Sheikh Omar Basheer al-Khalidi

Sheikh Omar Basheer al-Khalidi

19th century Naqshbandi Sufi leader of Penang

Bismillah.

Sheikh Omar Basheer al-Khalidi (d. 1881) had achieved something few religious leaders could achieve. A migrant from the blessed region of Hadhramaut, Yemen, Sheikh Omar had brought to Penang not only his personal religious discipline but leadership charisma that appealed to the British government who was ruling Penang then. He was very well known as a Naqshbandi Sufi Shaykh who introduced the special tariqah practice called suluk. 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.

The house depicted in the painting below was used for suluk where Naqshbandi tariqah followers would live in for an extended period of time and dedicate their time doing zikr under the guidance of Sheikh Omar. According to his grandson, Haji Fathil bin Sheikh Zakaria Basheer, members of Kedah royal family were among those who used to frequent the 'Suluk House'. Sheikh Omar was from the Khalidiah branch of Naqshbandi which until today emphasizes on seclusion. He thus carried the title al-Khalidi.

I thought Sheikh Omar was special because he did not seem to be apologetic nor was he secretive about his involvement in tariqah. In fact, he did not allow his personal religious inclinations to hinder him from taking part in public affairs.

The description accompanying Sheikh Omar's portrait above noted that the secretary to Captain Francis Light (British founder of Penang) had in 1860 built a house for Sheikh Omar where he lived until his death in 1881. It was also recorded in the annals that Sheikh Omar had lived at No. 69 Lebuh Acheh, at the heart of a Muslim center for hajj, trade and Islamic studies. Upon Sheikh Omar's demise, his son, Sheikh Zakaria took over the role of Penang's most notable religious leader. Sheikh Zakaria was appointed as Penang's first mufti and later, another son of Sheikh Omar (Sheikh Yahya) followed suit and became Penang's first qadi. They both operated from the same address. Eventually, in 1917, No. 69 Lebuh Acheh evolved into a madrasah for Qur'anic studies.

Sheikh Omar's tomb is located in Kampung Melayu, Ayer Hitam, Penang, underneath a 35-foot white tower (picture). Built by Muslim labourers from India, it is regarded as the largest and most handsome Muslim mausoleum in Penang. It is regularly visited by Naqshbandi followers as well as non-tariqah public from near and far places such as Pakistan and Lebanon.

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I felt honoured for the opportunity to visit Sheikh Omar's tomb again today. Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah. Know that we belong with those who adore and cherish awliya Allah and we pray to Allah s.w.t so that we too would be istiqamah in our zikr; so that we follow in their footsteps in becoming close to our Creator and useful to the ummah. Ameen Allahumma Ameen.

References:
Housing, Building and Planning USM
Signboard at Mausoleum
Picture was taken at Haji Fathil's Resident
Harian Metro dated 27 March 2009

p/s Did I tell you that I grew up in Kampung Melayu, Ayer Hitam, Penang - a humble neighbourhood blessed by such a holy presence. I recalled the nights when I stayed up to study, I would take a break on the balcony of my family's flat on the 9th floor. Every time, I mean every time I stood there, my eyes somehow always landed on the dome of the mausoleum. In the stillness of the night, the dome looked mysteriously majestic yet intensely serene. I know in my heart that I would not be the person I am today without the barakah from Sheikh Omar Basheer al-Khalidi. Al-Fatihah.