Masjid Jami At-Ataubah

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Jakarta, Masjid Jami At-Taubah beckons us to explore its rich history. This mosque, nestled in the Rawajati district of South Jakarta, has stood as a testament to community and devotion since 1923. Originally a small prayer room, or *mushola*, Masjid Jami At-Taubah blossomed into a full-fledged mosque due to the growing number of worshippers. The community rallied together, alongside the local village administration and generous donors, to expand the *mushola* into the mosque we see today. Masjid Jami At-Taubah boasts a spacious 1,250 square meters, accommodating up to 1,500 worshippers. It serves not only as a place of prayer but also as a center for learning. Five days a week, the mosque hosts pengajian, or religious study sessions, nurturing the spiritual growth of the community. Under the diligent leadership of Iwan Hamdi, the head of the mosque’s management, Masjid Jami At-Taubah continues to thrive, serving the needs of both worshippers and the local community. But Masjid Jami At-Taubah is more than just a mosque. It holds a special significance as the resting place of a revered Islamic scholar, Habib Ahmad bin Alwi Al Haddad, affectionately known as Habib Kuncung. This adds another layer to the mosque’s appeal, drawing visitors who come not only to pray but also to pay their respects to the esteemed Habib Kuncung. The history of Masjid Jami At-Taubah stretches back even further, to the 18th century. Habib Abdullah Ja’far Al Haddad, Habib Kuncung’s great-grandfather, established the original structure. Initially housing only two tombs, the mosque’s grounds now hold the remains of numerous descendants of the founder, including Habib Kuncung himself. Habib Kuncung, born in 1838 in Tarim, Yemen, traveled extensively throughout his life. He engaged in trade across Southeast Asia and pursued knowledge in various countries, including the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Singapore. He also sought guidance from prominent Islamic scholars in Indonesia, further deepening his spiritual understanding. The name “Kuncung,” meaning “topknot,” stems from Habib Kuncung’s habit of wearing a distinctive conical cap gifted by Bugis nobles. This unique headwear became his trademark, forever linking him to the name. The presence of Habib Kuncung’s tomb at Masjid Jami At-Taubah transforms the mosque into a site of pilgrimage for Muslims in Jakarta and beyond. He is considered a figure of immense spiritual significance, believed to possess extraordinary abilities. One such ability, known as *khoriqul a’dah*, refers to powers beyond ordinary human capacity. This further elevates the reverence for Habib Kuncung, making Masjid Jami At-Taubah a place where devotion and history intertwine.