Pink Mosques

Eid Mubarak! Today me and family going for Eid Prayer in Golden...

salsabeela — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 02:05:31 -0400

Eid Mubarak! Today me and family going for Eid Prayer in Golden Dome Mosque, Depok. We enjoy the Masjid as always. Wish I can build beautiful Masjid like this in the future, Ameen!

Hope you have a wonderful Eid and may Allah accept our Ibadah in Ramadan, ameen, insha Allah!

+OL

I’tikaf last night at Masjid al-Azhar with Nana. It was...

salsabeela — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 23:01:00 -0400

I’tikaf last night at Masjid al-Azhar with Nana. It was packed. I really enjoy the positive vibe around the Masjid.

I try to finished more Quran tafseer, writing down favorite verses, praying, listening to khutbah after khutbah, contemplating, enjoying my silent moment.

Ramadan will leave soon. Time flies, indeed.

+OL

Spend iftar yesterday at Joglo Perdikan. It’s a nice big...

salsabeela — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:52:00 -0400

Spend iftar yesterday at Joglo Perdikan. It’s a nice big Javanese house with a spacious yard full of exotic animals. I really enjoy the religious meeting there, well, the first 4 hours was more spiritual than religious. We have discussion about Indigo children where they invite Indigo children and their parents. It was a mind opening discussion about life and the importance of love as the base of humanity.

Whenever I met my friends in this circle, I always felt calm, and in-synch. I can totally get what they’re talking about, no matter how weird they may sound.

+OL

I always keep it balance and open mind to any interpretation of...

salsabeela — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:50:00 -0400

I always keep it balance and open mind to any interpretation of Islam, so I always go to different religious gathering. Last night was Padepokan Thaha time with Sudjiwo Tedjo. And it was a mindblowing meetup.

Sudjiwo Tedjo is one of Indonesian famous people. He’s a Dalang or puppet master in Javanese Wayang show. He’s also a singer. And he has a wicked mind. His thoughts are provocative. He said himself: he’s crazy. But there are a lot of inspirations I can get from him, too much, that I must digest it one by one. My sis Tari is by my side to explain to me whatever things that I didn’t get from his speech. It was heavily spiritual.

I’m going to share one thing I get from him. It’s about Iqra’ (read).

It’s the first ayat sent down for prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He can’t read, yet he was told to Iqra’ (read).

We thought, it’s a matter of reading words, or reading books. But Iqra’ has deeper meaning. It’s about ‘reading signs’. It’s about reading life and our surrounding. It’s about reading the world we live in. It’s to find the sacred ‘verses’ in everyday’s life.

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons, and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is witness over all things?” (QS 41:53)

I am grateful to find my being writer and blogger, allow me to be ‘aware’ of my surrounding, be able to read the ‘signs’, interpret the signs, take lessons in every sharp corner of my life.

So, read.

+OL

Masjid Lautze, Jakarta, doesn’t look like a regular Masjid...

salsabeela — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:34:00 -0400

Masjid Lautze, Jakarta, doesn’t look like a regular Masjid in Indonesia. There is no dome or other Masjid attributes, but their spirit is as big. The jama’ah were Chinese-Muslims community in Jakarta. The Masjid is located in Lautze street #87 near Pasar Baru area. We walked thru the houses to search for the Masjid and once in a while I can catch one or two people praying from the 2nd floor of their houses in Buddhist way. The Masjid clearly not located in Muslim population area, but they have no problem praying according to Islamic belief. This is what I proud the most for being Indonesian. Insha Allah this will continue on for many many years to come.

Inside the Masjid, the interior was red and yellow, really close with the heritage of Chinese colors. And there were books about becoming a Muallaf, on how to change your name, etc.

It was a very interesting experience, I’d love to explore more about the community one day.

+OL

Masjid Istiqlal in the afternoon. Already packed with Muslims...

salsabeela — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:10:38 -0400

Masjid Istiqlal in the afternoon. Already packed with Muslims mostly from out of town. This is the largest Mosque in Southeast Asia in terms of capacity. The Masjid can accommodate up to 120,000 jama’ah. It’s my second time in the Masjid and I still confused how to reach the main praying room -__- It’s a grand Masjid, hopefully I can stay longer there for religious gathering next time.

-+OL

I swear I didn’t know why we must fast on Ramadan. I just...

salsabeela — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:55:00 -0400

I swear I didn’t know why we must fast on Ramadan. I just do what my parents did. I didn’t question it. Until tonight, me and Lisa attend Rahmania Foundation’s religious gathering. It’s an English speaking gathering. The teacher said, we fast to commemorate the arrival of al-Quran. Wow… I really just found out about this.

One more thing, I just know that Taraweeh means ‘relax’. Because Prophet Muhammad (SAW PBUH) usually resting every ‘one session’ 2x2 rakaat. It’s a relax praying.

The Imaam in Rahmania foundation was reciting the surah really well. Lisa make comment that, “It’s fast (the Taraweeh), measured by time, but we’re not felt dragged along. It was so peaceful.”

