Why is Masjid At-Taubah such a serene spot? This mosque stands near the busy Kalibata area in South Jakarta. Despite the hustle, the mosque feels peaceful. Many trees surround Masjid At-Taubah making it a green haven.
Masjid At-Taubah is more than just a place of prayer. It is a historical site built in the 18th century. Habib Abdullah Ja’far Al Hadad, the great-grandfather of Habib Kuncung, founded it.
Inside Masjid At-Taubah you will find people reading the Quran. Some engage in dhikr, remembering Allah. Others are cleaning the tombs in the complex. The tomb of Habib Ahmad bin Alwi Al Hadad, or Habib Kuncung, is here. Many pilgrims visit Masjid At-Taubah to pay their respects.
Initially, there were only two graves. Over time, more family members were buried here. All are descendants of the mosque’s founder including Habib Kuncung.
Habib Kuncung was born in Ghurfah, Tarim, Hadramaut in 1254 H. Masjid At-Taubah became his place for Islamic propagation in Betawi. Habib Kuncung often returned to this mosque. He would rest here. There was also a spring near Masjid At-Taubah where he performed ablutions.
Muhammad, a caretaker of Masjid At-Taubah, said that Habib Kuncung created the spring. With his unique abilities he thrust his bamboo stick into the cliff. Water then flowed out. Sadly, the spring disappeared in 1990. Negative activities caused its loss.
Habib Kuncung was known for his extraordinary abilities. In the language of saints, he was an ahli Darkah. This means he appeared when people needed help. People called him Kuncung because he wore a cone-shaped cap from Bugis nobles.
Habib Kuncung died in 1926 at 93 years old in Kebon Coklat, Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta. During his funeral a strange event occurred. The plan was to bury him in the family cemetery of Habib Toha bin Ja’far Al Hadad. After prayers at Masjid At-Taubah twenty people prepared to lower the body.
Suddenly, none of them could lift Habib Kuncung’s body. Habib Toha sought guidance through prayer. He learned that Habib Kuncung had left instructions. Based on these, Habib Toha buried him in the family cemetery of Habib Abdullah bin Ja’far Al Haddad near Masjid At-Taubah. Habib Kuncung had wished for a small house near Masjid At-Taubah.
In 1923 Masjid At-Taubah was just a small prayer room. As more people came to worship it grew into a mosque. The community, local government and donors supported its expansion.
Masjid Jami At-Taubah can accommodate about 1500 people. It hosts recitations five days a week. The mosque’s manager, Iwan Hamdi, ensures it meets the community’s needs. People visit not only to pray but also to visit Habib Kuncung’s tomb. The mosque also holds religious events.
Visitors at Masjid At-Taubah can perform religious activities and visit Habib Kuncung’s tomb. The management also organizes religious events for the community.
Habib Kuncung learned in the Netherlands, Malaysia and Singapore. He studied with Habib Alwi al-Haddad, Habib Ali bin Husein al-Haddad and others.
Habib Kuncung could travel through space and time. Once when invited to Pekalongan he refused. Yet when the group arrived he was already there.
Beside Habib Kuncung’s tomb you will see a large jar filled with water. Pilgrims often drink from it.
Remember Masjid At-Taubah. It is a place of history, prayer and a tribute to a respected scholar.