The holy shrine of Sheik Hussein is located in the northeastern part of Bale on the edge of the Wabe Shebele River, 180km from the Bale Mountains National Park headquarters. The shrine of Sheik Hussein is named after a Muslim holy man called Sheik Hussein Bin Malka, who was respected for his religious teaching, high devotion, and miraculous deeds. According to local legends, he was born in the 12th century and lived for 250 years, 70 of which he spent in the shrine. Pilgrims from all over the country come on foot, horseback and by mule from up to 1,000km away to pay homage and to partake in a ceremony organized in memory of their religious leader. The pilgrimage takes place twice a year: in June to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Sheik Hussein and in October to celebrate the birth of the prophet Mohammed. The pilgrimage depends on the lunar calendar, so the exact date varies each year.
The shrine is located at the end of town and is surrounded by whitewashed walls. Tucked behind the shrine is Zemzemdure, a lime green, the algae-covered pond where local people gather holy water to cure ailments. Buried within the shrine are Sheik Hussein’s daughter and son. Jewara, dust from the ground in the burial rooms, is rubbed on foreheads and necks as a blessing. Guides are mandatory and can be found outside the main gate; prices should be agreed upon before entering. Shoes are removed and left outside; long pants and long-sleeved shirts should be worn. Women should wrap shawls around their waists.
After the celebration, some of the pilgrims continue on to the holy cave of Sof-Omar, located 164km from the shrine.