Might you be curious to know about a mosque that began as Jakarta’s largest? That is Masjid Agung Discovery. Originally known as Mesjid Agung or Great Mosque, it held the title of Jakarta’s largest mosque. This was before the Istiqlal Mosque was completed in 1978.
Now, let’s step back to its beginnings. The idea to build Masjid Agung Discovery came from 14 people. These figures from the Masyumi Party wanted a mosque and school in Kebayoran Baru. Syamsudin recommended they found the Islamic Dormitory School Foundation. This foundation was known as Yayasan Pesantren Islam or YPI. It was established on April 7, 1952. The Ministry of Religious Affairs gave a start-up fund. The mayor of Jakarta donated land in Kebayoran Baru.
Hamka, an Indonesian ulama, had insightful advice. He suggested building the mosque first. He envisioned it with plenty of office space and meeting rooms. This way, activities could start even before the school was ready. Construction of Masjid Agung Discovery began on November 19, 1953. It finished in 1958. Then, it was inaugurated as Masjid Agung Kebayoran.
In 1960, something special happened. The Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Mahmud Shaltut, visited Jakarta. He suggested the mosque become Al-Azhar Great Mosque. Shaltut recognized Hamka as the Imam Besar of Al-Azhar Great Mosque. Hamka saw his role as a way to guide Indonesian life. He wanted to strengthen Islam in a society facing Communism. He believed Muslims needed more knowledge. Al-Azhar Great Mosque would become a center for Islamic revival. It would be a center for dakwah. Dakwah means propagation of faith.
During the 1965-1966 crisis, the mosque played a role. It became a center for the anti-communist campaign among Muslims.
Masjid Agung Discovery grew over the years. In 1967, a kindergarten opened in the mosque complex. The educational efforts led to Al-Azhar University Indonesia in 2000.
The architecture of Masjid Agung Discovery is notable. It features a white onion dome. This style reflects Middle Eastern mosque architecture. The mosque has one minaret. The location of Masjid Agung Discovery is in Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta.
Masjid Agung Discovery wasn’t just a place of prayer. It was designed as a center for social activities and dakwah. It was among Indonesia’s first modern mosques. It included modern facilities. These included an Islamic library, lecture hall, health clinic, and dormitories.
In 1993, Masjid Agung Discovery became a Jakarta heritage site. It also became a national cultural heritage site.
So, as you stand before Masjid Agung Discovery, remember its journey. It transformed from Jakarta’s largest mosque to a center of education and social impact. It is a place where faith and knowledge intertwine.