Consider this: a tennis court transformed into a sacred space. That is the story of Masjid Baiturrahim. This mosque stands near the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta. It is a testament to faith and adaptation.
Masjid Baiturrahim began its life as a simple idea during President Soekarno’s time. The President wanted the mosque to mirror the Istana Merdeka’s symmetry. This presented a challenge because the ideal mosque direction did not align.
President Soekarno consulted Islamic scholars. They included the father of Habib Abdurrahman Al-Habsyi Kwitang and KH Sidiq Fauzi. Together they decided that the building would be symmetrical, but worshippers would angle themselves towards the proper direction during prayer. Construction spanned from 1959 to 1961. This makes Masjid Baiturrahim unique.
In 1978 President Soeharto encouraged more religious activities at Masjid Baiturrahim. He worked through Mensesneg Alamsyah Ratu Prawira Negara. Daily prayers and Friday prayers became common. During Ramadan, the mosque opened to the public. Security measures were adapted to accommodate visitors.
As the congregation grew, Masjid Baiturrahim needed more space. In 1997, under H Maftuh Basyuni the south side was expanded. The mosque grew to 580.3 square meters. It could then accommodate about 750 worshippers.
In 2008 the Ministry of Religious Affairs adjusted the direction of the Qibla. They used modern tools like theodolites, GPS and compasses. Renovations continued under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. These renovations further increased capacity. Masjid Baiturrahim was reopened on October 1 2010. Imam Besar of Masjidil Haram Syeikh Ali Bin Abdur Rahman Al-Hudhaify even led Friday prayers during his visit to the State Palace.
Today Masjid Baiturrahim remains a vital place of worship. Palace employees regularly perform their prayers here. Like any other mosque, Masjid Baiturrahim calls Muslims to prayer. The speaker volume is adjusted during state visits.
Every Friday, Masjid Baiturrahim attracts people from all walks of life. Palace staff, guests and locals come to pray. The President, Vice President, and ministers often join the congregation. Security personnel ensure everyone’s safety. A phone storage area allows worshippers to focus on their prayers.
The mosque schedules imams and khatibs for Friday prayers a year in advance. These leaders come from religious, academic and bureaucratic backgrounds.
During Ramadan, Masjid Baiturrahim welcomes the public. It opens in the late afternoon for breaking fast and Tarawih prayers. During Idul Fitri and Idul Adha, the mosque opens for public prayer from 5:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
Masjid Baiturrahim stands as a serene space amidst Jakarta’s activity. It is a place where people can connect with their faith.