Masjid Al Aula

Could a mosque become a school? In the heart of Jakarta, Masjid Al Aula stands as a testament to this very idea. Masjid Al Aula’s story began not as a place of worship, but as a vision for education. A group of 14 figures from the Masyumi Party, recognizing the need for both spiritual and intellectual growth, founded the Islamic Dormitory School Foundation in 1952. Their initial funds were limited. The mayor of Jakarta, however, donated a generous plot of land in Kebayoran Baru. Under the guidance of the esteemed Buya Hamka, they decided to build the mosque first. It would serve as a temporary space for classes and activities until the school could be constructed. The foundation stone of Masjid Al Aula was laid on November 19, 1953. It took five years to complete construction. The mosque officially opened its doors in 1958, initially known as Masjid Agung Kebayoran. It quickly became the largest mosque in Jakarta at the time. In 1960, a significant event shaped the mosque’s future. Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Mahmud Shaltut, visited Jakarta and suggested renaming the mosque to Masjid Al Aula, or Al-Azhar Great Mosque as it is also known, in honor of the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo. This renaming symbolized a deeper connection to Islamic scholarship and learning. Buya Hamka, a prominent Indonesian scholar and activist, played a crucial role in the mosque’s development. He was appointed as the Chief Imam of Masjid Al Aula. Hamka envisioned the mosque as a center for Islamic revival. He believed that education was key to strengthening the Muslim community in a society facing political and ideological challenges. Masjid Al Aula became a hub for religious and social activities. It also housed Indonesia’s first modern facilities like an Islamic library, lecture halls, and a health clinic. The mosque’s commitment to education continued. In 1967, a kindergarten was established within the complex. Masjid Al Aula’s influence extended beyond its walls. It played a pivotal role in the establishment of Al-Azhar University Indonesia in 2000, fulfilling the founders’ original vision of creating an educational institution. Today, Masjid Al Aula stands as a symbol of faith, education, and community service. It serves as a reminder of the power of vision and the transformative potential of a mosque.