Dirre Sheikh Hussein , Also Known As The Makk’ah of Africa

Dirre Sheikh Hussein, situated in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Region in south-eastern Ethiopia, is a town steeped in rich history, spirituality, and folklore. This town, nestled at a longitude and latitude of 7°45′N 40°42′E and an elevation of 1386 meters above sea level, holds significant cultural and religious importance, primarily attributed to the tomb of the revered thirteenth century Somali saint, Sheikh Hussein from Merca.

Legend has it that Sheikh Hussein introduced Islam to the Sidamo people inhabiting the area at that time, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s religious and cultural landscape. Believed to have founded the Sultanate of Bale, his legacy is interwoven with mystical tales and miraculous deeds, further immortalized in a hagiography titled Rabi’ al-Qulub, published in Cairo during the 1920s.

The religious complex dedicated to Sheikh Hussein encompasses not only the town but also the nearby valley of Kachamsare, adding to the spiritual allure of the region. This complex includes a shrine constructed by Emir Abd al-Shakur ibn Yusuf of Harar in the 18th century, honoring the Baghdadi saint Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. A sacred graveyard forms a part of this complex, resonating with centuries of veneration and reverence.

Moreover, the town and its surroundings are dotted with landmarks that echo the mystical charm of the area. Noteworthy among these are the pond of Dinkiro, boasting “miraculous” water, and the ancient wild fig trees known as kiltu in the Oromo language. The area also houses caves with evocative names like the “cave of serpents” and the “cave of honey,” along with rock formations steeped in local lore.

The religious significance of Dirre Sheikh Hussein is further underscored by the enduring tradition of pilgrimage. Approximately 50,000 devout Muslims from across Ethiopia undertake pilgrimages to this revered site twice a year during the Muslim months of Hajj and Rabi’ al-Awwal, commemorating the birth and death of Sheikh Hussein. Symbolizing their devotion, pilgrims carry small cleft sticks known as “Oulle Sheikh Hussein,” pilgrimage symbols that hold profound spiritual significance.

The deeply spiritual essence of Dirre Sheikh Hussein is palpable in the rituals observed by pilgrims, who, upon reaching the shrine, take turns entering the saint’s tomb by crawling through a small doorway, a poignant display of faith and humility. Such rituals and the palpable sense of spirituality draw pilgrims to this hallowed site, fostering a vibrant tapestry of cultural and religious traditions that have endured through the centuries.

In essence, Dirre Sheikh Hussein stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of Sheikh Hussein and continues to beckon pilgrims and visitors alike, inviting them to partake in the timeless traditions and mystical aura that define this sacred town.