Musholla Al-Zikri

What if walls could whisper prayers? Here at Musholla Al-Zikri, they might just do that. Musholla Al-Zikri wasn’t always a bustling place of worship. It began humbly in the Mampang Indah 2 neighborhood of Depok. The area lacked a dedicated space for prayer. So, residents transformed a simple park, once a children’s playground, into Masjid Al-Amru Bittaqwa in 1995. The name honored one of Ustaz Arifin Ilham’s teachers, KH Irfan Amara Bittaqwa. Ustaz Arifin Ilham, then a resident of Mampang Indah 2, spearheaded the mosque’s creation. Initially, he offered traditional sermons and lectures at Masjid Al-Amru Bittaqwa. Then, something extraordinary began. He started leading Zikir gatherings, a form of Islamic devotional practice. At first, only eight people attended these early Saturday morning sessions. Among them were Khotib Kholil, the head of the Mampang Indah 2 residents’ association, and Aminullah Thayyib Nafis, the head of the Al-Amru Bittaqwa Mosque Foundation. From these humble beginnings, the Majelis Az-Zikra movement was born. The Zikir gatherings grew, attracting more and more people seeking spiritual solace and connection. Ustaz Syukur vividly recalls being the MC for the very first Sunday gathering. As the movement gained momentum, other Zikir gatherings sprang up in nearby areas like Pamulang, BSD Tangerang, Cikarang, and Bogor. Ustaz Arifin Ilham dedicated himself to these communities, traveling to each location monthly to lead the Zikir sessions. The growth of Majelis Az-Zikra didn’t stop there. In the 2000s, they organized even larger Zikir events at the grand At-Tin Mosque in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta. Ustaz Arifin Ilham’s unique approach to Zikir resonated deeply with people. He kept the rituals concise and easy to follow. He translated the Arabic verses into Indonesian, ensuring that everyone understood the meaning behind the words. This emphasis on understanding transformed Zikir from a purely oral tradition into a heartfelt practice. His insightful interpretations often moved participants to tears. With the Majelis Az-Zikra firmly established, Ustaz Arifin Ilham embarked on a journey across Indonesia, carrying the message of Zikir and inspiring a nation to connect with their faith. Musholla Al-Zikri stands as a testament to the power of humble beginnings and the transformative impact of dedicated individuals like Ustaz Arifin Ilham. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest spark of faith can ignite a powerful movement, connecting communities and enriching lives through shared spiritual practice.