From the heart of Jakarta’s bustling streets rises At-Tarbiyah a testament to faith and education. At-Tarbiyah wasn’t always a prominent presence. Its story begins humbly within the walls of Masjid Salman at ITB. Several professors laid the groundwork. These professors were santri themselves. They started with Friday prayers. These prayers attracted a growing congregation. Eventually a new space was needed. The Friday prayers moved to ITB’s west hall. The dream of a mosque took shape. President Soekarno approved the plan in 1963. Masjid Salman officially opened in 1972. It became the first campus mosque in Indonesia.
At-Tarbiyah’s influence expanded beyond Friday prayers. Masjid Salman became a center for Islamic activities. These activities focused on community outreach and the training of future leaders. Community programs included religious instruction. They also included courses for young people and home economics for women. They even included a religious teacher outreach program. Kaderisasi programs such as the Intensive Islamic Study were developed. The Latihan Mujahid Dakwah provided more intensive training. These programs used the usroh system. This system involved small mentoring groups. Each group was guided by a mentor. This mentor facilitated discussions. The mentor helped participants grasp the material and grow in their faith.
The usroh system was adapted from the Muslim Brotherhood. Ir Imanuddin Abdul Rahim played a key role in introducing this system. He was the chairman of the Indonesian Student Da’wah Institute. He also served as secretary general of the International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations. His work helped shape the programs at Masjid Salman. These programs spread to other universities across Indonesia. Universities in Yogyakarta and Jakarta all adopted similar methods. While the usroh system was widespread variations in materials and approaches existed.
Ustadz Hilmi Aminuddin another key figure further shaped At-Tarbiyah. He developed the concept of Manhaj Tarbiyyah and Dakwah. He sought to create a pure form of Islam uncontaminated by outside influences. He focused on character development. His ten-point curriculum covered topics like aqidah Quran hadits Islamic jurisprudence and ethics. The curriculum also emphasized political awareness and family education. His work marked a shift from Usroh to a larger Tarbiyah movement. The movement flourished particularly after 1988. President Soeharto shifted his policies. He sought to create stronger ties with the Muslim community. The emergence of Bank Muamalat ICMI and Baitul Quran signaled this shift.
At-Tarbiyah’s impact extends beyond religious education. It played a role in the formation of KAMMI and later the PKS. The movement’s influence is woven into the fabric of Indonesian Islam. Standing before At-Tarbiyah we witness the culmination of decades of dedication and growth. We see a story of faith education and community building. At-Tarbiyah is more than a mosque. It is a living legacy. It stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s vibrant Islamic landscape.