Mushala Al Maruf

Stepping into the tranquility of Mushala Al Maruf, one can almost hear the echoes of its founder’s dream. KH. Thaha Ma’ruf, a prominent figure in Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) during the 1950s, envisioned a place of worship in Jakarta. Before his passing, he shared this wish with his wife, Hj. Sariani Thaha Ma’ruf, and their eight children. Mushala Al Maruf stands as a testament to his vision. Hj. Sariani embarked on a quest to fulfill her husband’s dream. Their search led them to the then-rural outskirts of Jakarta, Cibubur. This area, near Lapangan Tembak, was a landscape of rubber trees and rice paddies. The community initially discouraged building a Mushala. Local leaders pointed out that such spaces were often misused for gambling and drinking. They suggested a Madrasah instead, a place for religious education. Heeding their advice, Hj. Sariani started with a modest two-room Madrasah. Her reputation as a skilled orator attracted a growing number of students. The Madrasah expanded to include a Dawah course. Hj. Sariani’s teachings reached beyond Indonesia, extending to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. From these humble beginnings, the Al-Ma’ruf foundation blossomed. It became a leading institution for Islamic education in Jakarta, inspiring other schools. Hj. Sariani eventually dedicated Al-Ma’ruf to the Muslim community, ensuring its legacy extended beyond her family. Mushala Al Maruf also became a gathering place for NU scholars, reflecting KH. Thaha Ma’ruf’s role in establishing NU in West Sumatra. Hj. Sariani’s position on the PBNU council further solidified this connection. Even President Abdurrahman Wahid, a key figure in NU, visited Al-Ma’ruf several times to deliver sermons.