“A haven of peace” whispered a local resident. Welcome to Masjid Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq. This mosque stands as a testament to faith resilience and community. Located in the bustling city of Jakarta it opened its doors on July 20 2012. That’s 1 Ramadan 1433 H. The mosque was built thanks to the generous donation of the Haji Abdul Qadir Askar family. Its name honors Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq the first caliph of Islam. A respected figure in Islamic history he was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
The architecture of Masjid Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq is simple yet elegant. It’s designed in an urban style resembling a shop house. To differentiate it from ordinary buildings the top windows are arched. A dome and a minaret add to its mosque-like character. The name of the mosque is prominently displayed in both Latin and Arabic scripts.
The mosque’s five floors serve different purposes. The first two floors are dedicated to prayer. The top three floors house multipurpose spaces available for rent. The main prayer hall is on the second floor. The first floor serves as a women’s prayer area. It also functions as an additional prayer space during Friday prayers. Each floor is approximately 100 square meters. With hallways added the total area per floor is around 250 square meters. The mosque is estimated to accommodate around 500 worshipers.
The mosque offers thoughtful amenities. Free drinking water is available. Perfume is provided for use within the mosque only. This helps create a pleasant atmosphere for prayer. The air conditioning and powerful fans ensure a comfortable environment.
Inside the prayer hall the mihrab a prayer niche is ornately decorated. It features intricate Jepara wood carvings with floral motifs. The mihrab is also adorned with Quranic calligraphy. A simple yet elegant design. The mihrab features an LCD TV although it was off during the visit described.
The imam’s prayer mat and the mimbar the pulpit are also made of Jepara wood. The mimbar reflects the mihrab’s artistic style. Bookshelves are placed below the walls near the mihrab.
Masjid Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant community hub. A place where people gather to pray to learn and to connect. This mosque quietly serves as an anchor for the community. A reminder of faith’s enduring power. A beacon of peace in the heart of Jakarta.