SYEKH YUSUF AL MAKASSARI

Summary

This video highlights the legendary journey of Syekh Yusuf al-Makassari, a 17th-century Sufi scholar, writer, and commander, whose influence spanned from Makassar to South Africa. Born into a noble family, Syekh Yusuf pursued Islamic education across regions, including Mecca and Medina. His teachings focused on spiritual purification and self-discipline. After facing exile, he continued spreading Islam, first in Sri Lanka and then in South Africa. His contributions were so impactful that he was recognized as a national hero by Nelson Mandela and awarded as a freedom fighter by President Soeharto.

Takeaways

• 😀 Syekh Yusuf al-Makassari was a legendary figure from Makassar, known for his contributions as a Sufi scholar, author, and 17th-century military commander.
• 😀 From a young age, Syekh Yusuf was educated in Islamic teachings, including the Quran, Arabic, fiqh (Islamic law), and mysticism under renowned scholars.
• 😀 At 18, he traveled to the Middle East for further Islamic studies, including pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, while also receiving teachings from prominent scholars.
• 😀 Syekh Yusuf’s philosophy emphasized purifying the soul from sinful behavior, controlling desires, and striving for spiritual balance between worldly and otherworldly goals.
• 😀 He taught that life should be lived with the intention of seeking divine closeness, rather than abandoning worldly matters entirely.
• 😀 After the fall of the Gowa Sultanate to the Dutch, Syekh Yusuf moved to Banten, where he became an influential figure and taught many disciples from various regions.
• 😀 During the 1683 war against the Dutch East India Company (VOC), Syekh Yusuf led a guerrilla campaign in Banten, later being captured and exiled to Sri Lanka.
• 😀 In Sri Lanka, Syekh Yusuf continued his missionary work, gaining followers, particularly among the South Indian community, and maintained communication with his followers in Southeast Asia.
• 😀 The Dutch authorities considered Syekh Yusuf a threat, leading to his second exile, this time to South Africa, where his influence grew, and he became a key figure in the spread of Islam.
• 😀 Syekh Yusuf was posthumously recognized as a national hero in South Africa, with Nelson Mandela honoring his contributions to the Muslim community and anti-apartheid struggles.
• 😀 In recognition of his legacy, Syekh Yusuf's influence is commemorated in South Africa, where areas like 'Makassar' are named in his honor, reflecting his role in both Islam and humanity.

Q & A

Who was Syekh Yusuf al-Makassari?

Syekh Yusuf al-Makassari was a renowned 17th-century Sufi scholar, author, and military commander from Makassar. He became famous for his religious teachings and his role in the fight against colonial forces, particularly the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

What were Syekh Yusuf's early teachings and influences?

Syekh Yusuf was taught Islamic principles from a young age, including Quranic studies, Arabic, fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and tawhid (the oneness of God). His early influences included prominent Sufi scholars, particularly Syekh Jalaluddin Al-Aidid, a mystic and religious leader.

How did Syekh Yusuf's education journey evolve?

Syekh Yusuf began his education in his hometown and later traveled to Banten, Aceh, and the Middle East for further studies, particularly in Mecca and Medina, the central hubs of Islamic learning at the time.

What was Syekh Yusuf's approach to spirituality and self-discipline?

Syekh Yusuf emphasized the purification of the heart from sinful desires. He taught that one should control their worldly desires and focus on spiritual discipline, balancing worldly life with religious devotion to achieve closeness to God.

What role did Syekh Yusuf play during the Dutch colonization?

During the Dutch occupation, Syekh Yusuf actively participated in guerrilla warfare against the VOC in Banten, alongside local leaders such as Pangeran Surya. Despite initial setbacks, his resistance continued until he was captured and exiled.

How did Syekh Yusuf’s exile impact his influence?

Syekh Yusuf was exiled to Sri Lanka and later to South Africa by the Dutch. Despite this, he continued spreading Islamic teachings, influencing hundreds of followers, particularly in South Africa, where he became an important figure in the Muslim community.

Why is Syekh Yusuf considered a hero in South Africa?

Syekh Yusuf is revered in South Africa for his contributions to spreading Islam and his fight against oppression. He is regarded as a symbol of resistance and unity, particularly in the context of racial and ethnic discrimination.

What was Syekh Yusuf's legacy in South Africa?

Syekh Yusuf’s legacy in South Africa is profound. He is credited with laying the foundation for the Muslim community and the Malay culture in the country. His contributions were so significant that he was honored as a national hero, and Nelson Mandela referred to him as a key figure in the country’s history.

How did Syekh Yusuf’s death lead to debates over his burial location?

After Syekh Yusuf’s death in 1699 in South Africa, a dispute arose between representatives from Gowa, Banten, and Sailon over his burial place. Each region claimed Syekh Yusuf’s remains, as he had connections to each area. Ultimately, his burial took place in South Africa, but symbolic tokens were sent to each region.

How was Syekh Yusuf recognized posthumously?

Posthumously, Syekh Yusuf was recognized as a national hero in both South Africa and Indonesia. In 1995, he was named a national hero by the Indonesian government, and in South Africa, he was celebrated for his role in the fight against colonialism and his contributions to the spread of Islam.