The Baid Ar Rahman Mosque stands majestically in Blitar City. With Mamluk Ottoman architecture, worship in this mosque has an atmosphere like in the Prophet's Mosque, Medina. Masyaallah.
Built on an area of nearly 5,000 square meters, this mosque is the obsession of Abah Hariyanto, a well-known businessman in Blitar City. From a very deep spiritual experience when going on the hajj for the first time at the Prophet's Mosque, Abah Hariyanto wants to be able to feel in a solemn atmosphere at any time when worshipping.
History of the Construction of the Ar Rahman Blitar Mosque
The Chairman of the Takmir of the Ar Rahman Mosque, H. Moch Fuad Saiful Anam, said that Abah's desire to build a miniature Prophet's Mosque in Blitar has existed since 2018. The groundbreaking of the construction of the mosque on Jalan Ciliwung was on December 24, 2018. And the construction process was completed on December 25, 2019.
"An architect from Malang can translate Abah's wishes until they are realized at the Ar Rahman Mosque. Abah also wants everyone who prays here to be able to feel the same atmosphere as praying at the Prophet's Mosque," he said.
The Beauty of Ottoman Classic Architecture at the Ar Rahman Mosque Blitar
Entering the courtyard of this mosque, we are treated to a beautiful view. A total of 10 umbrella support poles stand in a majestic row. The shape of this umbrella is the same as what appears on the outside of the Prophet's Mosque. Copper ornaments with gold color are wrapped around the top of the pillar decorated with beautiful lights with a similar shape in Medina.
The characteristics of the Ottoman Mamluk classical contemporary can be seen directly from the shape of the curved pillars with black and white motifs. Pillar designs like this are present in all parts of the mosque.
A total of 11 entrances three meters high and two meters wide look majestic to welcome the arrival of the pilgrims. This teak door is coated with carved copper with beautiful calligraphy motifs.
"All the ingredients are local. Wood, granite, ceramics and porcelain as well as andesite stones attached to the inside of the mosque we brought from Tulungagung," he explained.
There is also the Bawwabat Makka gate or the gate of the Qur'an which is so magnificent and iconic. Taking a picture right below it and then publishing it on social media may make you think you are on Umrah to the holy land, you know. It is so similar to the atmosphere of Medina. Not surprisingly, this mosque is referred to as The Little Medina or Madinah Van Java.
In addition to functioning as a place of worship, the Ar Rahman Blitar Mosque is also the center of Hariyanto Islamic Center activities.
Entrance to the Ar Rahman Mosque Complex Blitar
Worshippers can enter from the north side for women and south for men, there are lockers that can be used to store goods, and along the aisle are provided with coffee, tea and warm ginger.
The ta'mir wear special vests and routinely monitor the availability of facilities, including drying the front floor with a scrubber dryer "cleaning motor" periodically.
On certain days, Fajr Studies are also held, Sunday Morning and breakfast is provided, after Friday Prayers there is also lunch. Another facility is a health check and for brides-to-be can hold Ijab Qobul there.
On my occasion to go to the Ar Rahman Blitar Mosque in mid-2024, I had the maghrib prayer in congregation here. The magnificent and beautiful architecture typical of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina is so dominant, making worship even more solemn.
The interior of the Ar Rahman Mosque is very grand and again, completely similar to the feel of the holy land. The mosque ta'mir will also burn incense which makes the fragrance of the porch in the mosque more distinctive and worship becomes more solemn. In the place where the imam prays, there is also a Kiswah which is directly imported from Mecca. Subhanallah.
Location of Ar Rahman Mosque Blitar
For friends who want to visit and worship at this iconic and artistic mosque, you can open Google Maps and type the keyword Ar Rahman Blitar Mosque. The exact location is on Jl. Ciliwung No.2, Bendo District, Kepanjenkidul District, Blitar City.
The location of the Ar Rahman Mosque in Blitar is very strategic; adjacent to the main destinations such as Karno's Tomb, Sumberudel Water Park, PIPP and adjacent to the Stadium.
If tourists from outside the city are on vacation to Blitar, it is only a stone's throw to reach these locations, and the Ar Rahman Mosque will certainly not be missed.
For friends who bring vehicles, you can park your vehicle in the parking room located in the basement. When the author visited, the parking location was still in the process of being refined to be fully functional.
Final Thoughts
A trip to the Baid Ar Rahman Mosque in Blitar is truly an extraordinary spiritual and visual experience. This mosque is not only a place of worship, but also a work of art that exudes the majesty of classical Ottoman architecture. From the majestic columns to the iconic gates similar to the Prophet's Mosque, every corner exudes a soul-soothing atmosphere of Medina.
Not only is it physically beautiful, but the mosque also exudes warmth through friendly facilities, such as free hot drinks and health services, making it a place that is very worth visiting both for worship and simply to enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Its strategic location is close to various major tourist destinations in Blitar, making it a destination that should not be missed when you visit this city.
So, what are you waiting for? The Ar Rahman Blitar Mosque is ready to welcome you with its beauty, the friendliness of its management, and of course, a solemn atmosphere that will enrich your spiritual experience.
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