Beneath Bali’s azure sky stands Masjid As-Syuhada. It is more than just a mosque. It’s a testament to faith, history, and cultural harmony.
Masjid As-Syuhada also known as Masjid Kampung Bugis is located in Denpasar. Many know it by this name. It stands as the second oldest mosque in Bali. Masjid Nurul Huda in Gelgel is the oldest. That mosque dates back to the 14th century.
Close your eyes. Imagine Bali in the 17th century. Raja Cokorda Pemecutan III ruled the Kingdom of Badung. He gifted land to Bugis people. They had helped him conquer the Kingdom of Mengwi. This land became Kampung Bugis.
These Bugis people needed a place to worship. Syekh Haji Mukmin bin Hasanuddin spearheaded the effort. He was a respected cleric from Ujungpandang. He inspired the community to build Masjid As-Syuhada. It became the heart of their settlement.
Look closely at the architecture. It retains its original charm. Four teak pillars support the roof. These are sokoguru. A tiered mimbar made of teak stands inside. Its design resembles those in South Sulawesi mosques. The ceiling is original teak wood.
Consider the Al Quran. It is over 200 years old. Its pages are made of leaves. Cowhide protects it. The Al Quran is fragile now. It is kept safe as a cultural relic. It is stored in a local resident’s home.
Feel the spirit of tolerance. The Muslim and Hindu communities in Serangan live in harmony. They respect each other’s traditions. They participate in each other’s religious events.
Think of Pura Sakenan. It is a Hindu temple near Masjid As-Syuhada. Mpu Kuturan built it in the 10th century. Both Masjid As-Syuhada and Pura Sakenan are cultural heritage sites.
Notice the renovations. The roof was replaced with tiles. A dome was added. A new building provides space for ablution and restrooms. Yet the main structure remains original.
Remember Puak Ali. He was an 80-year-old fisherman. He was a fifth-generation Bugis descendant. He shared stories of Masjid As-Syuhada’s past. Oral tradition keeps its history alive.
Masjid As-Syuhada reflects Bali’s diverse heritage. It embodies the spirit of faith. It represents cultural exchange. It honors the legacy of the Bugis people in Bali. This mosque is a symbol of unity. It stands as a testament to Bali’s harmonious blend of traditions.