Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin

Whispers of devotion fill the air around Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin. This isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in time, a beacon of faith in the heart of Kaliwungu. Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin’s origins are shrouded in mystery. No definitive records exist to pinpoint its exact founding date. However, the lineage of the mosque and the nearby tomb of Kiai Guru Asari suggest a 17th-century origin. Kiai Guru Asari, a descendant of Maulana Malik Ibrahim, established not just a mosque, but a legacy. Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin started humbly, perhaps as a small prayer room or ‘langgar’. Its location, at the intersection of the main Jakarta-Semarang route and a village entrance, proved strategic. It has witnessed centuries of change, undergoing several renovations and expansions. Kiai Muhammad replaced the original thatched 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 main building and the porch. By 1955, Kiai Hisyam Naib further enlarged the structure to accommodate the growing congregation. Kiai Guru Asari’s arrival and the presence of Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin transformed Kaliwungu. Over time, Kaliwungu blossomed into a renowned center of Islamic learning, earning the moniker “Kota Santri,” or “City of Students.” Today, numerous ‘pondok pesantren’ (Islamic boarding schools) dot the area, hosting students from all corners of Indonesia. Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin continues to hold a special place in the community’s heart. The annual Syawalan ceremony, held from the 7th to the 14th of Syawal, commemorates Kiai Guru Asari’s death. This event has evolved into a vibrant week-long fair, sometimes extending to half a month, drawing visitors from across Central Java. They come to pay their respects to the man who brought Islam to Kaliwungu, making Masjid Jami’ Al Muttaqin not just a mosque, but a testament to enduring faith and community.