In the vibrant tapestry of Jakarta, nestled on Jalan Lodan, stands Musholla Al-Mukaromah. This isn’t just any musholla. It’s a place woven with history, a testament to faith and resilience. Musholla Al-Mukaromah translates to “The Honored Musholla,” a fitting name for a place so deeply revered. Its story begins in the 18th century, a time when Jakarta was under Dutch colonial rule. In 1874, a merchant named Sayid Abdul Rachman bin Alwi As-Syafitri had a fateful encounter with Habib Abdullah bin Muhsin Al-Attas in Bogor. Habib Abdullah tasked Sayid Abdul Rachman with a sacred mission: to find two ancient tombs near Kampung Bandan. These tombs belonged to Waliyullah, holy men who had dedicated their lives to spreading Islam in the area. A place then known as a village of enslaved people under the harsh grip of the Dutch. These brave ulama even clashed with the Dutch East India Company (VOC) around 1682.
Sayid Abdul Rachman found the tombs. Habib Abdullah confirmed their significance. Following Habib Abdullah’s advice, Sayid Abdul Rachman bought the land and built a small musholla in 1879 near the two tombs. This musholla became a beacon of Islamic teachings, led by Sayid Abdul Rachman himself. Upon his passing in 1908, his son, Sayid Alwi bin Abdul Rachman bin Alwi As-Syafitri, continued his father’s work. The musholla evolved into a mosque between 1913 and 1917. The Musholla Al-Mukaromah, sometimes locally referred to as “Masjid Keramat Al-Mukaromah,” stands on a sizable plot of land, enclosed by a sturdy iron fence with a main gate to the south. The mosque itself is a modest yet elegant structure, featuring two main entrances, one for men and one for women. The tombs of the two revered Waliyullah were rebuilt within the mosque, alongside a mihrab and a grand serambi.
Musholla Al-Mukaromah draws visitors and pilgrims from far and wide, particularly during the Islamic months of Maulud and Sya’ban, and the days leading up to Ramadan. People come to pay their respects and connect with the mosque’s rich history. The musholla has undergone several renovations throughout the years. In 1956, rooms were added to the back and right side. In 1972, the Jakarta History Museum oversaw renovations. A major restoration in 1978 replaced almost all the building components, but the original architecture was carefully preserved. Musholla Al-Mukaromah stands not merely as a place of worship, but as a symbol of enduring faith, a testament to the dedication of those who built it and kept its spirit alive.