Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar

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.

Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar
Religion
AffiliationIslam
DistrictKuantan Tengah
ProvinceRiau
Location
LocationPasar Taluk, Indonesia
MunicipalityKuantan Singingi Regency
Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar is located in Indonesia
Shrine of Datuk Shaykh al-Azhar
Shown within Indonesia
Geographic coordinates0°31′43″S 101°34′23″E / 0.5287350°S 101.5731244°E / -0.5287350; 101.5731244

History

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Facade of the shrine, with a tree growing in its courtyard

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.[1][2] 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

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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

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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.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Makam Keramat Terletak Ditepi Jalan Dekat Pasar – arasynews.com" (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  2. ^ a b c Redaksi. "Makam Wali Datuk Al Azhar, Jejak Islam di Tanah Kuantan". metroterkini.com. Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  3. ^ "Sentralkuansing: Ratusan Jemaah Syatari Ziarahi Makam Al Azhar". Sentralkuansing. Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  4. ^ "Ratusan Penziarah Dari Dua Provinsi Penuhi Makam Keramat Syekh Azhar". Detaksatu.com (in Indonesian). 2022-06-12. Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  5. ^ "Ratusan Pengunjung Berziarah ke Makam Syekh Al Azhar di Dusun Keramat Kuantan Tengah". Berita Riau Terkini Online | Spirit Riau Update. Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  6. ^ "Ratusan Penziarah Dari Dua Provinsi Penuhi Makam Keramat Syekh Azhar". Detaksatu.com (in Indonesian). 2022-06-12. Retrieved 2024-05-11.