East Java is well know as one os Indonesia's
'Cradles os Islam', from where the religion was spread across the island by an
organized group of spiritual teachers called the Wali Songo. Remains from this
important historical period are still clearly visible today, particulary in
east Java, where no less than five of the original nine walis are
buried.
Among the steadily increasing numbers of
foreign visitors to the Province of East Java are those coming from A.S.E.A.N.
countries, many of whom are intending to visit the tombs of the 'Nine Walis of
Islam', which for East Java are an important cultural resource.
The people of Indonesia have always held
their religions leaders in the highest esteem and have, as a result, taken
great care to preserve and maintain the heritage of the Wali Songo for benefit
of all. . I therefore welcome this book, which has been published in order to
fill a growing demand for information about the Wali Songo, especially from
A.S.E.A.N. countries and those from the Muslim community who wish to come and
pay their respect to some of the original bearers of their faith.
WALI SONGO PILGRIMAGE, although a
modest publication, would not have been possible without help from various
groups and individuals directly connected with the historical sites, and
particulary the Editorial Team, to whom I extend my sincere appreciation.
