Lombok is dotted with historically significant tombs that give a colourful insight into the island’s conversion to Islam and whose mystical values draw crowds every day.People from Lombok’s indigenous Sasak communities visit the tombs to make vows and receive blessings. Many people pray for their children to develop into good adults.
While the sacred shrine at Batu Layar and the Loang Baloq (crocodile hole) in Mataram are well-known religious sites, almost every large village on Lombok has a grave of historical significance.
A visit to the Batu Riti tomb in the Gunungsari district of West Lombok, about 15km north of Mataram, reveals the grave of a famous and respected religious teacher who helped introduce Islam to Lombok about 200 years ago.
On special days such as those in the pilgrimage season and the season of ritual circumcision, the tomb attracts visitors from throughout Lombok and beyond. Visitors pray for whatever is important to them, but historically prayers were given to keep crops free of disease.
Mambalan village community leader Raden Mohammad Rais said the tomb belonged to Muslim leader Ahmad bin Ahmad, who later was given the name of Lalu Gede, which means great man.
Local people first found the strange newcomer near the centre of their river. The non-Muslim villagers allowed the pilgrim to make a customary small hut and stay in the area. Although Gede lived alone, the sounds of many people came from the hut every night.
On the first night of the pilgrim’s death, villagers saw an unusual light coming from the top of a small hill. This gave them the initiative to place his grave in the direction of the light. Locals say that although the hut is located well below the nearby river, it has never once become waterlogged.
Of tremendous spiritual significance is the tomb of old-time Muslim leader Wali Nyaotok, who played an important role in spreading Islam on Lombok. The tomb of this “guardian” of Islam is about 50km from Mataram in Rembitan village in the Pujut district of Central Lombok.
Many visitors to the tomb ask for salvation or to be healed of disease. “If our prayers are sincere, then they must be granted,” said villager Gunanwan, 40. “Believe it or not, many prayers at this place have been answered.”
Word of mouth has spread reports of healing after visits to this tomb and today it attracts many Muslims from Java. On any Wednesday there are more visitors than on other days, as it is said that Wali Nyatok offered his blessings to the people on Wednesdays.
Today, water at the sacred tomb is used to traditionally solve village problems such as small crimes. In the event of a robbery, a suspect will immediately be taken to the tomb and, in front of onlookers, be required to swear his innocence and drink ground water found at the tomb.
The people believe that a thief will be unwilling to drink the water as legend tells that a guilty person who agrees to drink will suffer unexpected misfortune. “If he is guilty and dares to drink, he will suffer from malignant diseases and other dangers,” said Gunawan.
Only 10km from Mataram, near a beautiful beach and Mount Pengsong with its playful monkeys, is a sacred tomb at Kuranji village in the Kuranji district of West Lombok.
This sacred tomb also is dedicated to a highly knowledgeable religious leader who came to Lombok to spread Islam. The Kuranji grave attracts Muslims seeking blessings and salvation.
source:enchanting-lomboksumbawa.com
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