'The Sacred Path Of Love' Finding God in the times of Tribualtions.

Alhamdulilah, inshaAllah we are organizing a conference entitled 'The Sacred Path Of Love' Finding God in the times of Tribualtions. This conference consist of Scholars such as Shaykh Mahy Cisse (Senegal), Shaykh Afeefudeen al Gaylani (Iraq/Malaysia), Imam Afroz Ali (Australia), Shaykh Afifi al Akiti (Uk / Malaysia), Ustaz Zahid (Spore), Ustaz Fizar (Spore) and Ustaz Syakir (Spore). InshaAllah on the 2nd day of the conference Habib Hasan al Attas from Ba'alawi Mosque will be opening the conference address. For more information pls visit us at http://www.soutilaahi.com/



Dont forget to join us 'Sacred Path Of Love' conference on 4 and 5 Dec 2010 at Masjid Sultan Auditorium from 9 am till 6pm



Early birds $45.00 for 2 days (Notes, Lunch and Goodies bag) till 15 Nov 2010Door Price $55.00 for 2 days (Notes, Lunch and Goodies bag) Aft 15 Nov 2010



Student price - $35.00 (2 days) limited seats



Tickets available at Wardah Books or do your bookings at info@soutilaahi.com or admin@soutilaahi.com You can choose either to purchase ticket directly at Wardah Books & make payment there , or you can do an ATM transfer to our POSB savings account. Once you've made the transfer, SMS me at 9068 7106. Do keep the receipt of your ATM transfer just in case. Once we've confirmed receipt of the payment, we will issue you a confirmation number.



Print out the e-mail with the confirmation number and bring it on that day.When you come to the conference on that day, you will need to produce thi print-out. We hope you will benefit from this conference, insya'Allah and look forward to having you there.



For more details visit us at http://www.soutilaahi.com/

Celebration Of The Beloved s.a.w.

It will be a night fill with sacred love for the lovers of Prophet s.a.w.. There will be Qasidah performance by Madeehul Mustafa, At Tawwakal. And also blessing advice and lectures by Mawlana Shaykh Afeefudin al Gaylani, Ustaz Lutfi al Linggi and special appearance by Shaykh Abdul Maqsud al Hasani

The Purpose of this event is to create awareness on what is Qasidah and giving exposure to our society. To cultivate love for Prophet s.a.w. and also to remind us the important of reciting Qasidah which not only make us closer to Allah swt and Prophet s.a.w. but to make our dead hearts alive, inshaAllah. You be with those who love.

For any enquiries please email us at info@soutilaahi.com or call 90687106

All Are welcome..Free Admission

Dato Koyah 'Malbari Saint'

Alhamdulilah, on the same day we got the chance to visit the Maqam of 'Dato Koyah' or his real name is Syed Mustapha Idris. I am not too sure why he was known as 'Dato Koyah'. There was a 'sarbat' stall outside the maqam and the door is always lock, i guess. When we arrive at the maqam, an old Indian man who was busy serving tea to the customers, saw us and he quickly unlock the gate and door of the maqam. He welcomed us with warm gesture and showing us the way to the maqam. All of a sudden me and my wife felt we were in India. The fragrance smell and surrounding make us thought we were really in India. SubanaAllah. Its really amazing.The way how the maqam was built also reminded me how the maqam in India look like. I hope one day me and wife can travel to India to pay visit to the Sufi saints. The maqam also reminded me of Nagore Sharif

'Dato Koyah' was from the Malabar coast in southern India. He was a mendicant there, often wandering from many places as he was teaching, healing the sick, until one day, an incident happened that forced him to flee. He was accused of a murder he did not commit, he fled from the Malabar coast to Penang some time in the early 19th century. When he arrived in Penang, he settled under a tree which was today is his maqam. He became a labourer in order to earn a living although he was very popular among the Malbaris and Tamil Muslim community as a spiritual guide and as an Ustaz to them.

