Is it possible for a house of worship to also be a hub of social activity? Here before us stands Masjid Al Achyar. It is more than just a place for prayer. It embodies Jakarta’s rich history and commitment to community.
Masjid Al Achyar began as a vision in the early 1950s. Fourteen members of the Masyumi Party initiated the idea. They wanted a mosque and school in Kebayoran Baru. With support from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Islamic Dormitory School Foundation was formed in 1952. The mayor of Jakarta donated four hectares of land. Construction began in 1953 and completed in 1958. It was originally known as Masjid Agung Kebayoran.
Initially, Masjid Al Achyar held the distinction of being Jakarta’s largest mosque. This was before the Istiqlal Mosque was completed in 1978. The mosque soon became famous for its educational contributions.
In 1960, a significant event changed its name. The Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Mahmud Shaltut, visited Jakarta. He suggested renaming it Al-Azhar Great Mosque. Shaltut also recognized Hamka as the Chief Imam. Hamka envisioned the mosque as a center for Islamic revival. It would be a place to promote faith in a changing society. During the turbulent years of 1965-1966, Masjid Al Achyar became a focal point for anti-communist movements among Muslims.
The mosque expanded its activities over the years. In 1967, a kindergarten was established. This commitment to education led to the founding of Al-Azhar University Indonesia in 2000.
The architecture of Masjid Al Achyar blends Middle Eastern styles. Its white onion dome and single minaret are distinctive features. The white color symbolizes purity. The tiered main staircase adds a touch of elegance. The mosque was designed to be a modern center. It included an Islamic library, seminar halls, a health clinic and dormitories.
Masjid Al Achyar is more than a building. It is a vibrant center for social activities. It was among Indonesia’s first modern mosques. It combines religious functions with community services. Designated a Jakarta heritage site in 1993, it stands as a cultural landmark. Masjid Al Achyar remains a testament to Jakarta’s Islamic heritage. It shows a commitment to education and community development.