Have you ever wondered about the roots of Islam in a city known as Kota Santri? Let’s step back in time and explore the story of Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin. This mosque stands as a testament to the early Islamic influence in Kaliwungu.
Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin’s origins are shrouded in some mystery. Authentic manuscripts detailing its founding year are missing. Locals believe it was established in the 17th century. This belief stems from the lineage of the mosque and the tomb of Kiai Guru Asari.
Kiai Guru Asari was the founder of Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin. His tomb lies near the mosque. People from Kendal and other cities still revere and visit it. Kiai Guru Asari was the son of Kiai Ismail from Yogyakarta. He was also a descendant of Maulana Malik Ibrahim.
Strategically located at a major intersection, Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin has seen many changes. It sits where the main Jakarta-Semarang route meets the road to local villages. The mosque has undergone several renovations. Kiai Farchan a descendant of Kiai Guru Asari said the original form of the mosque has changed. Early repairs were not well documented.
Only four major renovations are known. Kiai Muhammad replaced the alang-alang roof with zinc in the early 20th century. Later Kiai Abdullah replaced the zinc roof with tiles. In 1922 Kiai Abdul Rosyid expanded the building. Kiai Hisyam Naib enlarged it further in 1955 to accommodate the growing congregation.
The arrival of Kiai Guru Asari and the mosque transformed Kaliwungu. What began as a simple surau or langgar sparked significant change. Centuries later Kaliwungu became a thriving hub of Islamic boarding schools. It earned the nickname Kota Santri. Today numerous pesantren dot the area. These schools host students from across the archipelago.
One of the most interesting traditions connected to Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin is the Upacara Syawalan. This event takes place from the 7th to the 14th of Syawal every year. It commemorates the death of Kiai Guru Asari. Today the Upacara Syawalan is a week-long or sometimes even a half-month-long night market. It takes place in the square in front of the Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin.
Many older Muslims in Central Java feel incomplete if they miss this event. The Syawalan is essentially a pilgrimage to Kiai Guru Asari’s tomb. Visitors honor him as a champion of Islam in Kaliwungu. Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqin stands as a symbol of Islamic heritage. It is a beacon of faith. It is also a place of community and remembrance.