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.