Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum Kampung Melayu, Air Itam
Sheikh Omar Basheer
Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum is a big, whitewashed mausoleum tucked in the deep recess of Jalan Kampung Melayu in Ayer Itam. It is the largest Muslim Mausoleum in Penang. It was built in honour of Sheikh Omar Basheer Al-Khalidy, a famous Naqshabandiah Sufi teacher, imam of the Acheen Street Mosque, and a towering figure within the Muslim community in the late 19th century. Within his name, the word "Basheer" is his clan while "Al-Khalidy" is a honorific after Khalid Al-Naqshabandi, a tareqat teacher of Mecca.
Sheikh Omar Basheer originally stayed at 69 Acheen Street, but moved to the Malay settlement of Kampung Melayu (literally Malay village) at the invitation of his student Syed Hassan Al-Haru, who founded the Air Itam Mosque. He was an influential figure in the Malay community and was involved in stopping the Malays from joining the Penang Riots that broke out in 1867, pitting the two Malay secret societies, the Red Flag and the White Flag, against each other. Due to his status, he was often consulted by the British authorities on matters pertaining to the Malays and Islam.
Sheikh Omar died in 1881 and was buried beside his house in Kampung Melayu. His son Sheikh Zachariah, who was the Mufti of Penang as well as the first Muslim Justice of Peace in the Straits Settlements, erected the mausoleum in his father's honour. He imported labourers from India to complete the job.
When Sheikh Zachariah himself passed away, he was also buried in the mausoleum. His son, Haji Fathil Basheer, also made Justice of Peace, was a trustee of the Acheen Street Mosque as well as the first Secretary of the Muslim Religious Council.
Where to stay when in Penang? Well, it depends on what you are looking for and your threshold for "budgetness". The Penang Budget Accommodation Guide provides a selection of budget accommodation for you to look at. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood. It is operated by a friend of mine, Arthur, who has been in the hotel business for a few decades. I have visited it and found it to be a pretty decent place to stay, on a budget. But before you decide, go through the list of Penang hostels and check out their location before you book.
How to go to Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum
Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum is located in Kampung Melayu, Ayer Itam (@ Air Itam). Going along Jalan Air Itam from the direction of Chung Ling High School to Kek Lok Si Temple, turn left into Jalan Kampung Melayu. Drive on until the road crosses a river (Sungai Air Itam). Look to your right and look for a lane. You will see the Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum on the left side of the lane, visible from Jalan Kampung Melayu.
The whitewashed Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum at Jalan Kampung Melayu, Ayer Itam, Penang.
Rear view of Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum.
Front side of Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum with entrance way.
Sheikh Omar Basheer Mausoleum, as seen from the side.
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