Imagine, a humble prayer room transforming into a vital community hub. That is the story of Al Muqarrabiin. This house of worship stands in Cipedak Srengseng Sawah, a southern part of Jakarta bordering Tanah Baru Depok. Back then religious education lagged. Superstition, heresy and ingrained traditions were common.
In those days only one place of worship existed. It was the At Taubah prayer room built by the community. Knowledge of religion was limited. Yet they built the first prayer room near the river with optimism. As the population grew Bapak Imi donated land for the At Taubah prayer room. It still stands today. It served as a center for Islamic activities. Children, teens and adults all learned there.
In the 1980s ISTN college was established. It spurred economic growth. More people from other areas rented homes. This mixed the original residents with outsiders. Slowly the original residents were influenced by new knowledge and religion. Islam grew quickly. Students led evening events for local children. This broadened the horizons of adults and children who attended the mosque.
The increasing population and students needed better facilities. They needed professional management for their place of worship. In 1991 some young men prayed at Al Magfirah mosque. An announcement was made. Kuwait would donate to build a 6×6 meter prayer room. It required a land endowment. The community would only receive the key.
After prayers the young men discussed the announcement. They wanted a prayer room in their neighborhood funded by Kuwait. They wondered who would donate land. Two days later they met again to discuss land options. Arih and Pak Samin Muar offered over 150 square meters. They consulted the Pasar Minggu Religious Affairs Office.
Community leaders chose Samin Muar’s land. It was strategically located. This location promised a better future for the community.
The land endowment was formalized on August 13, 1992. Samin Muar gave 150 square meters to the community. Mochamad Djuhri, Yuli Agus and Zayadi represented the community. They made the endowment declaration at the Pasar Minggu Religious Affairs Office.
Unfortunately the Kuwait donation failed. Iraq invaded Kuwait. War broke out and Western countries intervened. The Kuwait embassy confirmed the donation was canceled indefinitely.
Muhbib from Depok designed the mosque for free. The design resembled the At Taubah prayer room. After community discussion they approved the design.
The community suggested names to Muhbib. But the name Al Muqarrabiin was chosen. KH Miqdar M. Umar agreed. Al Muqarrabiin means those who draw near to God.
Construction began in August 1991. The community raised sixteen million rupiah. They received material donations. Men, women and teens worked every Saturday and Sunday for eight months.
Al Muqarrabiin was inaugurated in March 1992. Residents and community leaders attended. Ust KH. Drs. Salim Ibrahim and Ust. KH.Drs. Manarul Hidayah were speakers.
The land endowment was formalized in 1992. In 1995 Al Muqarrabiin received certificate No 439.
In 1999 Al Muqarrabiin began holding Friday prayers. In 2011 the Al Muqarrabiin Khairu Ummah Cipedak foundation was established.
In August 2020 the Al Muqarrabiin mosque was demolished. A new three-story mosque will be built. It will cost fourteen billion four hundred million rupiah. The community contributed to this project.
Today Al Muqarrabiin stands as a testament to community spirit. From humble beginnings it grew into a vital center of faith. It continues to serve the people of Cipedak.