Didn’t Jakarta once boast its largest mosque right here? This is the Al-Azhar Great Mosque. Today we explore a landmark that’s more than just a place of worship. It is a center for education and community.
In 1952, fourteen figures from the Masyumi Party envisioned a mosque and school. They established the Islamic Dormitory School Foundation. The Ministry of Religious Affairs provided initial funding. The mayor of Jakarta donated land in Kebayoran Baru.
Hamka, an Indonesian ulama, advised building the mosque first. He suggested including ample office space. This way, activities could begin even before the school was complete. Construction of the Al-Azhar Great Mosque started in November 1953. It finished in 1958. It was then known as the Kebayoran Great Mosque.
In 1960, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Mahmud Shaltut, visited Jakarta. He suggested renaming it the Al-Azhar Great Mosque. Shaltut recognized Hamka as the Chief Imam. Hamka saw his role as a way to counter the drift of Indonesian life. He felt Islam needed knowledgeable followers. The Al-Azhar Great Mosque became a center for Islamic revival. It became a center for dakwah.
During the 1965-1966 crisis, the Al-Azhar Great Mosque became a hub. It was the center of the anti-communist campaign among Muslims. In 1967, a kindergarten opened in the mosque complex. The Al-Azhar University Indonesia was established in 2000.
The Al-Azhar Great Mosque features a white onion dome. This dome reflects Middle Eastern mosque architecture. The mosque also has one minaret. It was designed not only for prayer. It was intended as a center for social activities. It was one of Indonesia’s first modern mosques.
The Al-Azhar Great Mosque included modern facilities. There was an Islamic library and a seminar hall. A health clinic was added. Classes were held for religious and secular subjects. Dormitories were provided.
The Jakarta government recognized its historical importance. In 1993, it became a heritage site. It became a national cultural heritage site. Today, the Al-Azhar Great Mosque continues to serve. It serves as a vital religious. It is a cultural and educational center in Jakarta.