Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien

Could a simple prayer mat hold the secrets of centuries? Here at Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien, in the heart of Kaliwungu, it just might. Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a time capsule. It whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when Islam began to blossom in this “City of Saints.” While no official document records the mosque’s birthdate, whispers among the community place its origins in the 17th century. This claim rests on the inscription found on the tomb of Kiai Guru Asari, the mosque’s founder. The tomb, located near the mosque, is a place of reverence, visited by those seeking blessings and connection to the past. Kiai Guru Asari, a descendant of Maulana Malik Ibrahim, arrived in Kaliwungu and established a small prayer house. This humble structure, a mere surau or langgar, eventually blossomed into the grand Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien we see today. The mosque has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Kiai Muhammad replaced the original alang-alang grass roof with zinc in the early 20th century. His son, Kiai Abdullah, later replaced the zinc with tiles. In 1922, Kiai Abdul Rosyid expanded the mosque and its veranda. Kiai Hisyam Naib further enlarged the building in 1955 to accommodate the growing congregation. Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith. The mosque is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s the heart of a vibrant tradition. Each year, from the 7th to the 14th of Syawal, the mosque hosts the Upacara Syawalan. Originally a commemoration of Kiai Guru Asari’s death, it has evolved into a week-long fair. The grounds in front of Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien buzz with activity, drawing visitors from across Central Java and beyond. They come not just for the festivities but to pay respects to Kiai Guru Asari, the man who sowed the seeds of Islam in Kaliwungu. So, as you stand before Masjid Jami Al Muttaqien, remember. You’re not just visiting a mosque. You’re stepping into a living story, a testament to faith and the enduring legacy of Kiai Guru Asari.