Long ago, Islam streamed into the land of Bale Zone of Oromia State with the coming of two prominent personalities between the 13th and 14th centuries. The two Islamic missionaries were Sof Omer and Sheik Hussein. These two religious figures were of high moral standard.
According to historian Ulrich Braukamper, an ethnologist and devoted historian in Southern Ethiopia, the expansion of Islam to Bale reached a pioneer phase somewhere between the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
Ulrich, in his research, indicated that the construction of the Anajina shrine, called Gamoo in Oromo, surrounded by mosques and the tomb of Sheik Hussein, was aimed at strengthening the expansion of Islam in the region.
The religion is a mixture of Islam and the then local religious practice of Waaqeeffannaa before the coming of the prophets. The regular movement to shrine to perform some ritual ceremony creates similarity with Waaqeeffannaa.
Sheik Hussein, alternatively, Nur Hussein was a benevolent, virtuous, and religious missionary who lived in Bale around 1300 A.D. Nur Hussein, a comrade of Sof Omar, another prominent religious disciple of the same era, is credited for introducing and spreading of Islam in the region. There are conflicting reports about Sheik Hussein’s ancestry including those that claim he was born in Saudi Arabia. Others suggest, his grandfather, Sayyid Abdallah, emigrated from Saudi Arabia in the route of Somalia sometime before the 12th century. According to this account, Nur Hussein, the youngest of Sheik Ibrahim’s three sons, was born and raised in Bale making him a second-generation immigrant.
Hasan Bulbuli, Oromo History Expert, told The Ethiopian Herald that the local people were followers of local religious practice called Waaqeeffannaa before the arrival of the missionaries. However, due to their higher spiritual integrity, the prophets were able to win over multitudes of followers in a due time. They were even performing supernatural encounters that convinced their followers to perceive them as religious teachers.
Hassan said the two personalities are remembered still today. Memorial mosques were erected in Bale in honor of the prophets. They are in the hearts of their admirers until today. A song of praise is sung for their names. In fact, a distinct genre of a hymn called Baaroo, recited both in his honor and as a prayer, has evolved.
The expert explained that Nur Hussein was perceived as a devout Muslim by his admirers that even trees bent when he descended to pray as a sign of respect and honor. Sheik Hussein’s admirers pray to God through him. They consider him a saint of countless miracles who is noted for his love of God. By praying through him, the adherents hope their quest for spiritual renewal, a barren women’s prayer for fertility, and a sinner’s prayer for forgiveness – will be attained promptly.
Nur Hussein’s legacy has left an unmistakable imprint on the lives and spirituality of the Oromo. For generations, it was believed that God has come through those who have made the long and often treacherous journey braving mountains and the desert. Twice a year, pilgrims from far-flung places such as Jimma, Hararghe, Wollo, Illuababor, and even from other countries flock to Dire Sheik Hussein, said Hassan.
Dr. Riyad Mohammed, an anthropologist, for his part, said that Anajina or Dire Sheik Hussein is the shrine known in the local Oromo language several times. The rite of Sheik Hussein was very much a part of the life of the local people. People plead with a family to go on the biannual pilgrimage, Muudaa, to attend the fiveday-long pilgrimage.
Riyad added that the feast the attendants visit local mosques like the Abbaa Guutaa mosque in Cirisa carry out the ritual ceremony or give sheep, lamb or bull to be slaughtered for the feast. The anthropologist further explained that the Anajina shrine is a great historical and spiritual site. It recounts a long history. Sof Omer is another spectacular site in Bale which is serving as a tourist site. The two places tell a lot about the history of Oromo and Islam. The places will stay being historical wonders if necessary care is given to them. Besides, they can a source of wealth.
The Ethiopian herald June 9,2020
BY GETAHUN LEGESSE
