Alhamdulillah, recently IKHLAS Travel went on a spiritual journey to Aceh Darussalam, Indonesia, also known as the “Serambi Mekkah.” This four-day, three-night trip was truly unique compared to other trips, because we got to fast and perform worship in this special city.

Visiting the Baiturrahman Mosque
 

One of the places we visited was the Baiturrahman Mosque, which has many interesting facts and lessons for us as Muslims. We also had the opportunity to perform Tarawih prayers with the local Acehnese community. The feeling was so peaceful, and you could clearly see the spirit of worship on the faces of those at the mosque.

A Historic and Beautiful Mosque
 

This mosque is one of the oldest in Indonesia, built in 1879 by Sultan Alauddin Mahmud Syah II. It is one of the largest and most important centers of worship and culture in Aceh. The architecture of the mosque is rich with Malay and European design influences. We were amazed by its beautiful black domes and tall minarets. The mosque is also known as the “Little Nabawi” because of the giant umbrellas that look just like those at the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Nabawi) in Madinah.

A Symbol of Strength After the Tsunami
 

Behind its architectural beauty, the mosque holds many stories of survival, especially from the earthquake and tsunami that struck Aceh on December 26, 2004. Despite the disaster, the mosque remained strong and managed to save many lives. Since then, Baiturrahman Mosque has become a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Aceh. Its firm presence in the middle of destruction shows the unbreakable spirit of the Acehnese people.

More Than Just a Mosque
 

This mosque is not only a place for worship but also a community center for religious and social activities. Many activities such as Qur’an recitation classes, community events, and charity programs are held here for the local people. We even saw young Acehnese children reciting the Qur’an at the mosque after the Zuhur (midday) prayer.