Makam Habib Noh

Makam Habib Noh or Keramat Habib Noh is the famous mausoleum by Muslim community in Singapore. Located at the hill between Palmer Road and East Coast Parkway. Today the mausoleum and mosque is owned by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).

The Story of Habib Noh

Introduction

Syed Habib Noh Al Habsyi was born aboard a ship in the year 1788 (1202/3 Hajirah). He was a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad. (Syed or Sayyid is an honorific title given to descendants of Prophet Muhammad.). His parents were Arabs from Hadramaut, the area of southern Arabia that is now known as Yemen. According to Shaykh Hasan Al-Khatib, the caretaker of Maqam Habib Noh, who heard from Habib AlKhair, Habib Mohamad's wife was in labour when a huge storm hit the ship. It was a critical moment and the ship threatened to be overturned. At that time, Habib Mohamad made a nazar that if the baby arrives safely, he would name the baby "Noh" in remembrance of Nuh (Noah) who brought the light of mercy on his ship. Not long afterward, Habib Noh arrived safely into this world.Habib Noh has three brothers Habib Ariffin, Habib Zain and Habib Salikin.

According to some sources Habib Noh's father, Syed Mohamad Al Habsyi (also spelled as Al Habshee) worked as a palace official under Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II. The seat of the Kedah government then was at Kota Kuala Muda. When his wife died Syed Mohamad married Ku Pahmah, widow of Syed Yassin Al Anggawi who was killed at Limbong Kapal when Siam attacked Kedah in 1821. After the marriage, the family moved to Penang. Habib Noh also has a sister by the name of Sharifah Aloyah whose descendants now still reside in Penang.

Arrival in Singapore

Around 1819, Habib Noh was invited to Singapore by Habib Salim bin Abdullah Ba Sumayr after the island became a British colony. Habib Noh stayed here (in Singapore) for about 50 years. Some reports mentioned that he stayed at Kampung Kaji (next to Al-Masjid Sultan.)

He came into prominence because being a 'majdhub' as he did things that are out of the ordinary. He loved children who liked to accompany him everywhere he went.

Among his honourable habits was to distribute food to the poor. Often, he would enter a shop, take out all the money from the cash drawer and throw it to the waiting children. Those shopkeepers who were aware of his holy state did not make any attempt to stop him and were rewarded by Allah with prosperity in their business thereafter.

Such activities however, were frowned upon by the British colonial masters who tried to put him in jail a number of times. However, after doing this many times, they finally gave up and left him alone. The reason? Each time he was arrested, and put in jail, he mysteriously disappeared from his cell and was seen outside walking free. This is one of the signs of awliya, their service to God has set them free from man.

He frequently gave advice to the community. He urged his companions to always show compassion, to increase their religious knowledge and to be consistent in learning the Al-Quran. Among his advice was "Let there not be any spite or ill-will among you and let there not be even a bit of greediness among you."

Habib Noh often woke up at night to perform prayers till dawn. He often visited the graves of the Muslims in the middle of the night to read Quranic verses till dawn. Habib Noh later moved to Marang Road, near Masjid Temenggong. He would often khalwat (remain in solitude for zikrullah) atop Mount Palmer, which was then a thick jungle facing the vast sea. The peaceful setting was perhaps a way for him to get closer to Allah.

A friend of his, Hj Muhd Salleh wished to set up a small mosque for the convenience of the Habib, but Habib Noh ra passed on to the next world before his friend's intention was fulfilled. The small mosque was still built, but it was later demolished. In replacement, the Hj Muhd Salleh mosque was built at the foot of Mount Palmer, for the convenience of the guests who came to visit the Habib.

People in those days flocked to see him and sought the blessings of his sincere invocation. Since those were the days of sailing ships, traveling by ship was often hazardous and it took a few months to sail from Singapore to Jeddah, Arabia. Muslims planning to sail back to Indonesia, India and Arabia made it their practice to come and ask him to pray for their safe journey.

Stories on Habib Noh often revolve around his miracles—especially his incredible ability to appear in a number of places at the same time. He had been seen in Mecca when it was known that he has not left Singapore. He has been known to say farewell to travellers leaving Singapore with the words 'I will be there when you arrive'. When the traveller reached his destination months later, Habib Noh would be there to welcome him at the harbour.

Death Anniversary (Haul)

His death anniversary ceremony (or haul) is often held on the last day of the month Rabiul Akhir. It starts about 'Asr with various invited 'ulamas or religious scholars from within Singapore and overseas giving lectures.

Maulid and tahlil are read after Maghrib. Generous food is then served to the hundreds of guests regardless of race or religion, after Isya' prayers.

See also

• Islam in Singapore