“Light of Faith”. Does that phrase resonate with you? That’s the meaning of Nurul Iman. Right here, atop Blok M Square, stands Masjid Nurul Iman. It is a beacon of faith in this busy shopping center.
Imagine a mosque not on the ground. Instead, picture it soaring on the 7th floor of a mall. Masjid Nurul Iman is not just uniquely located. It is built like a traditional mosque.
The story of Masjid Nurul Iman began after a fire in 2006. Traders and visitors funded its construction. The goal? To create a proper house of worship.
Astiwar, the head of the mosque, recounted the challenging journey. After the fire, a temporary shelter was built. Later, developers planned a larger complex with a mosque on top.
Negotiations were tough. Initially, authorities hesitated to approve a large mosque. But with the support of Jakarta’s Governor Fauzi Bowo, the project moved forward. Construction finished in 2009.
Masjid Nurul Iman’s architecture evokes the Haram Mosque in Mecca. A miniature Kaaba graces the courtyard. It serves as a training ground for Hajj rituals. The mosque’s design includes small domes and Persian-style details. Carved doors act as air vents.
Inside Masjid Nurul Iman, the prayer hall accommodates 3,000 worshipers. The interior features comfortable carpets and cloud paintings on the dome. A decorative lamp hangs beautifully.
The mosque is divided into male and female sections. The men’s area boasts cloud paintings and lamps. The women’s area features pillars inspired by the Nabawi Mosque in Medina.
Over time, the mosque expanded. As congregations grew, especially during popular studies, the management took over part of the parking area in 2016. The mosque now holds up to 14,000 people.
Masjid Nurul Iman emphasizes Quranic and Hadith-based teachings. The mosque provides facilities like shoe racks and prayer robes. During Ramadan, it offers iftar meals.
Remember to silence your phones here. Avoid grooming inside the prayer area. Respect the sanctity of this unique space. Masjid Nurul Iman is more than a mosque. It is a symbol of faith and community. It stands tall amidst the bustle of Jakarta.