Masjid Al Hidayah

Was Masjid Al Hidayah always its name? No. Originally, this mosque, nestled in the heart of Kaliabang Bungur, near the crossroads of Jalan Kompleks Seroja Bekasi, was known as Masjid Jami an-Nur. Masjid Al Hidayah’s story begins in 1935, a time of struggle and colonial oppression under the Dutch. Visionary religious leaders like K.H. Noer Ali, Ust. Burhanuddin, and H. Thoha spearheaded its construction. Built on a 4000 square meter plot of land, generously donated by H. James and others, Masjid Al Hidayah was initially a simple structure. Reflecting the difficult socio-economic conditions under Dutch rule, the mosque had a dirt floor covered with pandanus mats. It could hold around 70 people. Despite its humble beginnings, Masjid Al Hidayah became a vital hub. It served as a training ground for young Muslims, shaping them into the formidable Hizbullah/Sabilillah militia, a force that struck fear into the hearts of the Dutch occupiers. This made the mosque a focal point of suspicion for both the Dutch and later, the Japanese. Ust. Burhanuddin, a first-generation caretaker of Masjid Al Hidayah, recounted his own arrest by Dutch soldiers while teaching at the mosque. His offense? Explaining verses of the Quran concerning the obligation of Jihad. The Dutch strictly prohibited translating the Quran into Malay, particularly passages related to Jihad, which they viewed as incitement to rebellion. When the Japanese took control, their surveillance of Masjid Al Hidayah intensified. They suspected underground movements were orchestrated from within its walls, though they never found conclusive proof. The mosque’s caretakers, supported by the community, skillfully protected their dual mission: spreading religious teachings and fueling the fight for independence. Following Indonesia’s hard-won independence, the mosque’s focus shifted towards expansion and development. Every three years, Masjid Al Hidayah grew, gradually evolving into a more permanent structure. During the turbulent times of the communist threat, Masjid Al Hidayah played a crucial role. It served as a bulwark against what was seen as misleading ideologies, protecting the faith of its community. During the tumultuous events of the G30S/PKI uprising, the congregation actively participated in resisting the communist movement. With the return of national stability, Masjid Al Hidayah continued its community-building mission. It contributed to the development of the Indonesian people while continuing to improve its physical structure. By 1991, renovations were underway, totaling around 300 million Rupiah. The ambitious plan aimed to create a two-story mosque, capable of accommodating over 2000 worshippers.