Did you know that “Baitul Khoir” means “the best place”? That is the meaning behind Masjid Jami’ Baitul Khair. Today, let’s explore this mosque. It stands on Jl.Pengadegan Timur Raya in South Jakarta.
Masjid Jami’ Baitul Khair started small. In 1960, it was a simple Musholla. Then, in 1990, it grew into the mosque we see today.
The mosque has a green theme. Light green Islamic star patterns decorate the exterior. The artificial windows have curved tops and are painted in a style reminiscent of the Nabawi Mosque. Masjid Jami’ Baitul Khair features a Middle Eastern design. You can see it in its domes and minaret. The main dome rises from the building’s center. Two smaller domes sit on the front roof, flanking the structure. All three domes are painted in shades of green, patterned with ketupat motifs.
A minaret stands slightly apart from the mosque. It is about 15 meters tall. The minaret features water-flow ornaments. Stained-glass windows add to its beauty.
Masjid Jami’ Baitul Khair has two floors. The main prayer hall is on the first floor. It covers about 200 square meters. The second floor, a mezzanine, provides prayer space for women. It also measures 200 square meters. The mosque can hold around 800 people. The terraces on both floors add space for another 400 worshipers.
Inside, the mihrab is a box-shaped niche with a curved top. The top mirrors the dome’s shape. It is 2 meters wide, 6 meters high, and 2 meters deep. Ornaments of Islamic stars and flowers in light green adorn the mihrab’s edges. Gold paint highlights the edges. A prayer rug for the imam and a mimbar are inside. The wooden mimbar is an open design. It looks like a miniature mosque. The top front is decorated with the Shahada. Crystal lamps add to the mihrab’s beauty.
Red ceramic tiles cover the altar wall. Above, stainless steel ornaments display the words Allah on the right and Prophet Muhammad on the left.
A T-shaped void in the front center gives a view of the dome’s inner curve. The curve is 6 meters in diameter. A blue sky with clouds is painted there. An ethnic-style, three-tiered lamp hangs from the center. It has 18 lights in a 3-6-9 configuration. The dome’s base has 26 windows. They are decorated with alternating calligraphy of Allah and Prophet Muhammad SAW. Verses from the Quran are written in white against a green background at the dome’s bottom.
Eight glass-paneled windows and sliding doors line the room’s sides. To combat Jakarta’s heat, the mosque has seven split AC units. Eight ceiling fans and two high-powered wall fans provide further cooling.
Masjid Jami’ Baitul Khair is more than just a building. It’s a place of community. It’s a testament to faith and artistic expression.