Syed Abdul Rahman Alsagoff

Syed Abdul Rahman Alsagoff (Arabic: سيد عبد الرحمن السقاف Saiyid ʿAbd ar-Raḥman al-saqqāf) was an Arab Singaporean businessman and philanthropist. A spice trader, Alsagoff was a descendant of Muhammad.

Early life

Alsagoff was born in present-day Yemen (previously Hadhramout).[1]

Career

Born in Arabia, Alsagoff arrived in Singapore in 1824, alongside his son.[2] As such, Alsagoff is cited as the "first member of the Alsagoff Family to settle in Singapore".[3] Trading mainly spices, his son later established the Alsagoff Company in 1848.[2] Alsagoff was successful in his career, and "dominated the spice trade in the region".[4] He also promoted the welfare of other people.[5]

Personal life

Alsagoff was Prophet Muhammad's thirty-third direct descendant.[6] His residence in Singapore, described as "unusual", was located along Java Road.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Kip, Lin Lee (1988). The Singapore house, 1819-1942. Times Edition. pp. 160–. ISBN 9789812040237.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Corfield, Justin (2010). Historical Dictionary of Singapore. Scarecrow Press. pp. 20–. ISBN 9780810873872.
  3. Powell, Robert (1994). Living legacy: Singapore's architectural heritage renewed. Singapore Heritage Society. pp. 100–.
  4. Corfield, Justin J. (2006). Encyclopedia of Singapore. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 9780810853478.
  5. White, Daniel et. al (2011). Frommer's Southeast Asia (7 ed.). John Wiley & Sons. pp. 479–. ISBN 9781118087671.
  6. Illustrated Magazine (1992). Singapore: Days of Old. Illustrated Magazine. pp. 56–. ISBN 9789627093190.