There were many stories of his qaramah (myth, specialty).He was known to feed many people from the porridge of just a small pot. He was also famous for producing candies out form his pockets for children. There was a time when Dato Koyah was arrested along with the fellow labourers for demonstrating against the beatings inflicted by their British superiors. Somehow, he managed to walk out of the jail very next day. Not only that, while the workers were incarcerated, the road work that they were to do had been miraculously completed. From time to time with his humbleness and willing to help the people, Dato Koyah won the respect of the British authorities.

When he passed away, he was buried on the same place where he settled which is under a tree. His students erected the place. The British honored him by naming Jalan Dato Koyah after him. The place is near Kampung Malabar. On the 5th of Safar, Tamil Muslims and Malbaris will be celebrating his 'haul' (tahlil) a big grand occassion in remembering his deeds and contribution to society. may Allah bless him.

Shaykh Omar Basheer "Light of Inheritor" in Penang

I am sorry for not updating much info or my backdate travelogue on this blog at the moment. For such lame reason, I would probably say I am too busy. Here we go with the late one!

One of the few maqam of Awliyah in Penang that is prominent Shaykh Omar Basheer from Iraq while there was a narration indicated hes from Hadramawt, Yemen.The reliable source claim its Hadramawt. It was also written he was the Awliyah whom brought the Tariqah Naqshbandi Khalidi to Penang and introduced Suluk through the teaching of the Tariqah. He did his seclusion in a complete covered wooden house which still remain intact today. He was from the Naqshbandi Khalidi thus he got the title al Khalidi too. (Most of the Naqshbandi Tariqah is the Khalidiyah which came from the Spiritual Lineage of Mawlana Shaykh Khalid al Bahgdadi whom maqam is in Damascus, Syria). I'm not too sure if most of the Naqshbandi Khalidi in this region is from his spread. I guess when we read the book Naqshbandi in Nusantara by Professor Martin van Bruinessen we will get the clear understanding. I am dont know about his birth date but it was written he died at 1881.

He live during the period of British colonization and was like by the British government. He was also very well known among the ruling elites who were indebted to him for his ability to mediate during the Penang riots of 1867. In fact, the British build a house for him which he lived till he died. After his death, his son Shaykh Zakaria took over his post and continue his works for dakwah and other religious duty for the society. Thus he became the first Mufti for Penang. His another son Shaykh Yahya pursuit on the same journey and became the first Qadi in Penang. His house in 1917 evolved into a madrasah for Quranic Studies.

His maqam is s located at Kampung Melayu, Ayer Hitam, Penang, underneath a 35-foot white tower. It was said the maqam was built by the Muslim laborers from India. Its one of the most beautiful place I ever visited, reminded me as if I am in Middle east. Beautiful design of architecture and surrounded with tranquility atmosphere. Many visitors as far as from Middle east from the Tariqah of Naqshbandi or any other Tariqah will always pay visit to Shaykh Umar Maqam. may Allah bless him.

p/s: When I was there, I did told my wife this maqam reminded us of our beloved Shaykh Zakaria Bagharib. The father is Shaykh Omar and the son name is Shaykh Zakaria and they were descendant from Hadramawt, Yemen. May Allah bless his lovers and the inheritors of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Lowest Photo is Maqam Shaykh Zakaria bin Omar Basheer
The Photo taken by Ainun Harun

The wait is over!!! Madeehul Mustafa CD 'Mawlay' is out now

Alhamdulilah, finally the CD of Madeehul Mustafa is out now!! For all lovers of Prophet s.a.w, dont miss the chance to buy this 9 tracks of Qasidah with soothing voices and Shaam rhythm which will make you yearning more for the love of Prophet s.a.w.

The CD is available at Manzil Mustafa and Wardah Books.

