Back in Malabar mosque for Asar prayer, Rafeeq had another plan for me in the evening. A Malay brother, who does business in interior designing, was ready to carry us first to have a tea at Basra Street and then a run through the Beach road to the famous Maqam or Keramat of Habib Noh bin Muhammad Al-Habshi (1788 - 27/7/1866), the mausoleum of a widely revered wali lived in the early 19th century located at the hill between Palmer Road and East Coast Parkway. The MUIS now owns both the Maqam and the adjoining mosque.
Throughout my stay in Singapore I heard a lot of stories about this great personality and it was obvious he is one respected by all and remembered by all. Even a Chinese taxi driver gets hundred tongues when asked about or knows that we are going to the tomb of Habib Nuh. Two miraculous stories of recent past is attributed to him and are well alive in the memory of all, in addition to a number of stories written and orally transmitted. It was a non-Muslim taxi driver who pointed out that the Makam of Habeeb Nuh was well-protected by the one in heavens when the entire Singapore was extensively aerial bombed by the Japanese in 40s.
Most of the Singaporeans I met are well aware of a recent story regarding the government’s failure to demolish the makam to build an elevated highway along Tanjung Pagar. They say that not even a single crane or excavator could move to unearth the area and the contractors were forced to curve the bridge around the Makam, with a height almost on the same level as Habib Noh's Mausoleum. And, standing there, you will understand how the busiest highway has been diverted and curved from a straight line.
A board in English inside the adjacent mosque has noted the story of Habib Nuh as follows, and before narrating all of them the way it is written there I take excuses from all those skeptics and rationalist who totally reject all such miraculous things happening from human beings.Close to the grave of Habib Nuh along with Abdullah Haji and the Maqam caretaker
Though not much was known about his early life, Habib Noh came from Kedah from a family of 4 brothers - Habib Noh, Habib Ariffin and Habib Zain (both died in Penang) and the youngest Habib Salikin, who died in Daik, Indonesia. He arrived in Singapore shortly after Sir Stamford Raffles set up trade post there. Based in Singapore, he kept travelling to Johor Baru and other peninsular states of Malaysia, in service of Islam.
Known for his constant night prayers and frequent visits to graveyards, Habeeb Nuh was well loved by people from all walks of life, especially children. He would often buy sweats and give money to children, the poor and destitute.
As usual in stories about noted Walis, he reportedly possessed the ability to literally disappear, and be seen at faraway places. It was reported that he was ever seen praying in the Grand Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia without actually making the journey there himself physically. Once he even told a departing haj pilgrim that they will meet in Mecca. When the person arrived there, it was Habib Noh himself who greeted him.
Habib Noh was also well known as a great healer, especially for children whom he loved very much. There was once when he healed a child with an injured leg, by simply putting his hands over the wound and reciting some prayers. Within moments, the child was able to run again as though nothing had happened to him.‘Habib Noh would brave even the thunderstorm to tend to any sick child. He once walked to Paya Lebar from his home at Telok Blangah under heavy rain to heal a child’.
‘In another incident, Habib Noh was awakened by the continuous crying of his neighbour’s child. When he went over, he found that the family was too poor to buy food for the hungry child. With tears in his eyes upon hearing the story, Habib Noh took a coconut kernel, poured some water in it and recited some prayers. By God’s will, the water turned into milk for the child’.
‘Habib Noh is also known for his powerful and accurate premonitions. He seemed to know if people were in need, sick or have intentions meant for him. Once there was an Indian Muslim man who traveled back to India to visit his family via sea. He made a sacred pact with God that if he were to return to Singapore safely, he would present Habib Noh with a gift. Upon returning, he was shocked when Habib Noh was already waiting for him at the shore. Habib Noh called out to him, “I believe you have made a promise to give something to me.” Surprised, the Indian Muslim man said, “Speak oh wise one what you wish for and I will gladly present it to you.” Habib Noh replied, “I would like to have rolls of yellow cloth to donate to the poor, the destitute and children.” Hugging Habib Noh, the Indian Muslim man cried, “By God, I will be most willing to present it to a man who is exalted in the eyes of God for his kindness towards mankind. Please give me three days to present them to you.”After 78 years of life devoted to Islam, Habib Noh passed away peacefully on Friday, 27 July 1866 corresponding to 14 Rabiul Awal 1283. A few days before he died, he gave many advises to his beloved friends. Amongst his treasured words were, “Don’t be greedy for worldly materials nor have any ill-feelings towards anyone throughout your life.”
Habib Noh breathed his last breath in Telok Blangah, at the residence of Johor’s Temenggong Abu Bakar. When news spread, many people from all walks of life, including Englishmen who converted to Islam through Habib Noh, and those from the neighbouring islands came to pay their last respect. All horse-drawn carriages in Singapore came to a halt from their daily activities, to ferry the old folks, women and children to the funeral for free.
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.
