The scent of frangipani hangs heavy in the air. It’s a perfume that intertwines with the echoes of prayer from Masjid Darunnajah Premier Savanna. This isn’t just any mosque. It’s a testament to unwavering faith. It’s a story etched in the very stones beneath our feet.
Masjid Darunnajah Premier Savanna stands as a beacon of Islamic devotion in Jakarta. Its existence is a reflection of a long and often challenging journey. It’s a journey that began long before this very building. It started in 1942 with K H Abdul Manaf Mukhayyar’s Madrasah Al-Islamiyah in Palmerah.
That original school was tragically lost in 1959. The land was taken for the Asian Games sports complex. But the dream didn’t die. K H Abdul Manaf Mukhayyar’s vision persisted. He secured land in Ulujami. He established the Yayasan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Islam (YKMI) in 1960. The foundation laid the groundwork for what would become Pondok Pesantren Darunnajah.
The early years were fraught with obstacles. Building the pesantren was not easy. Funding was scarce. Opposition was fierce. There were attempts to move the pesantren to Petukangan. These attempts failed. Yet the determination of its founders endured. They held onto the Ulujami land. They protected it even from the pressures of the BTI PKI during that turbulent period.
Finally on April 1st 1974 the pesantren in Ulujami opened. It started modestly with just three students. The Tsanawiyah from Petukangan moved. The first building was a small mosque. It measured only 11 x 11 square meters. But it was a beginning. The mosque served as the heart of the growing community. It was a place of prayer and a center for learning.
Over time Masjid Darunnajah Premier Savanna grew. It expanded its educational programs. It established various institutions. These include Lembaga Ilmu Al-Quran (LIQ). It also developed the Lembaga Bahasa Arab dan Inggris and the Lembaga Da’wah dan Pengembangan Masyarakat (LDPM). This expansion showcased the pesantren’s commitment to both religious and secular education.
The story of Masjid Darunnajah Premier Savanna is one of perseverance. It’s a story of faith overcoming adversity. It’s a story of a community that came together. It’s a story of a dream realized against all odds. This place is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the power of belief and the enduring legacy of K H Abdul Manaf Mukhayyar. So breathe in the scent of frangipani. Feel the peace that surrounds us. Let the spirit of Masjid Darunnajah Premier Savanna inspire you.