Sheikh Hussein Pilgrimage

Sheikh Hussein, Ethiopia

Every year, seventy days after the end of Ramadan, there is an important Muslim pilgrimage to the village of Sheikh Hussein.

The village took its name from the holy Sheikh Hussein, born in the twelfth century. According to legend, he lived for over two hundred and fifty years in this area, and was distinguished by his devotion and his miraculous acts. He spent the last seventy years of his earthly life teaching religious tolerance and spiritual unity among peoples. The tomb where his body is buried and also the bodies of two of his followers, has been a pilgrimage destination for thousands of faithful for centuries. More than any other place in Ethiopia, the tomb of Sheikh Hussein represents the union between Islam and animism.

Men, women and children, all followers of Sheik Hussein, face a short but steep descent to go to fill bottles or cans with the water of the pond that is right next to the tomb of the saint, and therefore considered holy water.
Before entering the tomb, the faithful make several turns around and kiss it, as a sign of respect and devotion
Women, as well as little girls, rub their faces with the white lime of Sheikh Hussein's tomb
The inside of the tomb is very low, dusty and completely dark. The faithful enter or back or lie down, as a sign of respect, and inside they turn around the coffin, and then exit without ever turning their backs on the grave.
The line to enter the tomb is always very long, but everyone is waiting for their moment with great tranquility and serenity
Outside the sacral complex, in the main courtyard, the faithful await the beginning of the "Ceremony of offerings", one of the most important moments of the pilgrimage
The Sheik Hussein Village Mosque.
The typical houses of the village blend perfectly with the landscape
During the Salat, Friday prayers. Women sit behind men
The Balla Ballicho, is the typical stick that always carry with them men, to show that they are followers of Sheik Hussein
During the Ceremony of Offerings, a follower makes an offer to Sheik Hussein to thank him
In absolute silence, listening to the words of the Daga
The Daga, who is one of the most important family heads, during his speech to the faithful, all in a low voice, sometimes screaming and singing aloud to incite the audience
During the Ceremony of offers. The atmosphere is always very peaceful and festive
When the Daga speaks of the enemies of the followers of Sheik Hussein, the followers to protect themselves from the curses of the enemies, put their hands on their heads
Encouraged by the words of the Daga, the faithful raise their hands to implore Allah through their holy Sheik Hussein
The woman is completely in tranches. He is getting in touch with Sheik Hussein to get rid of the Zar and Wukabe spirits, both evil spirits
Along the path that leads to the cave where he lived in complete solutidine for several years Sheik Hussein, the followers stop to venerate the tree where the Saint stopped to rest
The cave where Sheik Hussein lived in complete solitude, is the goal of a continuous pilgrimage
To reach the cave, the followers must face a dangerous and slippery rocky path
Inside the cave there is a tunnel with three very narrow exits. Who manages to get out of the smallest he proves to be pure soul
At the rhythm of drums, with wild dances and songs, the Kalliccia, who is the spiritual mediator, reaches Kerama, the gift to foresee and read the future