The Maqam of Sultan Arifin Shaykh Ismail at Pulau Besar

The Maqam of Sultan Arifin Shaykh Ismail at Pulau Besar is the descendant of Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Jelani who is from the Qadriyah Tariqa. According to some narration stated, Shaykh Ismail was instructed by Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Jelani to travel to South East Asia region in order to spread Islam through the teaching of Sufism. Another version claimed when he was lost when he traveled to Malacca, he returned to Baghdad. Then he was instructed to travel again to the same destination but when he arrived Malacca, it was under the colonization of Portuguese therefore he went to Pulau Besar. It was also said his 'Suluk' place was at Bukit Timah hill, Singapore. It was also narrated that Shaykh Ismail dreamt of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. instructed him to travel South East Asia for the same purposes. He came with few of his Murids such as Shaykh Yusuf as Siddique. Shaykh Ismail not only propogating his peaceful loving dakwah at Pulau Besar, there are records showing he went to Aceh including Pasai.

There are various 'miracle' stories about the history of Pulau Besar and Shaykh Ismail which fascinate many Awliyah lovers to visit them from time to time. One of the famous miracle story about Shaykh Ismail, he was able to walk on water. Each time when he went to other places to teach or conduct dakwah, he returned to Pulau Besar by walking on the water. Thousand of visitors came to Pulau Besar every week to Ziyarah in order to gain baraqah from Awliyah Allah. There are many other Maqams of Awliyah at this Pulau Besar. May Allah bless him

Pic by Khalid Ajmain
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