About Hazrath Badsha Peer Shrine
In the midst of the busy market on Victoria Street stands the Brook Street cemetery, one of the most famous and oldest cemeteries in Durban.
Here, in amongst the four different religious denominations of the cemetery (Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Jewish) is the Hazrath Badsha Peer Shrine - a dedication to Hazrat Sheik Ahmed Badsha Peer, a great Sufi saint who is buried here.
Did you know? One of the most celebrated mystics in South Africa, it is believed that Hadrat Badsha Peer's lineage is traceable back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
He arrived in South Africa in 1860, one of first Indian indentured labourers to the country. The 203 Indians who arrived by ship were sent to various parts of Natal. Hadrat Badsha Peer chose the north coast as his destination. Contracts were anything from five to ten years. Those who chose the ten year option were given the choice of either returning to India at the expense of the government, or remaining in South Africa. The sufi saint chose to remain.
The story of how he was recognised as a saint recounts how he began to spend more time in meditation and spiritual exercises under a tree, than ploughing and cultivating his designated labour area. In contradiction to his fellow workers' fear that he would be punished for neglecting duties, at the end of every day his area of land was complete. And yet nobody saw him move.
The British government recognised his spiritual powers and gave Hazrath Badsha Peer an honourable release. Instead of his salary, which they offered him, he asked for passage to Durban where he went straight to the Grey Street Mosque – then a lot smaller than now. He moved into a tin shanty directly behind the mosque and continued to commune with his creator, giving many predictions, none of which were taken seriously as no-one recognised him as a saint.
Only years later when Hadrat Shah Goolam Muhammad Soofie arrived - a great Muslim missionary and saint whom Hazrath Badsha Peer had predicted would come - was he recognised by the missionary who sought out his grave, placed a stone on either side of it, and pronounced him a saint.
Today a shrine stands over the grave. Just beyond the cemetery's walls the constant daily hubbub of the market continues.
Need to Know
WhereHazrath Badsha Peer Shrine, Upper north eastern corner of West Street Cemetery, Durban, 4001, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours
OvernightStay in Durban Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
Attractions near Durban Central
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Durban
Riviera Hotel
The Riviera Hotel is ideally located for access to Durban CBD, right opposite Durban Bay and within walking distance to Durban's South Beach (app...
Suite Monte Carlo
Suite Monte Carlo is air-conditioned and has one spacious bedroom furnished with a Queen-size bed. This room has direct access to the balcony. On...
Mallorca 29
Mallorca 29 is a comfortable duplex holiday apartment situated in Umdloti, in the secure Mallorca complex, just across the road from the beach. W...
The Madam Herself B&B
The Madam Herself B&B offers accommodation in Westville. This is an exquisite "home away from home" guest house situated in the heart Westville, ...
Maison De Plage
Situated in Umdloti, Maison De Plage provides comfortable accommodation for a total of six guests. Here you are near to nearby restaurants and ca...
Carrington Guest House
Located near one of Durban's oldest suburbs, Glenwood, Carrington Guest House offers peace and tranquillity for the business executive or family ...
Edens Cottage
Located a 15 minute drive from the beaches of Durban, Edens Cottage offers accommodation in Westville at Edens Guest House. Here you can enjoy a ...
Wentworth Hotel
Once you have discovered our fantastic service and rooms, you will agree that there really is no better choice of accommodation than the Wentwort...
Beach Retreat Guest House
Beach Retreat Guest House offers accommodation within close proximity of the Arbour Crossing Shopping Centre and is a short drive from KwaMnyandu...
Things to do in the area
Absorb & Acquire African Art
After a working day pushing tankers around Durban's harbour, tubby little tugboats rest at the bluff listening to live African jazz, rock or Regg...
Big Swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium
For the ultimate ride of your life the 'Big Rush Big Swing' at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is a must. This is the world's only stadium swing and th...
Cato Manor Heritage Centre
Photographs, documents, artwork and oral histories at this unique and interactive museum capture the life and times of the area and its inhabitan...
Durban Cultural and Documentation Centre
Visit the Durban Cultural and Documentation Centre - This centre, on the corner of Epsom Road and Derby Street documents the fascinating history ...
Francis Farewell Square
This historic square in the middle of Durban is the spot where the city originated as a tiny settlement of itinerant traders and hunters in the e...
Have a curry - Durban style!
The Britannia Hotel in Durban has been around since 1879 and now enjoys the status of a listed building, adding to Durban’s colonial charm.The ho...
Old Court House Museum
Durban's Old Court House Museum pays delightful homage to the heritage of Durban. This city is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal Province and home to ...
Play Miniature Golf
A novelty version of golf on a mini outdoor golf course this activity is a fun novelty for all the mini and maxi family members. At 19th Hole Put...
Shark Patrol Boat Adventure
'Ssssshhhh don't wake the fish!’ You'll be excused for thinking that you are the only life force raised as you ascend before the sun and head for...
Accommodation convenient to Hazrath Badsha Peer Shrine
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Durban Accommodation