Perhaps a place of repentance? Let me tell you about Masjid Nurut Taubah. This mosque isn’t just a building. It is a beacon of change and a testament to faith.
Masjid Nurut Taubah stands proudly in Polewali Mandar. Specifically, it’s in Kecamatan Campalagian, Desa Lapeo. You’ll find it right on Jalan Trans Sulawesi. It’s not just any mosque. It’s the oldest in Polewali Mandar.
Kyai Haji Muhammad Thahir founded it in 1902. People knew him as Imam Lapeo. Initially, it was a small prayer space. Construction gradually expanded it until 1916. The name “Nurut Taubah” means “the light of repentance.” It reflects the mosque’s purpose. Back then, many locals practiced animism. They indulged in vices like gambling and cockfighting.
Imam Lapeo’s arrival transformed the community. They began embracing Islam. Slowly, Masjid Nurut Taubah became a center for Islamic teachings in Polewali Mandar.
The mosque’s architecture is striking. Its tall minaret shows Istanbul’s influence. Imam Lapeo studied Islam there. Before building Masjid Nurut Taubah, he studied extensively. His travels included Pare-Pare, Madura, Java, Sumatra, Istanbul, and Mecca.
The tall minaret makes the mosque majestic. Visiting brings a sense of peace. The prayer area is cool and serene. The floor is refreshingly cold. Ornaments on the walls and ceiling are beautiful.
Masjid Nurut Taubah also features a spacious terrace. Relaxing here after prayers feels wonderful. Children enjoy playing here while waiting for prayer time.
One unique feature is the giant bedug or drum. It stands on the mosque’s side terrace. This bedug is 3 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. It was crafted in Cirebon. There is also a giant Al-Quran. It measures 2 x 1 meters. The University of Al-Quran Sciences made it in Wonosobo.
The tomb of Imam Lapeo and his child are located here. This is why many visit for pilgrimage and religious tourism. People call Imam Lapeo “Kanne Ambol”. It means “grandfather from Istanbul”. He enlightened people and curbed sinful acts. These included cockfighting and drinking.
Zaenal is a caretaker and relative of Imam Lapeo. He notes that Imam Lapeo first built a mosque in Laliko in 1902. To spread Islam further, he moved to Lapeo in 1911.
Masjid Nurut Taubah also houses a pesantren. Students memorize the Al-Quran there. The tahfidzul Quran program guides students. It helps them improve their reading and recitation.
Masjid Nurut Taubah stands as a beacon of faith. It’s a monument to a legacy. It is the legacy of Imam Lapeo. It is a place where history, spirituality, and community converge.