Sheikh Haji: Satu Penelitian Terhadap Isu dan Cabaran Semasa Penggunaan Kapal Laut sehingga Penubuhan Muassasah

Abstract

Makalah ini mengetengahkan perbincangan tentang sistem yang telah sekian lama bertapak dalam institusi haji, iaitu Sheikh Haji sehingga disifatkan ‘as old as the haj itself’. Sheikh Haji telah menjadi sebahagian daripada sub-budaya dan tradisi berhaji masyarakat Muslim, khususnya orang Melayu. Artikel ini bertujuan meneliti isu serta cabaran yang dihadapi oleh Sheikh Haji sepanjang berlangsungnya era kapal laut sehinggalah kepada penubuhan Muassasah dengan menggunakan pendekatan metodologi sejarah yang bersifat kualitatif deskriptif dan analitikal. Kajian ini menggunakan sumber primer seperti Ordinance of the Straits Settlements (S.S)-1906-1907, fail Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri dan Laporan Tahunan Haji yang diteliti, ditafsir serta disusun menjadi hujah yang objektif dan disokong oleh sumber sekunder. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa bukan sedikit isu berbangkit berhubung perkhidmatan Sheikh Haji sehingga menimbulkan pelbagai rungutan melibatkan salah laku, pengabaian dan penganiayaan Sheikh Haji terhadap jemaah haji. Pada masa yang sama Sheikh Haji turut berhadapan dengan pelbagai cabaran berbentuk persaingan sesama mereka dan perubahan peraturan dan polisi kerajaan Arab Saudi.

 Kata kunci: Sheikh Haji; jemaah haji Melayu; eksploitasi; laporan tahunan haji; muassasah

Abstract: This paper will focus on hajj brokers, also known as Sheikh Haji. The hajj brokers system had existed for so long that it is said to be ‘as old as the hajj itself’. They had become a part of the hajj sub-culture and tradition for the Muslims, especially Malays. This article aims to analyse the issues and challenges faced by hajj brokers during the sea travel period up until the establishment of Muassasah. The historical methodology is employed in this qualitative descriptive and analytical study. The study uses primary sources such as the Ordinance of the Straits Settlements (S.S)-1906-1907, files from the State Secretary Office and the Annual Hajj Reports. These documents are examined, interpreted, and organised to form objective arguments. The arguments are also supported by secondary sources. The study found that there were various issues related to the hajj brokers’ service, resulting in numerous grievances. The issues include misconduct, neglect, and mistreatment of hajj pilgrims by the hajj brokers. At the same time, the hajj brokers also faced many challenges such as stiff competition among themselves, and changes in the rules and policies of the Saudi government.

Keywords: Hajj brokers; Malay pilgrims; exploitation; Hajj annual reports; muassasah

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