Al Kuthb As- Seyed Ash-Sheikh Abdul Qader Makky Kalladiappa Valiullah
This essay was published on the occasion of the 5th anniversary Kandoori of As- Seyed Al Kuthb Ash-Sheikh Abdul Qader Makky Kalladiappa Valiullah.
This great man’s Ziyaram is found in Jebelnagar in the south of Mutur region.
The period during which he arrived:
History says that the Kuraish who were deported during the regime of Abbacies came towards South East Asia by sea visited and lived in places there. Accordingly, Kaladiappa Valihullah should have arrived here towards the latter part of AD 700. Researchers say since Jebelnagar with natural surroundings during that period was suitable for meditation; he should have lived and died in that area. The opinion of historian Sir Alexander Johnston supports these researches. His view follows:
“According to the customs prevalent among the descendents of Mohammedans who settled down in Ceylon at the very beginning, they were Hashemite Arabs who were expelled from Arabia at the beginning of 8th Century during the tyrannical regime of Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marvan, went south from Euphrates to the southern parts of Konkone Indian Bay to the Island of Ceylon, Malacca and settled down there. The group that came to Ceylon made eight big settlements in the north east and north of the island each in Trincomalee, Jaffna, Manthotam, Mannar, Kuthirai (Horse) Hill, Puttalam, Colombo, Parppar (Barber?) and Puwand de Galle”
The observation of Sir Alexander Johnston is noteworthy.
The fact that Mutur region is one of the places in the east where the initial Muslim settlements took place has to be underlined. It is evident from researches that Kalladiappa Valiullah is an Arab from Mecca and many of his disciples (Murids) had also came with him to that area. It is considered that Kalladiappa may be the great man referred to in the Islamic Encyclopedia as the saint who lived and died in AD 832s.
The appearance of the ziyaram:
Kalladiappa Valiullah’s ziyram should have been identified about 300 or 350 years ago as it has come under the maintenance of many generations.
It is situated in a field where paddy is cultivated. Before the ziyaram was identified, a Tamil man named Deva had cultivated paddy near it. His crop had withered without rain or water and he had to face loss due to the drought. He was indebted badly and he had gone home with the idea of drinking poison and committing suicide and fallen asleep. In his sleep (dream) a saintly man appeared and told him that he was buried there and told him to identify the place. Kalladiappa went away telling Deva that he would meet with a very good crop. As a result Deva identified Kalladiappa’s ziyaram and it rained despite the fact that it was dry season. It is possible to learn from the people who lived at that time that Deva had a very good crop. Deva had maintained the ziyaram until he died.
Later on the ziyram was treasured, preserved and patronized by a lady called. Valliammah. She lit incense sticks and lit lamps at night. It is also said that Kalliappa chaperoned her at night. Later on, Kalladiappa ziyram had been maintained by a Hindu called Oplamani. It has been maintained by him until AD 1985 or 1990. Oplaman’s paddy land was situated near the ziyaram. It was customary for this Hindu son to vow a rooster when sows his field. After the harvest, that bird is slaughtered, a Moulavi is invited and a fathiha is recited at the Kalladiappa ziyaram.
Kalladiappa has been responsible for many miracles (kiramath). Mutur area was a business centre before 1983. Muslim traders who came there on business from other areas visited and paid their respects at the Kalladiappa ziyaram. It is now maintained by Kalladiappa Foundation.
The emergence of Kalladiappa Foundation:
This foundation was created in 1998 to maintain Kalladiappa ziyaram on the request of Mansoor Moulana Kadiriee, Jisty, Nakshapantieee, Rifayee Raliallahu Anhu. As a result, some services have been undertaken amidst numerous difficulties.
The administrative members of this foundation are Moulavi K. M. Naasir, Moulavi A. W., Moulavi A. M. Nihar, A. M. Raisin, A. W. Nihar, A. L. Riyas, S. K. Sajaath, A. L. Jauz, A. S. Nafeek Teacher, A. S. Habeebullah, A. W. Lareef, R. F. Faisal Teacher, Thowfeek and M. Mubeen.
In order to make a temporary hut for Kalladiappa ziyaram, one was built with roof sheets in 1998. It was completely destroyed during the communal riots in 2002.
It is significant that a Kandoori has given in memory of this great saint since 1999. A Kandoori is given at this Dharga in his memory by the members of the foundation every year on 7th of Islamic month of Shawwaal.
Since there are paddy fields around Kalladiappa ziyaram people have to walk on ridges carrying things during the Kandoori There are no buildings or huts to keep things at the ziyaram. There is no well either. The Kandoori is given under lots of difficulties erecting tents during this period.
This article by Mr. Juhais appeared in the Thinakaran of 23-12-2002.
Translation : Mr. Nilam Hamead
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