Deer Park: Sayed Abdul Haq
Another area which seemed to have provided accommodation for runaway slaves is the nature reserve area at the foot of Table Mountain, today called Deer Park. The forest itself would have provided a convenient hiding place. There at least five graves of Auliyah along the mountain stream running through the park. Oral sources give their names as: Sayed Abdul Haq al-Qadri, Sayed Jabaar, Sayed Muhammad Haq al-Qadri, Sayed Muhammad and Sayed Mohammad Illahie.Oral history relates that the grave of Sayed Abdul Haq was discovered by a lady who used to do her washing at the mountain stream. She regularly saw a person performing his prayers at this site. Where he came from and other details of his history are unknown. All that is known about him is that he was a member of the Qadriah Tariqa.
The shrine is situated in a mountain ravine, adjacent to a fast flowing mountain stream. To reach it from the Deer Park side the stream has to be crossed. Leading from the stream is a pathway, neatly laid out with mountain stones which in turn leads to five red painted steps. These steps lead to a platform in the centre of which the grave is situated. The grave is surrounded by an ornate steel rail.
The roofless shrine presents a magnificent scene. At the end of the pathway, just to the right of the shrine, looking like a sentinel, stands a beautiful palmtree. On your left the rugged face of Table Mountain gives the appearance of a protective wall. The atmosphere engulfs visitors in a feeling of intense piety.
This is possibly all we will ever know of Sayed Abdul Haq. The title 'Sayed', on the name plate at the grave suggests that he might have been a descendent of the family of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). But be that as it may, the followers of Sayed Abdul Haq have a revered respect for their spiritual guide. this is clearly evident from the impeccable condition of the shrine and its surroundings.