“What whispers rise from this sacred ground?” I ask gesturing towards Masjid Jami Al Huda. It stands as a testament to faith community and perseverance.
Masjid Jami Al Huda’s story begins not as a grand structure but from humble origins. Its roots trace back to the fervor of Muhammadiyah’s missionary work in the 1950s. This area was Kampung Pulo. The Masjid Jami Al Huda’s history cannot be separated from the dedication of Muhammadiyah’s first generation. These figures worked tirelessly. They pooled their resources to establish the organization.
Initially it was a langgar a small prayer house. It belonged to Pak Tua Naen. Later generations knew it as Langgar Pak Tua Kiran. Kiran had married Isnaen’s daughter Siyem. Kiran became the langgar’s imam. The prayer house was then known as “Langgar Pak Tua Kiran.”
In 1949 the langgar became a mosque named Masjid Al-Barkah. Sayyid Muhammad Ti’ih and Muhammad Mansyur oversaw this transformation. This mosque still stands south of Kampung Pulo.
Al-Barkah witnessed the struggles of early Muhammadiyah members. They carried sand from the Ciliwung River on their backs. They transported it to build Al-Barkah. Every Friday morning they would carry loads nearly 16 kilometers round trip. They mixed Ciliwung sand stone and lime with their sweat. They built the foundation floor and walls of Al-Barkah.
Muhammad Mansyur and M. Ma’ruf played important roles at Al Barkah. Both were key figures in the Muhammadiyah community. They served as members of the khatib council. They alternated with Ti’ih and Najeh from the Ahlussunnah group.
M. Ma’ruf had a strong connection to Al Barkah as Isnaen’s grandson. When the Muhammadiyah community had to leave Al Barkah he felt conflicted. He suppressed his feelings to maintain family ties especially with Al Barkah members not affiliated with Muhammadiyah.
Al Barkah initially housed both Kaum Tua and Muhammadiyah congregations. Ahlussunnah or Kaum Tua was a term used to denote a rivalry with Muhammadiyah. Muhammadiyah was called “Wahabi” by them. For some time both groups remained united. They shared the same imam and khatib for Friday prayers. However disagreements arose. Some performed qobliyah before Friday prayers while others remained seated. These differences eventually led to an irreparable divide.
Eventually the Muhammadiyah congregation was forced to leave Al Barkah one Ramadan night. They left the mosque they had helped build. The Muhammadiyah congregation yielded. They departed without resistance to respect the mosque and maintain kinship.
The Muhammadiyah community decided to build a new center for worship. They moved to a musala owned by Saenan’s family. This musala is now Masjid Al Hikmah near Situ Asih. The small bamboo musala became overcrowded. It collapsed one night during Tarawih prayers. The musala was repaired so the community could complete Tarawih that Ramadan.
Despite the setback the Muhammadiyah community did not lose heart. They collected funds to purchase land for a new musala. Muhammad Mansyur Amit Disan and Namin managed the land acquisition.
Muhammadiyah Ranting Rawadenok was established in 1961. Members from Kampung Pulo joined this branch. Zakaria led as Chairman. Muhammad Mansyur was Vice Chairman. Nawawi Napih served as Secretary. Jaelani was Treasurer and Rahid a member.
The land purchased was used to build a small musala made of bamboo and wood. It became the official musala for the Muhammadiyah community. In 1965 Kiai Abdul Halim from Jakarta visited and advised them to establish a mosque for Friday prayers. The musala was then inaugurated as a mosque. Kiai Abdul Halim led the first Friday prayers. This marked the beginning of Masjid Jami Al-Huda.
Later in 1966 Muhammadiyah Ranting Pulo became independent. It separated from Muhammadiyah Ranting Rawadenok. Masjid Jami Al Huda as it stands today is the result of several transformations. The two-story mosque serves as a center for worship education and community activities.
Masjid Al Huda grew through donations from community members. The leaders never collected donations on the street. Today Masjid Al Huda continues to improve. It aims to provide orderly services that meet the community’s needs.
Masjid Jami Al Huda stands not just as a building. It embodies the spirit of unity resilience and unwavering faith.