Remember that year, 1901? That’s when the story of Masjid Jamiatul Khair began. This wasn’t just the start of a building. It was the beginning of an organization. It aimed to uplift the Arab community in the Dutch East Indies.
Several leaders agreed to improve social conditions. They envisioned a modern Muslim education. This was their response to Dutch policies. Habib Uthman ibn Abdullah ibn Yahya supported this. He encouraged Muslims to establish religious institutions. This countered Christianization through public schools.
Masjid Jamiatul Khair started as Al-Jam’iyyatoul Khairiyah. It means “The Association of Goodness.” The first location was at Raudah Mosque on Pekojan Road II. This was seven years before Budi Utomo.
In 1903, a petition was submitted to the government. It requested official permission for the organization. The goals were clear. They wanted to assist Arabs in grief or loss. They also wanted to assist with funerals or weddings. Ahmad Basandiet was the chairman. Muhammad bin Abdullah Shahab was the vice chairman. Muhammad al-Fakhir bin Abdurrahman al-Mashhoor was the secretary. Idrus bin Ahmad Shahab was the treasurer.
The Dutch government hesitated. They suspected social movements. They restricted areas for Arabs and their descendants. In Batavia, gatherings were limited to Pekojan.
Finally, in 1905, permission arrived. Muhammad bin Abdurrahman al-Mash-hoor clarified the association’s purpose. On June 17, 1905, it was official. The Governor General authorized Jamiat Kheir. Branches outside Batavia were forbidden.
Jamiat Kheir became a hub. It was a place for Alawiyyin, non-Sayyid, and Ajami aspirations. The government’s license came with conditions. Instructors needed permission to teach. They feared resurgence among indigenous people.
Soon, Jamiat Kheir opened a madrasa. It offered free education. The curriculum mixed religious studies with general subjects. Anti-colonialism was clear. Non-religious subjects were taught in English, not Dutch.
The organization’s purpose was assistance. It helped Arabs in and around Batavia. It eased grief and loss. It aided with weddings. The first management team included Said bin Ahmad Basandiet. He served as chairman. Muhammad bin Abdullah Shahab was the Vice Chairman. Muhammad al-Fakhir bin Abdurrahman al-Mashhoor was the Secretary. Idrus bin Ahmad Shahab served as Treasurer.
In 1906, the first general meeting took place. New management was elected. Idrus bin Abdullah al-Mashhoor became chairman. Salim bin Awad Balweel was vice chairman. Muhammad al-Fakhir bin Abdurrahman al-Mashhoor stayed secretary. Idrus bin Ahmad Shahab remained treasurer. They amended the Article. They set up schools for all Muslims. The government approved. Jamiat Kheir had no political purposes. It posed no threat.
Abdullah bin Alwi Alatas supported the organization. He was the leader of the Pan-Islamic movement. In 1907, Hajj Muhammad Mansyur started teaching. He spoke Malay and knew Islamic sciences. He advocated for Indonesian independence. He called for unity. He was also an expert in astronomy.
Today, Masjid Jamiatul Khair stands as a testament. It shows dedication to community and education. It represents a rich history. This history involves social change and Islamic scholarship. It continues to inspire. It fosters goodness in Jakarta and beyond.