Masjid Al-Jihad

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Jakarta, the Masjid Al-Jihad stands as a testament to community spirit and resilience. Masjid Al-Jihad’s story began not on hallowed ground, but on land owned by the state, under the watchful eye of the Sunter Authority. In the 1970s, the residents of Warakas faced a growing challenge. Their local Musala Al-Jihad, built on land donated by H Asmaran, could no longer accommodate the growing community. Even Ramadan prayers spilled out into the homes of residents. The need for a larger space, a proper Masjid, became undeniable. In 1975, construction began on state-owned land. This act, however, was met with immediate disapproval from the Sunter Authority. The construction was unauthorized. The community, facing this obstacle, turned to one of their own, Ma’ruf Amin, a member of the Jakarta DPRD (Regional Council). Ma’ruf Amin, understanding the urgency of the situation, intervened on behalf of the Warakas residents. He navigated the bureaucratic channels, engaging with the relevant authorities. His efforts bore fruit. The government, through Mayor Adwinanto, granted 5,000 square meters of land. This grant included provisions for public facilities, such as road widening. The Masjid Al-Jihad rose on this land, a beacon of hope and a symbol of community perseverance. In 1976, the Al-Jihad Foundation was established. This foundation, with Ma’ruf Amin at its helm, managed the granted land and oversaw the development of the mosque. The Masjid Al-Jihad became more than just a place of worship. The Al-Jihad Foundation expanded its reach. It ventured into education, establishing schools ranging from kindergarten to high school. However, a shadow fell upon the foundation in the aftermath of the Tanjung Priok riots in 1984. The foundation was wrongly linked to the Komando Jihad movement. This accusation threatened to derail the foundation’s work, particularly the planned establishment of the Salahuddin Al-Ayubi Islamic College (STAISA). Ma’ruf Amin, ever the community leader, acted swiftly to dispel these damaging rumors. He contacted Major General Tri Sutrisno, Commander of the V Jaya Military Command, and invited him to inaugurate STAISA. The general’s presence effectively quashed the rumors, and STAISA flourished. It has since graduated over 17,000 scholars. The foundation, now renamed the Al-Jihad Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Foundation, stands as a monument to the power of community, resilience, and the vision of a leader who championed the needs of his people. The Masjid Al-Jihad, born from a challenge, stands tall, serving not just as a house of prayer, but as a center of learning and community growth in the heart of Jakarta.