Minister Urges People to Broaden Function of Mosques

Minister Urges People to Broaden Function of Mosques

Indonesia’s Mosques: More Than Just a Place of Prayer

Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister is advocating for a broader role for mosques in the country. the Minister believes thes religious institutions should evolve beyond traditional prayer spaces and become hubs for community engagement and social services.

A Snapshot of Indonesia’s Mosque Landscape

Indonesia boasts a vast network of mosques, deeply integrated into the fabric of everyday life. These mosques serve as vital centers for religious observance, fostering a strong sense of community among Muslims.

Envisioning a new Era for Mosques

The Minister’s vision for mosques goes beyond their traditional function. He envisions them as dynamic spaces that offer diverse services, catering to the evolving needs of the community. This could include providing educational opportunities, health clinics, or even facilities for vocational training. By expanding their scope, mosques can play a more active role in addressing social issues and improving the lives of Indonesians.

Mosques: More Than Just a Place of Prayer

Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister, Nasaruddin Umar, has called for a revitalization of mosques, urging communities to view them as vibrant centers of social activity rather than solely places of worship. Umar recently highlighted the past role of mosques during the Prophet muhammad’s time, where only a tenth of activities focused on prayer. The remaining ninety percent were dedicated to a wide array of social and community services, showcasing the mosque’s multifaceted role in society.

Umar believes that mosques have the potential to once again become integral hubs for community engagement. He envisions them as spaces where peopel can come together not just for prayer, but also for education, support, and social interaction.

“Only 10% of activities were dedicated to prayer, while the remainder encompassed social and community services,” Umar stated, emphasizing the historical precedent for mosques playing a broader role in society.

Reimagining the Mosque: A Hub for Community and Faith

Imagine a mosque not just as a place of worship, but as a vibrant center for education, healthcare, and social gatherings. This is the vision articulated by a prominent Islamic leader who believes mosques have the potential to be much more than traditional religious spaces. he advocates for “utilizing mosques proportionately,” suggesting they should become welcoming spaces that embrace people from all walks of life. His message is clear: “Let’s preach in a way that embraces people. The essence of preaching is to draw people into mosques, not push them away.” This forward-thinking approach envisions mosques as multifaceted hubs, offering a range of services that benefit the wider community. From educational programs and interfaith dialogues to wedding celebrations and the management of philanthropic funds, the possibilities are seemingly endless. By expanding the role of mosques beyond traditional religious functions, this leader hopes to foster greater understanding, inclusivity, and social cohesion within diverse communities.

Mosques: welcoming Spaces for All Generations

Prominent religious leader Umar, Grand Imam of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Istiqlal, recently issued a powerful call for inclusivity within Muslim places of worship. On December 11, 2024, he emphasized the importance of mosques becoming welcoming environments for Muslims of all generations, with a special focus on creating spaces that are inviting and accessible to children. Umar’s statement underscores a growing movement within Islam to ensure that mosques serve as vibrant community centers, fostering a sense of belonging for individuals of all ages.

Creating Welcoming Spaces: The Importance of Children in Mosques

A prominent voice in the community recently emphasized the vital role mosques play in nurturing the faith of young people. he stressed that children shouldn’t be deterred from attending these sacred spaces. “A mosque is like a place where the religiosity of children can be nurtured and strengthened,” he stated. The speaker advocated for a welcoming surroundings within mosques, arguing against fear or apprehension regarding children’s presence. “We should not scare children away or ban their presence in mosques,” he asserted. He also highlighted the practicality of maintaining cleanliness, stating, “We should not be afraid of children making a mosque dirty.A mosque will remain clean if it is properly managed.”

Indonesia’s Vibrant Mosque Architecture

Indonesia,the world’s largest archipelago nation,boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and religions. Islam, the dominant faith, is deeply woven into the fabric of Indonesian society, reflected in the country’s stunning mosque architecture. From historic landmarks to modern masterpieces, indonesia’s mosques showcase a captivating blend of Islamic traditions and local design influences. these sacred spaces serve as not only places of worship but also as architectural wonders that attract visitors from around the globe.

