“Triangle Mosque,” some call it. The Masjid Darussalam stands before us. It is a unique beacon of faith in Jakarta. Its story is one of relocation, reconciliation and unique design.
The Masjid Darussalam wasn’t always here. Originally, it stood near UOB Plaza. A development project threatened its existence. Through a “ruislag” or exchange, the mosque found a new home. It moved to a wider area on Jalan Kota Bumi Ujung.
Ridwan Kamil, a renowned architect, designed this new Masjid Darussalam. He later became the mayor of Bandung. His design was a departure from traditional mosque architecture. The most striking feature? A triangular roof.
Initially, the community had reservations. The unusual shape sparked debate. Some felt it resembled a church more than a mosque. However, Ridwan Kamil patiently explained his design’s philosophy. He highlighted that the triangle mirrors the shape of traditional Indonesian houses.
Slowly, minds began to change. People started to accept the unique design. The mosque administrators embraced Ridwan Kamil’s vision.
The triangular design carries deep meaning. It connects the mosque to the Indonesian architectural identity. Originally, the roof lacked glass. This allowed fresh air to circulate freely. But concerns arose about rain damaging the interior. Glass was added and air conditioning was installed.
The Masjid Darussalam officially opened on June 25, 2015. During Ramadan, its doors welcomed worshippers. Many visitors came from afar. They were curious to see Ridwan Kamil’s creation. Social media amplified the mosque’s fame. People from Bandung and other regions flocked to witness its beauty.
Over time, the initial surge of visitors subsided. Local worshippers found other mosques. Now, the Masjid Darussalam primarily serves office workers. It remains a testament to architectural innovation and community collaboration.
Finances for the Masjid Darussalam come from productive waqf. It also receives support from nearby companies. The mosque has functional rooms available for rent. These contribute to its upkeep.
So, as you stand before the Masjid Darussalam. Remember its journey. From initial resistance to eventual acceptance. Its triangular roof symbolizes faith. It also shows Indonesian architectural heritage. It is a unique space for prayer and community.