Miracles in Giri

(Sequel article of "A Pilgrimage with Ahmed")


After praying and bestowing his respect in front of the shrine of Sunan Maulana, they are headed for the shrine of Sunan Giri, not far from the visited one.

"There was a miraculous story behind this man."

"Oh, really? Fill me in, Ahmed!" Kendrick enthused.

"He was born in a royal family from a consecrated Moslem man who finally tied the knot with a princess whom he cured. Just like the modern world, there wasn't much different then when you are talking about power and politics of the past. The influence of the Moslem man became larger causing the second man for the king felt his position in threat. He conspired to get rid of him. At that time, the princess had already been in seven-month pregnancy. Feeling insecure, the second man arranged for the baby to be thrown to the sea soon after his birth. The princess was devastated. She decided to start roving. Since then, no body had ever heard about her anymore."

"Such a sad story."

"Yeah. That's life, isn't it?" Ahmed commented in gloomy tone.

"So, the baby is Sunan Giri?"

"Giri was the name of the place. His real name was Raden Paku. Well, you know, Raden was a title for Javanese nobility."

"Oh, I see." Kendrick nodded. "What happen after he was drifted along the ocean?"

"He was magically saved by a merchant's boat which belonged to the conspirator's wife."

"The second man to the king? It's very ironic as he was the one who tried to put the Raden in exile at the first place."

Ahmed smiled approvingly. "Indeed, but then, the man had died."

"Oh, yeah?" Kendrick raised one of his eyebrows.

"Yup, back to his wife. She took and raised the child until he grew up. He performed many magical occurrences which made people stunned."

"What kind of magic did he do?" Kendrick's emotion was elated by the story.

"Well, like one day, he led his mother's merchant-boat trade in another island. Instead of having the commodities traded, he gave them to the poor. On his way home, to balance the weight of his boat, he instructed his men to load the boat with sands and stones."

"I can imagine he will face the music from his mother," Kendrick grinned.

"Well, yes and no. It was just this close," Ahmed pulled his thumb and forefinger together to make a signal and then continued. "She learnt that the sands and stones had turned into the merchandise she needed."

"It's another miracle."

"Yes. He displayed many in his life."

Kendrick mulled over the story. I've been searching for God all my life but I have never experienced any spectacular miracle. Does it mean that I am not as good as others?

God, I'm trying to understand You better. I've learnt that my small brain can't take the grandness of Your wisdom but stillà.

He recalled his life. Well, it's not like that I desperately need one. I've never had trapped in a great danger. My life is quite simple.

"Have you ever experienced a miracle, Ahmed?"

"Every single day, my friend." He gazed tenderly at him.

"Every day?"

"Yes, my life is a miracle. The happiness inside my heart, my serenity, my family, they are all my miracles."

"I mean despite your regular life. Have you ever encountered one?" Kendrick persisted on the subject.

"I feel closer to God everyday but hey, I can't fly if that what you are asking about." Ahmed laughed.

"Of course not.." Kendrick felt himself blushing.


Kendrick accompanied his friend praying in the grave and then, they drove again.

"Are you okay with this trip or shall we find a place to rest for a while?"

"I'm okay, Ahmed. I've had enough rest before. I'll follow your routine. Don't worry!"

"Hamdan," he called the aide. "Are you still okay to continue?"

"Yes, sir. I'm all right. Do you want to go right away?"

"Yes, please. Let's pay a visit to Sunan Drajat's grave."



Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com


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