I totally feel it too. When we about to start, I remember that I find it hard to memorize Quran. Even on my favorite ar-Rahman, I find it hard to memorize the first 15 Ayat correctly. And just like giving the answer, Imaam suddenly recite ar-Rahman, in a very easy way to follow. I have time to check my memory too. Masha Allah!

+OL

Spent iftar and taraweeh with Lisa at Masjid al-Bina, Jakarta...

salsabeela — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:44:08 -0400

Spent iftar and taraweeh with Lisa at Masjid al-Bina, Jakarta yesterday. The Masjid located in center business district of Jakarta, so it was easy for us to reach there. We decide to eat iftar in front of the Masjid. When we were ready to come back to Masjid, we were surprised! All we see was men! Mostly taxi drivers and people who work around the Masjid.

Thank God, ladies row started to filled up just before Taraweeh started.

+OL

Sometimes we have no choice but praying in places like this:...

salsabeela — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:30:12 -0400

Sometimes we have no choice but praying in places like this: tiny, damp, dark, in a basement, near parking lot …

+OL

There are some Masjids within walking distance near my...

salsabeela — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 01:03:41 -0400

There are some Masjids within walking distance near my mom’s house. And today when I walked for taraweeh with my maid, she asked me to go to a more ‘simple’ Masjid than yesterday.

“Miss, let’s go to Masjid Aida Mishbahul Jannah because it’s more simple.”

I try to hide my smile with the way she use the word ‘simple’.

“What do you mean by simple?” I said.

“You know, miss… Less rakaat….”

So here we are now at the ‘simpler Masjid’.

+OL

Inside Gandaria City shopping mall, there’s a Masjid...

salsabeela — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:31:31 -0400

Inside Gandaria City shopping mall, there’s a Masjid called Masjid al-Hidayah.

During Ramadan, they have religious talks after Dzhuhur. Like today, the teacher talk about why our prayer is not answered yet.

This is really open for discussion.

Why do you think Allah hasn’t answer our du’a yet?

My first taraweeh at Masjid Nurul Iman, Depok, Indonesia. This...

salsabeela — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:23:42 -0400

My first taraweeh at Masjid Nurul Iman, Depok, Indonesia. This masjid located near my mom’s house. Since last year, the mosque still pretty much under constant renovation due to unsufficient fund.

Me and my mom both forgot to bring our praying mat. We were worried because it’s so crowded, everybody praying outside the mosque, on the solid ground. Thank God, Alhamdulillah, we manage to find nice clean praying space for two.

Ramadan Kareem. We’re back!

+OL

Eid-ul Adha Mubarak!

salsabeela — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 07:35:01 -0500

Eid-ul Adha Mubarak!

I fell in love with Balikpapan city and I also love their Masjid...

salsabeela — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:05:35 -0400

I fell in love with Balikpapan city and I also love their Masjid Agung at-Taqwa. But it’s still under renovation (beta version). Hopefully I have a chance to visit the full version of the Masjid *geek*

From the city of a million Masjid: Mataram

salsabeela — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:48:35 -0400

From the city of a million Masjid: Mataram

I was having a journey back to my childhood city Makassar last...

salsabeela — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:32:08 -0400

I was having a journey back to my childhood city Makassar last weekend and decide to ask the local people what is the biggest Masjid in town. They all said: Masjid al-Markaz al-Islami. So I went there and see with my own eyes, the beauty of the mosque that can contain 10,000 muslims inside. The Masjid have a huge yard so it’s not only use for praying but also many social activities outside the mosque. Like last Sunday, when they gather school children all over Makassar. Happiness was clearly in the air.

I’m in a very hectic working situation these days and...

salsabeela — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:40:00 -0400

I’m in a very hectic working situation these days and it’s very easy to trap in a stressful situation. That’s why yesterday I decide to take a quiet moment at a mosque in the center of Jakarta, Al-Bina Mosque, Senayan.

It feels good to be able to have a private conversation with Allah, to slow down, in such beautiful serene place that is very near with the fast pace city life of business district of Jakarta.

After praying, I met a lady sitting in the floor of the mosque, asking for sadaqah. She said she’s been living in the mosque since 1931. Wow…. My skeptic Jakartan mind simply refuse to just believe her. But I don’t want to have prejudice. So I just nodded and give her something I can share.

She asked me if I’m married, I smiled and said no. “You’re so beautiful, it’s not gonna be long ‘til you found the one.” Insha Allah, I said. And she continues her blessings, hoping prosperity, happiness, and many good things come my way. I thank her and walk away. I am now recharged and ready to continue living. Alhamdulillah.

+OL

Got a chance to visit Medan, Northern part of Sumatra,...

salsabeela — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:11:00 -0400

Got a chance to visit Medan, Northern part of Sumatra, Indonesia. Didn’t waste my time and go straight to the city’s grand mosque.

The Grand Mosque Al-Mashun, Medan, is one of the Sulthan of Deli remains historical building and it’s still used by Moslems for praying daily. The Grand Mosque is about 200m far from Maimoen Palace which was built in 1906 by Sulthan Ma’moen Al-Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah and for the first time used on September 19, 1909.

