“A house for those who submit.” That’s the English translation of Masjid Raya Al Araaf. This mosque is one of Jakarta’s oldest and most historic mosques. Let me tell you its story.
Masjid Raya Al Araaf stands in Pasar Senen. It’s on Jalan Stasiun Senen in Central Jakarta. Many still call it Masjid Jagal. That name has a unique origin.
Back in 1695, Upu Daeng H Arifuddin, a Bugis merchant, founded this mosque. He worked with the local community. They wanted a place to spread Islamic teachings. It also served merchants and travelers. The area was full of animal slaughterhouses. So, it became known as Masjid Jami Jagal Senen. Jagal means slaughter in Indonesian.
In 1969, the name changed to Masjid Raya Al-Arif. It still stands strong today. The mosque covers 550 square meters. It sits on a 2,850 square meter plot. Its architecture blends Javanese, Dutch colonial, and Middle Eastern styles.
The Javanese style dominates. It’s visible in the two-tiered roof and saka guru construction. Saka guru refers to the main supporting pillars. Inside, four golden pillars add a touch of grandeur.
Upu Daeng Arifuddin, the founder, is buried behind the mosque. Four of his friends also rest there.
Interestingly, Masjid Al-Arif almost faced demolition in 1969. Ali Sadikin, Jakarta’s Governor at the time, planned to expand Pasar Senen. For unknown reasons, the plan never happened.
There’s also a story from the Japanese occupation. Supposedly, every time someone tried to photograph the mosque before its planned demolition, a man in a white robe appeared. People believed it was Arifuddin protecting the mosque.
The mosque underwent renovations in the 1960s. A garment company from East Jakarta donated 400 million Rupiah.
Masjid Raya Al-Arif has a rectangular layout. It features a layered pyramid-shaped roof. The land it stands on was a waqf or endowment from Daeng Arifuddin. Today, the waqf is managed by his heirs to prevent disputes.
Inside, ceramic tiles cover the floor with soft prayer rugs. Four central pillars support the roof’s structure. A wall separates the men’s and women’s prayer areas.
The ablution area is separate for men and women. Toilets are also available near the mosque. Rubber mats separate the ablution area from the mosque. This keeps the mosque clean.
Masjid Raya Al Araaf stands as a testament to Jakarta’s rich history. It is a blend of cultures and a symbol of resilience. It has survived name changes, demolition threats, and the passage of time. Today it continues to serve as a place of worship and a reminder of the past.