Whoever sentences someone to death because of faith and conviction will hear the laugh of a severed head. It is said this is what happened when, before the gathered revered Muslim wali and palace nobles, Sunan Kudus decapitated a sage considered a heretic, one Friday in the 15th century, in the square of the mosque following prayers.

That person was called Jenar. His full name was Syekh Siti Jenar—a name forever legend to the Javanese.