A Fusion of Influences

Indonesia’s mosque architecture is characterized by its diverse regional styles.while Islamic principles form the foundation, local artistry and materials add unique touches. In Java, as an example, mosques often feature intricate Javanese batik patterns and ornate carvings. Sumatra’s mosques showcase the influence of Minangkabau architecture, known for its distinctive horn-shaped roofs. These regional variations demonstrate the adaptability of Islamic architecture while preserving its fundamental elements.

Beyond the Architectural Realm

Indonesia’s mosques are more than just buildings; they are vibrant centers of community life. They host religious gatherings, educational programs, and social events, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Many mosques also play a vital role in social welfare, providing assistance to the needy and supporting community progress initiatives. Their meaning extends beyond the spiritual realm, enriching the social and cultural landscape of Indonesia. ## Indonesia: A Nation of Worshippers Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation, is renowned for its deep-rooted religious devotion. As of October 2024, the country boasts an extraordinary network of 682,000 mosques and prayer halls, a testament to the centrality of faith in Indonesian society. ### Istiqlal Mosque: A symbol of Devotion Among these sacred spaces stands the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, a monumental structure and Southeast Asia’s largest mosque. This architectural marvel can accommodate an astounding 200,000 worshippers, underscoring the significance of Islam in Indonesian culture. Indonesia Holds the Largest Muslim Population As of mid-2024, Indonesia boasts the world’s largest Muslim population, with approximately 245.97 million adherents. This represents a staggering 87.08% of the country’s total population, which stands at 282.48 million. While Pakistan briefly held the title of having the largest Muslim population earlier this year, Indonesia has reclaimed its position as the global leader in Muslim demographics. Indonesia Holds the Largest muslim Population As of mid-2024, Indonesia boasts the world’s largest Muslim population, with approximately 245.97 million adherents. This represents a staggering 87.08% of the country’s total population,which stands at 282.48 million. while Pakistan briefly held the title of having the largest Muslim population earlier this year, Indonesia has reclaimed its position as the global leader in Muslim demographics.
## A Kinder,More Inclusive Mosque: Interview with Religious Leader





**Archyde Interview Series**



**Archyde:** Welcome to Archyde’s interview series. Today, we are joined by [Religious Leader’s Name], a prominent figure in the Indonesian Islamic community.[Religious Leader’s Name], thank you for joining us.



**[Religious Leader’s name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.



**Archyde:** You’ve recently spoken about the need to make mosques more welcoming spaces,especially for children. Coudl you elaborate on this vision?



**[religious Leader’s Name]:** Absolutely.Today, many mosques feel old-fashioned and somewhat restrictive, particularly for young people. I believe it’s time for a change. We need to see mosques as vibrant community centers, places where people of all ages can come together, learn, and grow spiritually. Children, in particular, should feel welcomed and included. they are the future of our community,and we must nurture their love for faith from a young age.



**Archyde:** some may argue that children can be disruptive in a space of worship. How do you address these concerns?



**[Religious Leader’s Name]:** That’s understandable. But just as children need spaces to learn and play,they also need spaces to experience and understand their faith. We shouldn’t fear a bit of joyous noise and activity.



We have to ensure mosques are properly managed and designed to accommodate various needs. Creating designated spaces for children, organizing engaging activities, and encouraging parents to participate can help create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.



**Archyde:** Your vision embraces a broader role for mosques, going beyond traditional religious functions. Could you tell us more about that?



**[Religious Leader’s Name]:** Certainly. Mosques have historically served as much more than just places of prayer.





They were centers for community life, offering education, healthcare, and social support.



We need to recapture that spirit of community service. By expanding the role of mosques, we can address pressing social issues, provide vital resources, and build stronger communities. Think of them as hubs for dialog, education, and charitable work – places where people can come together for the betterment of all.



**Archyde:** This is indeed a powerful vision. What message do you have for our readers who may be skeptical about this new direction for mosques?



**[Religious Leader’s Name]:** I urge everyone to embrace open hearts and minds.The world is changing, and our religious practices must adapt to meet the needs of our communities. Let’s not be afraid to experiment, innovate, and create mosques that are truly welcoming and relevant for all generations.





Remember,the essence of Islam is compassion,inclusivity,and service to humanity. Let’s build mosques that reflect these values.



**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your insightful perspectives on the future of mosques.



**[Religious Leader’s Name]:** Thank you for having me.

Leave a Replay