Breaking the fast in mosque at the heart of North Jakarta

Breaking the fast in mosque at the heart of North Jakarta

Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Luar Batang Mosque is indeed the heart of the local community in
the area, located near the Sunda Kelapa Harbor in Penjaringan
subdistrict, North Jakarta.

The mosque, which was built in 1739 by Habib Husin bin
Abubakar Alaydrus, did not only attract Muslims in the area to
pay a visit but also others from outside Jakarta.

The grave of Alaydrus, who was buried in 1756 in the mosque
compound, has been visited by Muslims every year.

During the Ramadhan holy month, many people come to the
mosque, not only to visit the grave but also to do worshiping
activities, including breaking of the fast together.

People living around the mosque voluntarily take turns to
provide tajil (snacks for breaking the fast) for the fasting
Muslims.

"About 100 families in the kampong voluntarily prepare the
meals," said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Kampung Luar Batang.
"Each day, more or less eight families take turns to provide
meals for around 100 people."

"The locals here have agreed that families who are more
fortunate will prepare meals four times during Ramadhan," he
added. "Those who are less fortunate can prepare meals only two
times in the holy month."

Around half an hour before the breaking the fast, residents
and also visitors have gathered at the mosque's front yard and
around the compound.

Some others were seen preparing the tajil comprising of
various meals, including es pisang ijo (a sweet beverage with
banana covered with green pancake), assorted fruits with syrup,
cakes and snacks.

Es pisang ijo is a beverage that originated from Makassar,
South Sulawesi. Kampung Luar Batang residents indeed comprise of
mixed ethnic groups as it is located near the harbor. Most of
their ancestors were fishermen from Makassar, Banten and
Kalimantan.

After enjoying tajil and performing Maghrib (dusk) prayers,
they will have rice with complete side dishes.

Muslims in the area will then perform the tarawih (night
prayer during Ramadhan) together at the historical Luar Batang
mosque, the heart of their community.