Sheikh Yusuf

The Coming of Sheik Joseph

Abadin Tadia Tjoessoep (1626–23 May 1699[1]), more commonly known as Sheikh Yusuf or Sheik Joseph, was an Indonesian Muslim of noble descent. He was also known as Muhammad Yusuf al-Maqassari.[2] In 1693 he was exiled to the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, which resulted in his establishing Islam in the Cape.[3]

Early and middle life (Indonesia)

Yusuf was born in Makassar, Indonesia, the nephew of King Biset of Gowa.[4] In 1644 he embarked on the Hajj to Mecca and spent several years in Arabia learning under various pious scholars. During this period the Dutch and British East India Companies were fighting for control of the region due to its lucrative trade in spices and gold. When Yusuf left Arabia in 1664, Makassar had been captured by the Dutch, and he was unable to return home.[5] Instead, he headed for Bantam on the island of Java, where he was welcomed by Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa. Ageng gave Yusuf the hand of one of his daughters in marriage, and made him his chief religious judge and personal advisor. Yusuf stayed in Bantam for 16 years until 1680, when Ageng's son, Pangeran Hajji, rose against his father, possibly at the urgings of the Dutch East India Company. Ageng rallied his forces, including Yusuf, and in 1683 besieged Hajji in his fortress at Soerdesoeang. Ageng was defeated but managed to escape capture, along with an entourage of about 5,000, among them the 57-year-old Yusuf. Ageng was captured later that year but Yusuf managed to escape a second time and continued the resistance.[4][5]

Exile to the Cape and establishment of Islam

Sheikh Yusuf's tomb in Macassar

In 1684 Yusuf was persuaded to surrender on the promise of a pardon, but the Dutch reneged on their promise and instead imprisoned him at the castle of Batavia. Suspecting that he would attempt escape, the Dutch transferred him to Ceylon in September that year, before exiling him to the Cape on 27 June 1693 on the ship Voetboeg. Yusuf, along with 49 followers including two wives, two concubines and twelve children,[6] were received in the Cape on 2 April 1694 by governor Simon van der Stel. They were housed on the farm Zandvliet, far outside of Cape Town, in an attempt to minimise his influence on the DEIC's slaves.[3] The plan failed however; Yusuf's settlement soon became a sanctuary for slaves and it was here that the first cohesive Islamic community in South Africa was established. From here the message of Islam was disseminated to the slave community of Cape Town.[4]

Sheikh Yusuf died at Zandvliet on 23 May 1699.

Legacy and honours

The area surrounding Zandvliet farm was renamed Macassar in honour of Yusuf's place of birth.[5] Yusuf was buried on the hills of Faure, overlooking Macassar. A shrine was erected over his grave and to this day Muslims in the area visit it to pay their respects.

On 27 September 2005 Sheikh Yusuf was posthumously awarded the The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Gold for his contribution to the struggle against colonialism.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Colvin, Ian Duncan (1909). Romance of Empire – South Africa. London: Caxton Pub. Co. p. 170. OCLC 893096.
  2. ↑ First Fifty Years - a project collating Cape of Good Hope records http://www.e-family.co.za/ffy/g5/p5815.htm#c5815.1
  3. 1 2 Mahomed Mahida, Ebrahim. History of Muslims in South Africa: A Chronology. South African History Online.
  4. 1 2 3 Jaffer, Mansoor. Guide to the Kramats of the Western Cape (PDF). Cape Mazaar Society. ISBN 0-620-19889-3.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "National Orders 2005 - Sheikh Yusuf". South African Government Information.
  6. ↑ http://www.e-family.co.za/ffy/g5/p5815.htm#c5815.1
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