For any enquiries and details do email us, inshaAllah

Majlis Burdah bersama Habib Sholeh al Jufri

InshaAllah, Burdah with Madeehul Mustafa and Habib Sholeh al Jufri. We also will be having Launch on Madeehul Mustafa 1st Qasidah album on this event. It will be at al wehdah, no 11 Geylang Lorong 37 at 8pm. All are welcome!!

Voyage of the Sacred Love: "The Medley for the Prophet s.a.w."

The Voyage of Sacred Love: “The Medley for Prophet s.a.w.” is a night of sacred Music, uplifting poetry and divine words that will draw you close to the man who forgave his enemies and came as a mercy to humanity. Listen to the enchanting voices singing the praises of Allah and the Prophet s.a.w. and open your hearts to the spiritual music. Embark on a journey with Madeehul Mustafa, Habib Hasan Alkaf and Shaykh Imamudeen.

Madeehul Mustafa is a qasidah ensemble consisting of local students studying in Damascus, Syria. Formed in 2002, they have been performing at various events. Recently, they performed to a crowd of over 2000 at the Esplanade, receiving rave reviews.

Habib Hasan al Kaf from Solo became a munsyid at the age of 15. He studied in Darul Mustafa in 1996, and often recited the Qasidah Burdah at a Hadhramaut radio station when he was there. His captivating voice has inspired many and continues to inspire love and longing in the hearts of the seekers.

Shaykh Imaduddeen is orginally from Jordon and lived in Boston for 18 years. He has several ijazas from well-known scholars in Qur'an, Hadith and Fiqh. He is currently based in Tarim, Yemen with his Shaykh Habib Umar bin Hafidh.

Drawing inspiration from spiritual traditions of Medinah, Syria and Tarim, The Voyage of Sacred Love celebrates the life and love of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Let us awake the spirit of Traditional Sacred Poetry so that we can embrace the beauty of faith and the longing for the Divine.

Organized by Sout ilaahi

The Qasidah Showpiece at Singapore

Alhamdulilah, recently Bro Khalid Ajmain from Sout Ilaahi managed to get Madeehul Mustafa on the stage for the Tapestry of Sacred Music at esplanade. For the past 2 days, (23 & 24 April 2010) Madeehul Musafa Qasidah ensemble consist of Singaporean students studied in Damascus, Syria have been entertaining us with spiritual enlightment. Their last performance at the outdoor teather was indeed a sacred performance for Singaporeans. Alhtough Singapore is famous for being fast pace modern city in the globalization, we are still not lacking of spiritual ensemble that provide space for our lifes. May this Qasidah performance bring us closer to Prophet saw.

1st photo by Khalid Ajmain
Other Photos by Siti Mahirah

Habib Sheikh al Habsyi

This is Habib Sheikh al Habsyi, a munsib of al Habsyi from Hota, Hadramawt, Yemen. He is 91 years old. He was born in Singapore in 1919. He used to stay at Geylang lorong 33, near the Masjid Khadijah which was famously known back then as Masjid Bagharib. In 1939, his dad migrated with him to Hadramawt. He shared with me his experience with the late Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique and Mualim Shaykh Omar bin Abdullah Bagharib. Alhamdulilah, hes able to return to Singapore and he was indeed happy to be back again for a while. Although he have been living in Hadramawt for many years, Singapore is still in his heart.

The day before he left for the haul of Habib Muhammad bin Salim al Attas at Masjid Ba'alawie, I managed to meet him at Habib Abdul Kader bin Ali al Haddad house. He gave me ijaza of kitab Risalatul Jamiya' written by his late grandfather Habib Zain bin Ahmed al Habsyi. Then before I left the house, he said words that really touches my heart to the extend I cried inside my heart. He said whenever you attend any kind of majlis especially the reading of Yasin, dont forget to include my name and make doa for me too. Finally, he make doa I visit him at Hadramawt one day. Indeed a man of God, have a look that soften the hardended hearts. They speak the language of love and embrace humanity just like their Greatgrandfather Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. may Allah bless him, always

(This is me with him taken at Masjid Riyadh, Solo)

