riau

The Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar (Indonesian: Makam Datuk Keramat Syech al-Azhar) is a historic shrine located on Jalan Sudirman street in the area of Pasar Taluk in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, Indonesia. It contains the grave of a Sufi Muslim cleric who introduced Islam to the city of Teluk Kuantan.

History

Shaykh al-Azhar was a Muslim Sufi of the Shattari order as well as a disciple of the renowned Sufi mystic Burhanuddin Ulakan.[1] [2] He was reportedly the first to introduce Islam to Teluk Kuantan; this happened in either the 17th or 18th centuries CE. Azhar was buried here, and his tomb became a well-visited pilgrimage spot for the local Shattari community.[3] Even now, it is still visited often by both locals and tourists.[4] [5]

Significance

The shrine holds significant cultural and religious value for the local community. It serves as a site for annual religious gatherings and Sufi rituals. The pilgrimage to the shrine is particularly popular during Islamic holidays and special commemorative events, drawing visitors from various parts of Indonesia.[6]

Architecture

The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Indonesian and Islamic styles, featuring a simple yet elegant design. The courtyard of the shrine includes a large tree, which adds to the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the site. The tomb itself is well-maintained, with regular renovations ensuring its preservation as a historical and religious landmark.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Makam Keramat Terletak Ditepi Jalan Dekat Pasar – arasynews.com . 2024-05-11 . id.
  2. Web site: Redaksi . Makam Wali Datuk Al Azhar, Jejak Islam di Tanah Kuantan . 2024-05-11 . metroterkini.com . en.
  3. Web site: Sentralkuansing: Ratusan Jemaah Syatari Ziarahi Makam Al Azhar . 2024-05-11 . Sentralkuansing.
  4. Web site: 2022-06-12 . Ratusan Penziarah Dari Dua Provinsi Penuhi Makam Keramat Syekh Azhar . 2024-05-11 . Detaksatu.com . id.
  5. Web site: Ratusan Pengunjung Berziarah ke Makam Syekh Al Azhar di Dusun Keramat Kuantan Tengah . 2024-05-11 . Berita Riau Terkini Online Spirit Riau Update . en.
  6. Web site: 2022-06-12 . Ratusan Penziarah Dari Dua Provinsi Penuhi Makam Keramat Syekh Azhar . 2024-05-11 . Detaksatu.com . id.
  7. Web site: Redaksi . Makam Wali Datuk Al Azhar, Jejak Islam di Tanah Kuantan . 2024-05-11 . metroterkini.com . en.