“Bukti Sejarah Kerajaan Islam Mempawah” is more than just a sign. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Masjid Jami Al-Khoir. This sacred place stands in Kelurahan Pulau Pedalaman. It is in Mempawah, Kalimantan Barat.
Masjid Jami Al-Khoir is a symbol of the strong ties between the Islamic kingdom of Mempawah. These ties extend to Islamic kingdoms in South Sulawesi. They include Yang Dipertuan Muda in the Riau Sultanate.
Let’s step back in time. The history of the Mempawah Sultanate dates to the mid-18th century. Upu Daeng Manambon from Luwu was a key figure. Before him, Mempawah’s history was filled with folklore and legends.
Masjid Jami Al-Khoir was built on 8 Dzulhijjah 1324 H. That is December 23, 1906. Panembahan Mempawah Gusti Muhammad Taufiq Aqamaddin oversaw its construction. Before this mosque, two others stood in Kampung Siantan and Kampung Brunai. Today, the Masjid Jami Al-Khoir is the final resting place for Mempawah kings.
Panembahan Gusti Amir, also known as Adinata Krama Umar Kamaruddin, and Panembahan Mahmud were involved in its development. The mosque is the third built by the Mempawah Sultanate. Its close connection to the palace makes it a tourist attraction for locals and foreigners.
Visitors admire the intricate carvings on the tombstones of Mempawah kings. These wooden carvings feature calligraphy of verses from the Holy Quran. The management of Masjid Jami Al-Khoir is unique. From the beginning, it has been managed by 20 administrators. This number symbolizes the 20 attributes of Allah SWT.
Six core administrators represent the six pillars of faith. Five fields symbolize the five pillars of Islam. Thirteen assistant session personnel represent the pillars of prayer. This structure ensures the mosque consistently spreads Islamic teachings to Sambas.
Imagine the sound of prayers echoing through the halls. Picture the devoted faces turned towards Mecca. Feel the weight of history in the very stones beneath your feet. Masjid Jami Al-Khoir is not just a building. It is a living testament to faith, history, and cultural heritage.