Sout Ilaahi: "The Season Of Love"

Available at Wardah Books at 58 Bussorah St (Near Masjid Sultan) and Manzil Mustafa Golden Landmark #02-29, 390 Victoria Street

The First Mosque in Trengganu, Sultan Zainal Abidin Mosque

Alhamdulilah, we have the time to visit Sultan Zainal Abidin Mosque in Trengganu. It was the first mosque in Trengganu name after the pious Sultan. Its completely whitish with sacred architecturedesign. This is also the reason why its also known as "White Mosque". It was built between 1793 and 1808. From a distance, I thought I could feel the vibes of the Mosque. What came to my mind was "Hadramawt",sort of same architecture design. When I reached at the mosque which is situated in the heart of the city, I feel the sacred feeling of the mosque especially the unique architecture design. It somehow remind me of the National Mosque in Aceh, Baitur Rahman Mosque. Same profound architecture design which had the soothing feeling. Somehow the design attracted my heart. I rather found it more of Turkish mixed with some element of Middle east architecture design. Anyway, I was being informed Islam reached the shore of Trengganu from Iraq. Well, thats another side of history which I will write later on.

Ziyarah Tok Ku Paloh (Trengganu)

When I started this blog, I did wrote about Tok Ku Paloh if you can find my earlier post. I have always been a strong admirer of him so I did told myself one day I am going to visit his Maqam when I travel to Trengganu. Alhamdulilah Allah grant what I wish that is to visit him when my wife decide to travel to Trengganu during the holidays. We plan to visit Tok ku Paloh maqam. The Shattariyah Brothers helped to drive us to the maqam . It was in a remote kampung area filled with the atmosphere of tranquility, far away from loud buzzing city noise pollution. We also managed to pray in the zawiyah of Tok Ku paloh, a place where he used to pray and conducted his zikir and teaching with his murids. An old Kampong house filled with blessing. It look jaded and old from a distance but when you are inside, you can feel the strength of the place.

One of the Tok ku paloh great grandson whom guide us to the maqam allowed us to take the photo of the maqam. mashaAllah. It was stated by one of our friends, usually they wont allow anyone to take photo of the maqam but alhamdulilah we were allow to do so. We are indeed grateful to Allah swt that we are able to Ziyarah one of his lovers who have been spreading Islam in the Golden age of Islam in Nusantara.

Below is an article by Ustaz Zaidi Hassan which I decided to repost again on this blog on the biography of Tok Ku Paloh, may Allah bless him

Tok ku Paloh

Tok Ku Paloh was a very well known 'alim of Trengganu, his name is Sayyid Abdul Rahman al-Idrus, and his grave is well-kept in Kampong Paloh, situated not far from his masjid. The title'Tok Ku' was given to him and his forefathers and decendants in Trengganu signified the high respect from the society for this blessed family, 'Tok Ku' ia abbrevition of 'Datuk Tengku', the title usuallyreserved for the royalties. And actually, in the recent past history of the Trengganu Sultanate, the leading 'alim from this family would coronate the new sultan for the state, and the members of this family was considered as having the same status or almost equal to the sultan's family itself, and some of them are until married to each other.

They practice naqshabandiyyah tariqah, some of them such as Tok Ku Pulau Embun and Tok Ku Paloh himself wrote a number of books in malay and arabic, especially on tasauf matter.
Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Rahman Limbong was a 'murid' to Tok Ku Paloh, he initiated a revolt against the British ruling on the land-tax imposed the people of Trengganu, he was, therefore was imprisoned for several times, and finally was exile by the British to Makkah, he died in Makkah. May Allah benefited us from their knowledge and amal.

Photo (The Maqam of Tok Ku Paloh inside the fence, we are sorry that we are unable to upload other photos of the maqam as we hope to seek the permission) And the Photo of Tok Ku Paloh. Top Photo Interior of the Tok ku Paloh zawiyah