Perhaps you’ve noticed the curtains over McDonald’s windows here in Jakarta. It is a common practice during Ramadan. This allows fasting Muslims to avoid temptation. It also prevents those eating inside from offending those fasting. This respect permeates Indonesian culture and is reflected in the stories held within Masjid Almuhajirun.
Masjid Almuhajirun stands as a testament to Jakarta’s deep Islamic roots. Mosques in Indonesia are called “mesjid”. This literally means “to prostrate oneself in prayer.” These spaces are vital to the community. They serve as places of worship and centers for cultural and spiritual life.
Imagine the faithful singing and swaying. They walk toward the Masjid Almuhajirun. Advertisements for banks often feature such scenes in Indonesia. The pilot announces prayer time on domestic flights during sunset. These moments highlight Islam’s integration into daily Indonesian life.
Islam’s arrival in Indonesia was not without complexity. Some scholars describe it as “Arab spiritual imperialism.” To some extent, Indonesians embraced Islam to reject past oppression. Yet, Islam itself faced challenges in adapting to local culture. Injustices still arose that motivated Islamic revolutionaries.
There are different types of mosques throughout Indonesia. “Jami mesjid” is used for Friday prayers. “Musalla” is for prayer meetings Sunday through Thursday. Memorial mosques honor Muslim saints. “Mashad” are found in tombs. You can even find prayer rooms in hotels and airports.
Entering a mosque requires respect. One should ask permission before entering. This is especially true for women and non-Muslims. Dress appropriately by avoiding shorts and revealing tops. Women may need to wear a head scarf. Some mosques provide head scarves for those who need them.
Muslims remove their shoes and wash their feet before entering. If water isn’t available, they use sand. Foreign visitors can often remove only their shoes. Ensure your feet and socks are clean. Dirty feet are considered disrespectful. Larger mosques have shelves for shoes with numbered spaces.
Inside the Masjid Almuhajirun, observe proper etiquette. Avoid walking in front of someone praying. Do not touch the Koran. Never sit or stand on a prayer rug. Never place the Koran on the floor. Don’t put anything on top of it. Show respect and remain quiet. Taking photographs is often frowned upon.
Indonesia sees unique blending of Islamic faith with local traditions. On Java, the Labuhan ceremony honors Ratu Kidul. She is the goddess of the Indonesian seas. The ceremony starts with a turbaned priest reciting a Muslim prayer. Offerings are made to the goddess.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Indonesians make the Hajj to Mecca. Indonesia sends the largest number of pilgrims. Smaller pilgrimages occur within Indonesia. People visit graves of saints such as Sunan Kalijaga. He is believed to have brought Islam to Indonesia.
Masjid Almuhajirun stands as a symbol of faith. It represents the Islamic culture woven into the fabric of Jakarta. It’s a place where tradition and devotion meet. It is a testament to Indonesia’s rich and complex spiritual history.