I found the Masjid details are impressive, love it very much. How rich the culture of my country…

+OL

Eid Mubarak dear readers! My Eid itinerary today started with...

salsabeela — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:33:58 -0400

Eid Mubarak dear readers!

My Eid itinerary today started with Eid prayer at the Biggest mosque in town: Masjid Baiturrahman, Banyuwangi. Then we’re asking for forgiveness to parents and older people in the family. After that we enjoy some Indonesian Eid food like ketupat (rice stuffed in coconut leaves) and opor ayam (some sort of chicken curry). More and more uncle, auntie, and cousins will come over to have Eid visits (this is where the conversation going: “when will you get married?” “what do you do?” etc). Finally, we’ll be having Eid family picture together, usually with matching outfits :))

That’s my typical Eid celebration in Indonesia! How about yours?

The Pinkmosques girls are spread all over the world now! I’m spending Eid in Banyuwangi, a small town in East Java, my hometown. Lisa spend it in New York. Nana in Paris. And Emi stay to enjoy the empty Jakarta!

But our journey won’t stop here on Eid. We’re gonna continue our journey visiting mosques all over the world. So, if you’re a woman and would like to contribute in this blog, just leave comment or email me auliah5 at gmail.com ;)

Hope you have a wonderful Eid!

+OL

Mosquee de Paris Friday, 26 August 2011 It was my third night...

emiralda — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:55:00 -0400

Mosquee de Paris

Friday, 26 August 2011

It was my third night spent in Mosquee de Paris and fifth day since I arrived in Paris. I think I will come here often since it is just one metro station away from my campus. It is the largest mosque in Paris and the third largest mosque in Europe after Baitul Futuh in London and Mosque of Rome in Italy (if I’m not mistaken). It has a stunning 33 metres minaret. To get here you can use metro rail, stop in Place Monge station and walk around 15 minutes to reach the mosque.

The first time I visited the mosque I was so mesmerized by its lovely garden, just right after I stepped into the door. This mosque is also a heritage site of Paris, so they allow people to come and visit this mosque as tourist. From my observation, the mosque is divided into some parts. The first part is the main hall, where the jama’ah do their shalat. Men and women pray in this hall, divided by a green-thick curtain. The wudhu room is also divided between men and women. From the women’s wudhu room, I passed dozens of islamic books and merchandise sellers before entering the praying room. The second part is the beautiful garden with a fountain in the middle which divided the first part of the mosque and third part, which is the other hall. The dining room and kitchen are also located in the third part.

During Ramadhn, more people will spend their time here. I came before Ashar time and do shalat jama’ah in the main hall. After shalat, people usually read the Holy Quran together until 7pm. Then the men started to held the mat in the garden and the women moved to the hall behind the garden. I observed the women who came, they prepared themselves with lots of food from their home. After Maghrib, they will break their fast and share their foods to other people. I brought Indonesian cookies called Nastar on my second day and shared it with the women here. I was happy to introduce food from my beloved country, and found it magical because the more I shared, the more I got, Subhanallah! Usually, I can’t even finish my food and have to put it in small plastic bag and share it with the beggars outside the mosque.

I would like to share another magical experience I had in this mosque. It was on Friday night, as my new friend told me, there will be a Lailatul Qadar celebration. I’d really want to come so we make an appointment to meet on Friday night. As I arrived before maghrib, the mosque was already full with people! The women hall that I used to stay was so full, so my friend and I decided to pray in the garden. It was pretty cold that night, probably around 19 degrees.

At around 10pm the imam gave a speech in Arabic, and around 10.40pm the Isya’ prayer started and followed by 8 raka’at Taraweeh prayer. Usually the imam will finish 1 juz of Holy Quran each night and that night was the final juz (30), which was the reason why the celebration of Lailatul Qadar was held. I was very sleepy and tired during the taraweeh prayer, and suddenly during the seventh raka’at of Taraweeh the rain fell! It became even heavier in afterwards. After ruku’ in eighth raka’at the imam read a one hour pray. It was extremely long pray, but surprisingly nobody in the garden moved even they were all wet by the rain, subhanallah! Not to mention, I heard that some women around me cried while listening the imam do’a. Sometimes I heard that the imam cried during his do’a and repeated some important do’a. Eventhough I don’t understand Arabic, I felt so moved and I can’t stopped myself from crying. It was very spiritual moment for me. I said everything I was worried about, I prayed as if Allah was right in front of me and listening to everything I said. That time, I felt extremely longing for God that I couldn’t even explain by words.

After imam’s do’a, my feet was shaking, feeling very cold, the sajadah that I used was so wet and I felt my forehead was very cold when I did sujud. We finished the taraweeh around midnight. My friend whispered to me saying “Welcome to Paris, may Allah accept your shalat, Nana”. Aamiin Ya Rabbal Alamiin.

I hope that more people will come to the mosque, have good experiences and share, so that it can inspire more people to liven up the mosque.

From Paris with love,

Assalamu ’alaikum Wr.Wb.

+NA