Feel the serenity. This is the Al-Azhar Great Mosque. A majestic structure it stands before you.
Imagine its construction. Fourteen individuals from the Masyumi Party envisioned a mosque and school in Kebayoran Baru. Their dream began in 1952. The Ministry of Religious Affairs provided initial funding. Jakarta’s mayor donated four hectares of land. Hamka a prominent ulama and political activist advised building the mosque first. He suggested including ample office and meeting space. This would allow for activities even before the school’s completion.
Construction commenced on November 19 1953. The mosque was completed in 1958. It was initially called Masjid Agung Kebayoran Baru. It held the title of Jakarta’s largest mosque. This remained until the Istiqlal Mosque’s completion in 1978.
A significant turning point arrived in 1960. Grand Imam Mahmud Shaltut of Al-Azhar visited Jakarta. He proposed renaming the mosque Al-Azhar Great Mosque. This honored the prestigious institution in Egypt. Hamka was appointed its Chief Imam. For Hamka this role symbolized his commitment to Islam’s revival in Indonesia. He believed knowledge was key to its survival amidst potential communist influence. The Al-Azhar Great Mosque became a center for Islamic learning and the propagation of faith. During the 1965-1966 crisis the mosque became a focal point for anti-communist sentiment among Muslims.
The mosque’s design is striking. Its white onion dome reflects Middle Eastern mosque architecture. The architecture cleverly blends elements of the Hij Mosque in Saudi Arabia and the Qibtiyah Mosque in Egypt. The dome showcases calligraphy featuring the word Allah and the 99 Asmaul Husna. The single minaret points towards the sky. The white exterior represents purity and majesty. The tiered main staircase adds a touch of elegance.
The Al-Azhar Great Mosque was more than a place of worship. It was a hub for social activities and da’wah. It was among Indonesia’s first modern mosques. It included modern facilities. A library lecture hall health clinic classrooms and dormitories were all part of the complex. A kindergarten was added in 1967. The complex eventually led to the establishment of Al-Azhar University Indonesia in 2000. The mosque became a Jakarta heritage site and national cultural heritage site in 1993.
The Al-Azhar Great Mosque. A testament to faith community and enduring legacy. It continues to serve as a beacon of Islamic learning and social engagement. This mosque serves as a spiritual center a symbol of resilience and a pillar of Indonesian society.