Did you know that a mosque in Jakarta is named after ghosts? This is Masjid Al Janis. It is a unique and captivating place. It may not be as grand as the Istiqlal Mosque. But Masjid Al Janis holds its own charm and significance.
Let’s dive into the story of Istiqlal Mosque first. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Istiqlal means independence in Arabic. It symbolizes Indonesia’s independence. The idea for this grand mosque arose after Indonesia’s independence in 1945. It was meant to be a national mosque. It would reflect the country’s large Muslim population.
Wahid Hasyim and Anwar Cokroaminoto launched the idea. Cokroaminoto led the Istiqlal Mosque Foundation. He proposed the idea to President Sukarno. Sukarno embraced it. He helped supervise the construction. Sukarno appointed himself technical chief supervisor in 1954.
Choosing a location sparked debate. Mohammad Hatta suggested Thamrin Avenue. He wanted it near residential areas. Sukarno insisted on Merdeka Square. This aligned with Javanese tradition. Royal palaces and grand mosques should be near the main square. Sukarno also wanted it near Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church. This symbolized religious harmony.
The Citadel Prins Frederick was demolished to make way. Friedrich Silaban won the design competition. Interestingly, he was a Christian. Sukarno laid the foundation stone on August 24, 1961. Construction took 17 years. President Suharto inaugurated Istiqlal Mosque on February 22, 1978.
Istiqlal Mosque has seven entrances. They are named after Al-Asmaul-Husna. These are the names of God in Islam. The number seven represents the Seven Heavens. The main prayer hall has a 45-meter diameter dome. The number 45 symbolizes 1945. This is the year of Indonesian Independence. A crescent and star adorn the dome.
Inside, twelve columns support the dome. They represent the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. The main floor and four balconies symbolize the Five Pillars of Islam. They also represent Pancasila. This is Indonesia’s national philosophy. The interior design is minimalist. Arabic calligraphy decorates the qibla wall.
The minaret stands 66.66 meters tall. Some say it symbolizes the 6666 verses in the Quran. A large bedug stands near the minaret. It is a traditional Indonesian drum. It is used with the adhan. This signifies the call to prayer.
Istiqlal Mosque promotes religious tolerance. During Christian celebrations, it provides parking for Jakarta Cathedral worshippers. The mosque also focuses on environmental initiatives. Solar panels and water recycling systems have been installed. The World Bank recognized it as a green place of worship.
Many prominent figures have visited Istiqlal Mosque. These include Barack Obama and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. Istiqlal Mosque can hold 200001 people.
While Istiqlal Mosque showcases grandeur and unity, Masjid Al Janis offers a different experience. It shows local beliefs and Jakarta’s diverse culture. Masjid Al Janis may be smaller. But it is rich in stories and local color. Both mosques contribute to Jakarta’s diverse spiritual landscape. They each tell a unique story about faith and community. They stand side by side. They represent different facets of Jakarta’s Islamic identity.