Masjid Jamiut Solihin

Hidden amidst the vibrant energy of Jakarta, Masjid Jamiut Solihin stands as a testament to community resilience. This mosque, tucked away on Jalan Percetakan Negara II, holds a story that intertwines with the very fabric of the city. Masjid Jamiut Solihin may not boast the grandeur of some of Jakarta’s larger mosques. But its story is no less captivating. It’s a story of survival against the odds. A story of a community clinging to their faith and their heritage. While our knowledge about Masjid Jamiut Solihin specifically is limited, the tale of Masjid Al-Makmur, formerly known as Tjikini Mosque, offers a glimpse into the struggles faced by places of worship in a rapidly changing city. Imagine the scene in the early 20th century. The Alatas family, having purchased the land from Raden Saleh’s wife, sell a portion to the Koningin Emma Stichting for the construction of Cikini Hospital. Masjid Al-Makmur, then a simple structure, is caught in a legal limbo, its very existence threatened. The hospital board, wanting to expand, requests the mosque be moved. But the mosque authorities refuse. They see the land as a waqf, a sacred trust left by Raden Saleh himself. This sets the stage for a David and Goliath struggle. A small community fighting for their spiritual home against a powerful institution. The mosque community rallies, forming a committee with prominent figures like Agus Salim, Mas Mansur, and Cokroaminoto. Through their efforts and with the financial backing of Sarekat Islam, the mosque undergoes renovations, transforming from a humble prayer house into a permanent structure. This act of defiance ensures the mosque’s survival, though the legal battle continues for decades. It isn’t until 1991, almost a century and a half after its humble beginnings, that the land is finally bequeathed to the mosque. Though the stories of Masjid Jamiut Solihin and Masjid Al-Makmur are distinct, they share a common thread: the power of community and the enduring importance of faith. As you stand before Masjid Jamiut Solihin, remember the struggles and triumphs of those who came before. Their legacy lives on in the quiet dignity of this unassuming mosque.