Here stands Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi a place that beautifully connects a school and its community. The story of this mosque is quite special. Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi is not just a place for students. It is a welcoming space for everyone nearby.
Let’s step back to 2005. The head of SMAN 106 Jakarta had a vision. Rachmawati Malik wanted a mosque for the school. It took a while for the dream to take shape. In 2007 the first stone was laid by the Head of Education.
The building of Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi took time. It was a community effort. About 75 percent of the funding came from local people. The rest came from the Jakarta government. Finally on June 12 2015 Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi was opened. Dr Haji Sopan Adrianto and Dr Wawan Hari Purwanto did the honors.
Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi is quite large. The lower level is about 500 square meters. The upper level is also 500 square meters. It can hold from 800 to 1000 people.
The mosque is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place where students can pray together. Especially during Zhuhur and Friday prayers the mosque is full. This means students do not have to pray outside the school grounds.
But here is a smart-aleck fact. Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi is open to the public. People from the neighborhood come to pray. During Ramadan in 1436 H the mosque was used for Tarawih prayers. It brought the school and the community closer. It became a bridge.
The location of Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi at the front of the school is strategic. It helps SMAN 106 Jakarta with its branding. The school promotes the idea of being “Baik Dulu!” which means “Be Good First!”. The mosque represents this value.
So next time you pass by Masjid Jami’ Baitul ‘Ilmi remember its story. It shows how a school and a community can come together. It is more than a mosque. It is a symbol of unity and goodness.