Masjid al-Hidayah

Did the name Masjid al-Hidayah always grace this sacred space? No. This mosque, nestled in the heart of Kaliabang Bungur, near the crossroads of Jalan Kompleks Seroja Bekasi, was originally known as Masjid Jami an-Nur. Built in 1935, Masjid al-Hidayah stands on land donated by H. James and others, a total of 4000 square meters. The founders, figures like K.H. Noer Ali, Ust. Burhanuddin, and H. Thoha, envisioned a place of worship, but also a hub for revolutionary thought. Imagine the early days of Masjid al-Hidayah. The simple structure, with its earthen floor covered with pandan mats, could only hold about 70 people. Yet, this humble space served as a training ground for young Muslims, the future soldiers of Hizbullah/Sabilillah, a force feared by the Dutch colonizers. The Dutch, suspicious of the activities within Masjid al-Hidayah’s walls, kept a close watch. Ust. Burhanuddin, one of the first mosque administrators, recounted his arrest by Dutch soldiers while teaching. His crime? Explaining verses from the Quran about the obligation of Jihad. This act, seen as a call to resist Dutch rule, was strictly forbidden. Even after the Japanese occupation replaced the Dutch, Masjid al-Hidayah remained under scrutiny. The Japanese suspected underground movements were being orchestrated from within the mosque. However, the mosque’s careful management and the unity of its congregation protected both their faith and their fight for independence. With Indonesia’s hard-won freedom, Masjid al-Hidayah’s focus shifted towards expansion. Every three years, the building grew, slowly transforming from its humble beginnings into the permanent structure we see today. Masjid al-Hidayah continued to play a vital role. During the turbulent times of the communist threat and the G30S/PKI uprising, the mosque became a bulwark against dangerous ideologies. The congregation actively participated in combating those involved in the attempted coup. With peace restored, the mosque turned its attention to community development and physical renovations. By 1991, renovations costing around Rp300 million aimed to create a two-story structure, capable of accommodating over 2000 worshippers. Masjid al-Hidayah stands as a testament to the resilience and devotion of its community, a place where faith and the fight for freedom intertwined.