Masjid Jami Al-Abror

“A sanctuary built before the regency itself,” whispered an elder to his grandson, gesturing towards Masjid Jami Al-Abror. Masjid Jami Al-Abror stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It has witnessed centuries of change in Sidoarjo. Built in 1678 in the Kauman hamlet of Pekauman, Sidoarjo, East Java, Masjid Jami Al-Abror predates the Sidoarjo Regency by a staggering 181 years. The regency is a mere 165 years old. The mosque has stood as a silent observer to the very formation of the region. The story of Masjid Jami Al-Abror begins with Mbah Mulyadi, a cleric from Mataram. He sought refuge in Suko Village, Sidoarjo, fleeing the wrath of King Amangkurat I. The king suspected the clerics’ involvement in a coup attempt. Mbah Mulyadi, along with his wife Mbah Badriyah, Mbah Muso, and Mbah Sayid Salim from Cirebon, built the mosque. It served not only as a place of worship, but also as a center for learning and batik training. Originally known as Masjid Kauman, Masjid Jami Al-Abror played a significant role in the development of Sidoarjo Regency. In 1859, when the Dutch East Indies government separated Sidokare, then part of the Surabaya Regency, to form its own regency, Masjid Kauman already stood tall. While extensive renovations between 2006 and 2009 have modernized the mosque, glimpses of its past remain. The north-facing door still stands as a reminder of the original structure. The tombs of Mbah Mulyadi and the other three founders rest within the mosque grounds, a tribute to their enduring legacy. Even after the renovations, Masjid Jami Al-Abror continues to draw worshippers. It recently served as a resting place for pilgrims from outside the city during the 1st Century NU Commemoration in Sidoarjo, showcasing its enduring role as a community hub and spiritual sanctuary.