Beyond the city’s clamor rises the Mushalla At Taqwa. What stories do its walls conceal? What echoes of faith resonate within?
The Mushalla At Taqwa is not just a building. It is a sanctuary. It is a place of worship that offers peace to those seeking solace.
Indonesia is a major Muslim nation. Here Islam was not an indigenous religion. Some say it was imposed by Arab spiritual imperialists. Mosques in Indonesia are called “mesjid”. This literally means “to prostrate oneself in payer”.
There are different types of mosques. A “jami mesjid” is used for Friday prayers. A “musalla” is used for prayer meetings Sunday through Thursday. There are also memorial mosques to honor Muslim saints. Lastly, there are “mashad” found in tombs. Special prayer rooms exist in hotels airports and other places.
Several hundred thousand Indonesians go on the Hajj every year. Indonesia annually provides the greatest number of pilgrims to Mecca. Smaller pilgrimages in Indonesia may also be made to graves of saints. Sunan Kalijaga is believed to have brought Islam to Indonesia and is the most famous.
Islam plays a significant role in Indonesian culture. Advertisements for banks may feature the faithful singing and swaying as they walk to a mosque. On domestic flights during sunset pilots announce the prayer time. McDonald’s in Jakarta places curtains over their windows during Ramadan. This is done so fasting Muslims are not tempted and people eating inside do not offend those who are fasting.
Mosques and shrines are sometimes not open to women or non-Muslims. One should ask for permission before entering. Mosques that do welcome women or non-Muslims expect them to be appropriately dressed. This means no shorts short skirts revealing halter tops or exposed shoulders. Mosques that allow women often require them to wear a head scarf. Some require them to cover their entire bodies except the face hands and feet. They are not allowed to wear trousers. Sometimes mosques provide women with a head scarf if they don’t have one. Sometimes they have robes for men wearing shorts.
The Muslim faithful are expected to remove their shoes. They should wash their feet in a sacred basin before they enter the mosque. If no water is available Muslims are supposed to wash themselves with sand. Foreign visitors can usually just remove their shoes. They are not required to wash their feet. In any case make sure your feet or socks are clean. Dirty feet in a mosques are regarded as an insult to Islam. In large mosques you remove your shoes. You then place them on a shelf in a place with a number under it.
Inside a mosque don’t walk in front of someone who is praying. Do not touch the Koran. Never sit or stand on a prayer rug. Never place a Koran on the floor. Do not put anything on top of it. Also don’t cross your legs in front of an older people. Do not step over someone who is sitting down. Show respect remain quiet and stay out of the way. Taking photographs is frowned upon.
The Mushalla At Taqwa stands as a beacon of faith. It welcomes all who seek its shelter. Its story is woven into the fabric of Jakarta itself. As we leave this place let’s carry its message of peace. Let’s foster understanding in our hearts.