Sayyid Abubakr bin Shaikh Al-Kaff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sayyid Abubakr bin Shaikh Al-Kaff
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| Born | c. 1890 Singapore, Straits Settlements
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| Died | 1965 (aged 74–75) Seiyun, Protectorate of South Arabia
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| Nationality | Yemeni |
| Known for | Pacifism and philanthropy |
Sayyid Abubakr bin Shaikh Al-Kaff (born around 1890, died 1965) was a kind and generous person from Yemen. He was known for helping people and working for peace. He played a big role in helping a British official, Harold Ingrams, bring peace to an area called Hadhramaut. Sayyid Abubakr was also an important advisor in the Kathiri State of Seiyun, which was part of the Aden Protectorate at the time.
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Early Life and Family Background
Sayyid Abubakr was born in Singapore around 1890. Later, he moved to Hadhramaut, a region in Yemen. His family was a sayyid family from Tarim. This means they were believed to be descendants of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. His family became very rich from buying and selling land, and from trading goods in places like the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and Singapore.
Helping His Community
Sayyid Abubakr used his wealth to help his community. He helped pay for a new road in Hadhramaut. This road connected the inland areas to the coast. Building the road meant that people who used camel trains for transport might lose their jobs. So, Sayyid Abubakr paid these local tribesmen for their lost income.
He also cared deeply about education and health. He made sure that people in Tarim could get free education and medical care. He supported a school and a hospital in the city.
Working for Peace
In 1936, Sayyid Abubakr worked with a British official named Harold Ingrams. They helped to create a three-year peace agreement. This agreement was between two groups, the Qu'aiti and Kathiri tribes, who had been fighting.
Ingrams wrote about Sayyid Abubakr in his book Arabia and the Isles. He said that Sayyid Abubakr was a very special person. Ingrams noted that Sayyid Abubakr's influence came from his strong character. He also mentioned that Sayyid Abubakr was a true friend and ally. He did not support the old ways of fighting between groups.
Honors and Recognition
Sayyid Abubakr's public service was recognized by the British. In 1938, he was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. This was a high honor for his work. Later, in 1953, he received an even higher honor. He was promoted to Knight Commander.
In April 1954, Queen Elizabeth II visited Aden Colony. During her visit, she officially knighted Sayyid Abubakr. This was a very special event, the first and only knighting ceremony in Aden. He was knighted while kneeling on a chair, respecting his Muslim faith.
Sayyid Abubakr passed away in Seiyun in 1965.
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