ya Allah… strengthen the bond of love between us... fill this longing with Your mercy... You are the One who placed love between our hearts, so increase that love, so that we may love each other for Your sake, and so that our obedience to You may also grow...
may Allah ease all matters for my father‑in‑law, and may the abundant mercy and pleasure of Allah always accompany him...
Mr Hassan Sobir was a distinguished Maldivian statesman and policymaker who played a transformative role in shaping the country’s modern tourism industry... serving as the Minister of Tourism from 1998 to 2004, he oversaw a pivotal era of expansion that strengthened the Maldives’ global reputation as a premier luxury destination... his tenure is especially remembered for introducing the iconic national tourism slogan “The Sunny Side of Life,” a branding milestone that continues to define Maldivian tourism identity today... beyond his tourism portfolio, Sobir’s career spanned more than three decades across national planning, fisheries, agriculture, and diplomacy - earning him recognition as one of the country’s most influential public servants... today, he was invited as part of the FBTA Expert Series to share his experience in a session titled “Development of Tourism in Maldives.”
ya Allah! forgive Syed Faozi Barakbah and Syed Kamal Khalid Al Yahya sins and have mercy on them as they have shown mercy to us since we were small... ya Allah, grant them health, well‑being, and a long life in obedience to You.... ya Allah, bless their lives and their deeds, and grant us the ability to honour and serve them... ya Allah, place joy and tranquility in their hearts...
Palembang City, the capital of South Sumatra Province, is one of Indonesia’s oldest and most historically significant urban centers... situated along the banks of the Musi river, the city traces its origins to the 7th century as the heart of the powerful Srivijaya maritime empire, a legacy reflected in its cultural diversity and enduring heritage sites... today, Palembang stands as the second‑largest city in Sumatra, with a population exceeding 1.8 million people, and is widely recognized for its iconic Ampera Bridge, vibrant culinary traditions (especially pempek) and its dynamic blend of traditional and modern urban development... as a regional hub for culture, commerce, and tourism, Palembang continues to strengthen its identity through major festivals, museums, and ongoing infrastructure growth that enhances its role within Indonesia’s broader social and economic landscape... thank you to Habib Abdullah bin Mohamad Alkaf (Yebshek) for all the assistance throughout our stay in Palembang from 5 February to 8 February 2017...
visiting Habib Agil bin Abd Kadir bin Umar Baraqbah at 8 Ilir Pasar Kuto... he is a respected Islamic scholar and preacher known for his active da‘wah work in Palembang and across Indonesia and Malaysia... having pursued his early education in Palembang before continuing advanced studies at Pondok Pesantren Darul Tauhid in Malang and later at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen, under the guidance of renowned scholar Habib Umar bin Hafidz, he has become a prominent voice in religious gatherings and community events... In Palembang, he frequently delivers lectures, leads religious programs, and participates in major Islamic commemorations, reflecting his commitment to continuing the prophetic mission and nurturing spiritual growth within the community...
Gubah Duku was built in 1842, located in the 8 Ilir area of Palembang, is one of the city’s most significant historical and religious burial complexes... it is known as the resting place of prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders, including Al-Habib Ahmad bin Syeikh bin Ahmad bin Ali Ben Shahab, who played an important role in the development of Islamic institutions and religious life in Palembang... the site also serves as a key stop in the annual Ziarah Kubro pilgrimage, a major religious tradition that gathers thousands of participants from various regions and even from overseas, reflecting its enduring spiritual importance... this site is also where Al-Habib Hasan bin Muhammad Al-Kaf (Ami Hasan) was laid to rest...
Pondok Pesantren Rubath Al Muhibbien, located in the Sako district of Palembang, stands as a dedicated Islamic educational institution known for its commitment to traditional religious scholarship... established in 2006, the pesantren operates under the auspices of the Rubath Al Muhibbien Foundation and is affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama, reflecting its adherence to Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah principles... the institution provides a structured learning environment grounded in classical Islamic texts while also offering formal education pathways... with its strategic location on Jl. Lebak Murni, the pesantren has grown into an influential center for nurturing students in religious knowledge, moral character, and community engagement... together with Habib Umar Abd Aziz bin Abd Rahman Benshahab...
Gubah Naga Swidak, located in the 14 Ulu area of Palembang, is one of the prominent sacred burial sites frequently visited during the annual Ziarah Kubro pilgrimage... this complex, also known as Pemakaman Aulia dan Habaib Telaga Sewidak, is recognized as a resting place of esteemed scholars and spiritual figures, making it an important destination for religious tourism and communal remembrance... pilgrims usually pass through the historic Alawiyyin Al-Munawar settlement before arriving at the site, underscoring its deep-rooted connection to Palembang’s Arab-Hadrami heritage... as part of the multi‑site pilgrimage route, Gubah Naga Swidak plays a significant role in preserving the spiritual and cultural traditions of the local Muslim community... here lie three renowned Habibs:
Kenduruan is a traditional settlement located within Kampung Baragbah, an area situated along the banks of the Musi river in Palembang... known for its close connection to the riverine environment, the community reflects the historical and cultural identity of the broader Palembang region... the location along Musi river has shaped local livelihoods, settlement patterns, and socio‑cultural practices, making Kenduruan an important representation of the region’s heritage... as one of the many river‑based communities in South Sumatra, it provides valuable insights into the interplay between culture, environment, and daily life in Palembang... we stopped to visit the residence of Habib Haidar bin Taufik Baraqbah there...
Wiltop Hotel Jambi is a centrally located business hotel positioned in the heart of Jambi City, offering direct access to the WTC Batanghari Mall and scenic views of the Batanghari river... known for its strategic location, the hotel provides spacious rooms, modern amenities, and convenient facilities including a restaurant, spa, gym, and free airport shuttle service... with its combination of comfort, accessibility, and panoramic riverfront scenery, Wiltop Hotel Jambi serves as a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers visiting the city... thank you to Habib Helmi bin Mohamad Baraqbah for all the assistance throughout our stay in Tanah Jambi from 3 February to 5 February 2017...
Kota Seberang, located in the Jambi province of Indonesia, is a historic riverside settlement known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Malay influences... situated along the banks of the Batanghari river, the area is home to centuries‑old customs, wooden stilt houses, and a community that preserves its ancestral way of life... as one of the earliest inhabited regions in Jambi, Kota Seberang reflects a unique blend of history, tradition, and local identity, making it an important cultural landmark within the region...
Menara Gentala Arasy is a prominent cultural landmark that reflects the historical and Islamic heritage of the region... standing elegantly along the banks of the Batanghari river, this iconic tower forms part of a larger museum complex that showcases Jambi’s rich traditions and local identity... as both a tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s spiritual significance, Menara Gentala Arasy offers visitors panoramic views, historical exhibits, and a deeper appreciation of the cultural legacy preserved by the communities of Kota Seberang Jambi...
