sejarah syekh Yusuf Al-makassari

Summary

Syekh Yusuf, born in 1626 in Gowa, South Sulawesi, was a renowned Islamic scholar and freedom fighter. His education took him across the Middle East, where he studied various Islamic orders. After becoming a key figure in the resistance against Dutch colonialism in Indonesia, he was exiled to South Africa, where he continued spreading Islamic teachings. His philosophy of racial unity and equality influenced many, including Nelson Mandela. Syekh Yusuf passed away in 1699, and his legacy lives on in both Indonesia and South Africa, where he is honored as a national hero for his contributions to faith and resistance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Syekh Yusuf, born in Gowa, South Sulawesi on July 3, 1626, became a prominent Islamic scholar and was later known as 'Syekh Yusuf'—meaning a handsome and courageous Islamic expert.
• 😀 His father, Abdullah, was known as a holy man with special abilities, while his mother, Aminah, was from a noble family in Gowa Tallo.
• 😀 Syekh Yusuf was raised by Sultan Alauddin of Gowa and studied Islamic teachings under various scholars in Gowa and surrounding regions.
• 😀 He pursued further studies in Banten, Aceh, and Mecca, learning different Islamic disciplines including Sufism, Fiqh, and various Tarekat (Islamic spiritual paths).
• 😀 In 1644, at 18 years old, Syekh Yusuf married Siti Daeng, daughter of Sultan Alauddin of Gowa, and later traveled to Mecca to perform the Hajj.
• 😀 After leaving Mecca, Syekh Yusuf spent time in various parts of the Islamic world, including Banten, Aceh, and Yaman, furthering his knowledge of Islam and Islamic governance.
• 😀 By 1669, Syekh Yusuf returned to Indonesia and initially settled in Banten, where he became a Mufti and helped in the fight against the Dutch colonial forces.
• 😀 Syekh Yusuf was exiled multiple times by the Dutch due to his influence and opposition to colonialism, first to Sri Lanka and later to South Africa in 1693.
• 😀 In South Africa, he continued spreading Islam and became a significant religious figure, with his approach to Islam emphasizing unity among races and ethnicities.
• 😀 Syekh Yusuf was honored as a national hero in both Indonesia (1996) and South Africa (2005), with his legacy influencing both nations' struggles against colonialism and apartheid.

Q & A

Who was Syekh Yusuf, and what is his significance?

Syekh Yusuf, born on July 3, 1626, in Gowa, South Sulawesi, was an influential Islamic scholar and a prominent figure in the resistance against colonial powers in Southeast Asia and Africa. He is known for his extensive religious knowledge and leadership in spreading Islam, as well as for his role in opposing Dutch colonialism, which led to his exile to Africa.

What does the title 'Syekh' mean, and how does it relate to Yusuf?

'Syekh' means leader, head, or expert in Islamic religious matters. It is used as a title of respect for scholars or religious figures. The name Yusuf, which means 'handsome,' combined with 'Syekh,' gives the interpretation of 'a handsome and courageous Islamic scholar.'

What is known about Syekh Yusuf's family background?

Syekh Yusuf was born to a noble family in Gowa, South Sulawesi. His father, Abdullah, was considered a holy man with mystical abilities, while his mother, Aminah, was the daughter of Galaram Moncongloe, a prominent family in the region. His family had close ties to royal families in Gowa, Tallo, and Bone.

What significant events took place in Syekh Yusuf's early life and education?

Syekh Yusuf was raised by Sultan Alauddin of Gowa, along with the Sultan's daughter, Siti Daeng. He received religious education under various scholars, learning the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and Arabic. He also studied at the Bontoala monastery under Syekh Said Baawi, and further pursued advanced studies in various Islamic disciplines.

What prompted Syekh Yusuf's decision to travel abroad, and where did he go?

At the age of 18, Syekh Yusuf married Sultan Alauddin's daughter, Siti Daeng. Following his education, he decided to travel abroad to perform Hajj in Mecca and study in various countries. His journey included visits to Banten, Aceh, Yaman, and Mecca, where he studied numerous Islamic mysticism schools (tariqahs).

How did Syekh Yusuf's religious education contribute to his later life?

Syekh Yusuf studied five major tariqahs (Kadiriyah, Naqshbandiyah, Ballawiyah, Shattariyah, and Halwatiyah) and twelve smaller ones, becoming a highly knowledgeable Islamic scholar. This knowledge played a significant role in his leadership, teachings, and resistance against colonialism. He also became a respected figure in various Islamic communities.

Why did Syekh Yusuf stay in Banten, and what role did he play there?

Syekh Yusuf decided to stay in Banten after learning that Gowa had fallen and the Makassar region was in turmoil due to war. Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa of Banten, a friend of Syekh Yusuf, appointed him as the Mufti of the Kingdom of Banten, a position that required deep knowledge of Islamic law and governance.

What was Syekh Yusuf's involvement in the conflict between Sultan Ageng and the Dutch?

Syekh Yusuf supported Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa in his struggle against the Dutch East India Company. During the war, Syekh Yusuf sided with the Sultan's forces, but despite their efforts, Banten was defeated by the Dutch in 1682.

What led to Syekh Yusuf's exile, and where was he sent?

After the defeat in Banten, Syekh Yusuf was initially imprisoned in Cirebon and Batavia by the Dutch, who considered him a threat due to his influence. Later, he was exiled to Sri Lanka in 1684, and eventually to South Africa in 1693, where he continued his religious activities.

How did Syekh Yusuf impact the spread of Islam in Africa?

In South Africa, Syekh Yusuf spread Islam among local communities, focusing on peaceful teachings that emphasized equality among people of different races and ethnicities. His approach inspired many, and his efforts in spreading Islamic values were later recognized as an important part of South African history, with his legacy being celebrated by Nelson Mandela.

What recognition did Syekh Yusuf receive after his death?

Syekh Yusuf was posthumously recognized as a national hero in both Indonesia and South Africa. In 1996, he was declared a national hero of Indonesia, and in 2005, the South African government honored him as a hero for his role in opposing colonialism. His remains were also moved to Gowa, South Sulawesi, where a monument was erected in his honor.