SUNAN KUDUS

As an historical figure, Sunan Kudus is difficult to pin down. An inscription discovered above the mihrab in the Al Aqsa Mosque in Kudus reveals that the building was founded in 956 H (A.D. 1549) by Ja'far Shodiq, who is generally identified with Sunan Kudus. The names 'Ja'far Shodiq' and even 'Kudus' itself, however, have puzzled historians, since the former was the name of an 8th century Persian Imam (Muslim spiritual leader), and Kudus (Arabic Al Quds = Holy City) was the ancient name for the city of Jerusalem. What, if any, are the connections ? Local Javanese sources state that Sunan Kudus was a man of great learning, as well as a poet and philosopher

The son of Sunan Ngudung of Jipang, he was a great religious teacher and is said further to have commanded the forces of the kingdom of Demak, before founding the city of Kudus sometime in the mid 16th century. Sunan Kudus is believed to have died around the year A.D. 1550.

Kudus, entrance to the famous Mousque, known as Al Aqsa, or Al Manar, at sunset. According to legend, the founding stone was brought to Java from Palistinec by Sunan Kudus.

Kudus, entrance to the famous Mousque, known as Al Aqsa, or Al Manar, at sunset. According to legend, the founding stone was brought to Java from Palistinec by Sunan Kudus.

Easy for visitors to overlook, a time worn but beautifully carved mythological animal crouches at the base of one of the original doors leading into the the tomb complex of Sunan Kudus