“Imagine, if you will, a journey through time”. This is Masjid Al Alim. Many call it Masjid Si Pitung. But Bang Pitung did not found it. Let me tell you more about this unique place.
Masjid Al Alim is one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. Some say Fatahillah and his troops built it in 1527. They built it in a day after defeating the Portuguese. They were in Sunda Kelapa now Jakarta. Others say the Wali Songo built it in 1640. These were nine saints. Haji Sambo Ishak says this. He is a respected elder. Regardless, Masjid Al Alim has great meaning. It enriches the religious lives of Muslims.
The journey to Masjid Al Alim is interesting. You might travel through narrow streets. Large container trucks surround you. This is because it is near Jakarta Utara’s container area. You will soon see a brownish stilt house. This is not Masjid Si Pitung. It is believed to be Si Pitung’s house. Masjid Al Alim is about 300 meters away. You will walk along a swamp. You’ll pass schools and houses. Then you will reach one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques.
Masjid Al Alim is small. The main building is on the east side. The ablution area is on the south side. Tombs of mosque officials are next to the main building. The mosque feels simple. It feels cool and comfortable. The ceiling is only about 2 meters high. Yet, it does not feel cramped. Four round pillars support the joglo-shaped roof. Like other mosques it has a mimbar and mihrab. A jade stone tasbih sits in front of the mihrab. The mihrab has calligraphy. Inside, there is a snake-like staff. Haji Sambo says they only use it for Friday sermons. There is also a pendopo in the mosque area. People use it for prayers.
Why is it called Masjid Si Pitung? Haji Sambo says Si Pitung hid here. He was running from the Dutch. People believe this mosque has special qualities. There is a well beside the mosque. Many believe its water can heal. Despite its size, many people visit. They come from different areas to pray. This is especially true on Fridays and Friday nights. During Friday prayers, the mosque overflows. Some people pray next to the ablution area and toilets. On Friday nights, many come for istiqosah. They pray together.
Masjid Al Alim is over 400 years old. It still has a strong appeal. If preserved, it could be a religious tourism destination. The government and community must care for this historic mosque. Masjid Al Alim stands as a testament to Jakarta’s rich history. Its unique architecture and stories draw visitors. It is more than just a building. It is a living piece of history. A place of worship, a sanctuary, and a reminder of Jakarta’s past. Cherish it.