What if I told you a tale of faith? It started with a simple prayer room and grew into the Masjid Jami Baitul Haq.
Let’s explore its origins. This mosque began humbly in Gebangkuning. An Islamic scholar founded a langgar. Langgar is another word for small mosque. At that time few villagers prayed. But they still considered themselves Muslim.
The langgar was simple. Yet religious activities thrived under Kyai San Ngabdulah’s guidance. He became the langgar’s permanent imam. Then adversity struck. Someone defiled the prayer room with human waste. Soon after someone unknown died by hanging in the langgar.
Three community leaders stepped up. They wanted to end the disruptions. They wanted to elevate the langgar to a mosque. These leaders were Kyai San Ngabdulah, Kaji Kasan, and Wiryadrana. They united the community to build a mosque. They urged families to donate their wealth.
Kyai San Ngabdulah led the way. He donated his land. Another resident donated a joglo house anonymously. This joglo became the first Masjid Jami Baitul Haq. Kyai San Ngabdulah was appointed as the mosque’s imam.
As Kyai San Ngabdulah aged he tried to pass the imamate to his son Ali Masyhud. Ali Masyhud refused. Then the imamate went to his son-in-law Kyai Kusen. Later Kyai Kusen moved away. H. Afandi, son of Kaji Kasan, became the imam.
During H. Afandi’s time Islamic life flourished. H. Ridwan Rs supported him. He was Wiryadrana’s grandson. Most Gebangkuning residents began praying regularly. Today roads in Gebangkuning are named after H. Ridwan and H. Afandi.
After H. Afandi’s death Kyai Masrur became imam. He was Kyai San Ngabdulah’s grandson. H. Ridwan Rs managed the mosque’s affairs. Later H. Asy’ari took over this role.
People saw the need for education. It would support the mosque’s activities. It would train future leaders. Young villagers founded Madrasah Ibtidaiyah dan Islamiyah or MII Gebangkuning. M. Adnan, Imam Tolabi, and others helped.
When M. Adnan managed the mosque it was expanded. Young leaders like Imam Tolabi and Ali Burhan assisted. The cornerstone ceremony featured respected clerics. The unique “Adzan Kembar Empat” marked the event. Four muezzins from nearby villages performed the call to prayer.
After Kyai Masrur passed away Kyai Khamdi became imam. He was Kyai San Ngabdulah’s grandson and H. Ridwan’s son-in-law. M. Adnan replaced H. Asy’ari. Then the imamate passed from Kyai Khamdi to others. These imams included Kyai Ali Burhan, Kyai Abu Mansur, KH. Ahmad Zaenudin, and Kyai Ali Muhtarom.
Today the Masjid Jami Baitul Haq embraces modern management. It has a mosque board and youth group. Tasks are divided according to skills. This mosque has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It stands as a testament to faith. It also shows community spirit in Gebangkuning.