Masjid Al Musyariin

Have you ever heard of a mosque that helps determine the start of Ramadan? Right here in the heart of Jakarta stands Masjid Al Musyariin. It’s not just a place of worship. Masjid Al Musyariin plays a crucial role in observing the hilal, the new moon that signals the beginning of the Islamic month. Masjid Al Musyariin isn’t as grand as Istiqlal Mosque, but its importance to Jakarta’s Muslim community is immense. The sighting of the hilal from this location dictates the start of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. If the hilal isn’t visible, then the holy month or the celebratory feast doesn’t begin the next day. The reports from Masjid Al Musyariin, one of four hilal observation points in Jakarta, are eagerly awaited. The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has designated Masjid Al Musyariin as one of 105 hilal observation points across 34 provinces. The other observation sites in Jakarta are the Ministry of Religious Affairs office, Karya Island, and KH. Hasyim Ashari Mosque. Hilal observation at Masjid Al Musyariin has been a tradition since the 1960s. The mosque’s elevated position, even in its early days as a simple wooden structure, made it an ideal spot for observing the new moon. Initially, everything at Masjid Al Musyariin was done manually, from the call to prayer to hilal observation, which relied mainly on the naked eye. As the surrounding area became more densely populated, the observation point moved from the courtyard to the roof of the mosque. The tradition continues to this day, though telescopes now aid in the observation. The hilal monitoring usually begins at 4 PM and ends around 6 PM. So, the next time you think of Masjid Al Musyariin, remember it’s not just a mosque; it’s a timekeeper for Jakarta’s Muslim community, a beacon that helps usher in holy periods and joyous celebrations.