Ever heard of a mosque with a saint’s tomb inside? That’s At Taubah. This isn’t just a mosque. It’s a piece of Jakarta’s history. It is a place of worship and a pilgrimage site.
At Taubah stands strong near the busy Kalibata area in South Jakarta. Despite the bustle, it is peaceful. Many trees surround the mosque. People come here to pray. Others read the Quran. Some clean the tomb of a respected scholar.
This is the tomb of Habib Ahmad bin Alwi Al Hadad. He is better known as Habib Kuncung. Locals view him as a saint with special abilities. At Taubah is more than just a mosque because of him. It is a historical site linked to Habib Kuncung’s life and teachings.
Let’s step back in time. Habib Abdullah Ja’far Al Hadad built this mosque in the 18th century. He was Habib Kuncung’s great-grandfather. Initially, only two tombs existed here. Over time, more family members were buried nearby. This included Habib Kuncung himself.
Habib Kuncung was born in Yemen in 1838. He arrived in Betawi which is Jakarta. At Taubah became his base for spreading Islamic teachings. People say he possessed unique gifts. He was known for his ability to help those in need.
The name Kuncung comes from his unique headwear. He often wore a cone-shaped cap from Bugis nobles. This earned him the nickname Kuncung.
Legend says Habib Kuncung created a spring with his staff. He wanted a place to purify the mosque. He struck his bamboo staff into the ground and water flowed. Sadly, this spring vanished in the 1990s due to negative activities.
When Habib Kuncung died in 1926 at age 93, something strange happened. They planned to bury him in the family cemetery of Habib Toha bin Ja’far Al Hadad. But twenty men could not lift his body. Habib Toha prayed for guidance. He recalled Habib Kuncung’s wish. Habib Kuncung wanted a small house near At Taubah. So, they buried him in the family plot of Habib Abdullah bin Ja’far Al Haddad near the mosque.
People still visit Habib Kuncung’s tomb today. They seek blessings and remember his teachings. At Taubah is not only a place for daily prayers. It is also a place to honor a respected figure in Jakarta’s Islamic history. The location is Jalan Rawajati Timur II No.70.
Inside the mosque, you might see a gentong. It is a large clay jar filled with water. Pilgrims often drink this water believing it has blessings. The mosque also holds religious events. These events keep Habib Kuncung’s legacy alive.
So when you visit At Taubah remember its story. It began as a small prayer room. It grew into a significant mosque and a historical landmark. It is all thanks to Habib Kuncung and his lasting impact on Jakarta.