SYEKH YUSUF AL-MAKASSARI AND BEYOND CONTINENTAL SCHOLAR: THE BRIDGE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA AND AFRICA

Abstract

Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari, a prominent 17th-century Islamic scholar from Makassar, Indonesia, played a pivotal role in fostering cultural and intellectual exchange between Southeast Asia and Africa. Exiled to South Africa by the Dutch colonial authorities, he established a significant presence in the Cape Town region, where he disseminated Islamic knowledge and founded a thriving Muslim community. His teachings, rooted in the Sufi tradition, resonated with the local population, contributing to the development of Islam in South Africa. Through his writings and personal influence, Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the Islamic landscape of both regions. His story serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of cultures and the transformative power of individual figures in shaping history.