“Ever aware of God”. That’s what Al-Muttaqin means. Today we stand before Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqim. But this is not the Al-Muttaqin of Ang Mo Kio in Singapore.
Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqim in Jakarta is a serene place. It offers peace amidst the city’s hustle. Let’s step inside.
The story of Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqim is a story of community. It is a story of faith. It is a story of identity. Though I don’t have many facts about the Jakarta version of Al-Muttaqin, I can tell you about another Al-Muttaqin.
In Ang Mo Kio, Singapore, Muslims needed a local mosque. Before 1980, they traveled to Thomson Road. They went to Kampong Sireh and Pheng Geck Avenue. These were the nearest mosques.
The community in Ang Mo Kio came together. They formed neighborhood committees. They supported each other. During Ramadan, they shared meals. They broke fast at void decks. Void decks are open spaces under housing blocks.
In the late 1970s, they proposed a mosque. MUIS helped with costs. MUIS is Singapore’s Islamic religious council. But the community still raised funds. They sought donations. They sold food at fairs.
Syed Ali Redha Alsagoff officiated the ground-breaking in 1979. He founded Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud. It is a scholarship fund board.
On September 21, 1980, Masjid Al-Muttaqin opened. Haji Rahmat Kenap was there. He was a Member of Parliament.
Masjid Al-Muttaqin became a focal point. It supported spiritual life. It strengthened community bonds. It became an Ang Mo Kio landmark.
Maybe the story of Jakarta’s Masjid Jami’ Al-Muttaqim mirrors that of Singapore. Perhaps it too began with community spirit. Maybe it too stands as a testament to faith. Though different, both mosques share a name. Both represent devotion.
As we stand here, consider the power of faith. Think about the strength of community. Remember the meaning of Al-Muttaqin. Be ever aware. Strive to be pious. In that spirit, let us carry on with our tour.