PENANG, THE HAJJ, AND THE ROLE OF HAJJ SYEIKHS, 1786–1977

Abstract

The history of Penang is often highlighted from the perspective of its development and contribution as a port or centre for trading that involves international trading networks, specifically with India and China. However, these discussions have overlooked the island’s role and contribution as the embarkation port for pilgrims from Malaya and the Malay Archipelago when sea travel was the primary mode of transportation to Makkah. Penang’s role as the embarkation point for hajj pilgrims could have taken place before Francis Light became the Superintendent of the Prince of Wales Island in 1786, while the existence of the Light Letters proved that besides trade, hajj activities had become an important aspect that linked Penang with people from other regions. Light’s good relations with the Malay rulers were a fundamental factor in sending prospective pilgrims to Makkah by sea on British trading ships. Hajj activities became more organised in the nineteenth century with the presence of more viable modes of transport and the management of hajj pilgrims under the supervision of representatives appointed by specific shipping companies. The emergence of pilgrim brokers, popularly known as hajj syeikhs among local residents in the twentieth century, further established Penang as the departure point for hajj pilgrims. This study focuses on the management of hajj pilgrims and the roles of hajj syeikhs in relation to the services they offered. Also raised are issues arising from the provision of services to pilgrims throughout the period when Penang became the point for departure and pilgrims embarking on their journey to Makkah.