Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin

The Architectural Grandeur of Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin: A Symbol of Spirituality and Banua Identity

Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin is more than just a place of worship; it is the physical manifestation of the long history, deep spirituality, and architectural ambition of the people of South Kalimantan. Majestically located in the heart of Banjarmasin City, precisely on the banks of the Martapura River, this mosque stands on a 16-hectare site that was once the Dutch defense fort, Fort Tatas. As the largest mosque in South Kalimantan, Sabilal Muhtadin presents a unique blend of 20th-century modernism with meaningful local wisdom.

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Historical Context and Philosophy of Naming

The construction of Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin began in 1974 and was inaugurated by President Soeharto on February 9, 1981. The name "Sabilal Muhtadin" was chosen as a highest form of respect to Syekh Muhammad Arsyad al-Banjari (1710–1812), a great scholar from the Banjar Kingdom whose influence extended to Southeast Asia. This title is taken from his monumental fiqh book, Sabilal Muhtadin lit-Tafaqquh fi Amrid-din (The Path for Those Who Are Guided to Understand Matters of Religion).

The selection of the location at the former Fort Tatas holds strong symbolic significance: transforming a center of repressive colonial power into a liberating center of spirituality. Architecturally, this transition marks a new era of public building design in South Kalimantan, which began to move away from purely vernacular styles towards a modern-monumental style.

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Architectural Characteristics and Structural Innovations

The architectural style of Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin is often described as tropical modern with a simplified Middle Eastern touch. Unlike traditional mosques in Java that use tiered roofs (meru), Sabilal Muhtadin adopts a dome as its dominant element, but with a very specific interpretation.

The main dome of this mosque is flat and round, resembling a "Tangguk" (a traditional Banjar fish trap) or a "Purun Hat." This dome is made of gold-colored aluminum material specially imported from abroad at that time, with a diameter of up to 38 meters. The structure of this dome does not rest on columns in the center of the main prayer hall, but is supported by a wide-span structure that creates a very spacious interior with an unobstructed view (clear span), giving a sense of infinity to the worshippers within.

In addition to the main dome, there are four smaller domes surrounding it, creating a dynamic visual composition. At the corners of the building stand five towering minarets. One minaret is 45 meters high, and the other four are 21 meters high. These numbers are not arbitrary; they symbolize the Pillars of Islam and the spirit of Indonesia's independence year (1945).

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Interior Details and Materiality

Upon entering the mosque, visitors are greeted by a play of contrasting yet harmonious materials. The walls and floors of the mosque are covered with high-quality marble, providing a cool effect amidst Banjarmasin's hot weather. One of the most prominent features is the use of finely carved Arabic calligraphy on wood and metal materials.

The calligraphy adorning the interior walls is not merely decorative but consists of selected Quranic verses intended to reflect the glory of knowledge and devotion, in line with the legacy of Syekh Muhammad Arsyad al-Banjari. A giant crystal chandelier hanging directly below the center of the main dome serves as a visual focal point, creating dramatic light reflections at night.

The mosque's doors are made of selected teak wood with intricate Banjar carvings. Floral motifs (leaves and flowers) dominate these carvings, reflecting the biodiversity of Kalimantan's forests. The use of natural ventilation is also highly emphasized; tall windows and gaps under the dome allow for cross-ventilation, keeping the space comfortable without complete reliance on mechanical air conditioning.

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Integration of Landscape and Urbanity

One of the unique aspects of Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin is its integration with water elements and green open spaces. Located on a small peninsula surrounded by the flow of the Martapura River, the mosque seems to float when viewed from a distance. The presence of small canals and ponds around the building functions as a microclimate regulator, cooling the surrounding environment.

The mosque's very spacious courtyard serves as the lungs of Banjarmasin city. With thousands of shade trees, this area becomes a public space where social interaction occurs. The design architects, involving a multidisciplinary team, succeeded in creating a smooth transition between the sacredness of the prayer space and the profanity of the city's public spaces.

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Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience

For the people of Banjarmasin, Sabilal Muhtadin is the spiritual "Ground Zero." This mosque is not only a place for Friday prayers or the celebration of major Islamic holidays but also a center for Islamic studies through the library and educational institutions within its complex.

The experience of visitors here often begins with awe at the scale of the building. As the sun sets, the mosque's golden dome reflects the orange light that blends with the ripples of the Martapura River, creating an iconic view often captured as a symbol of South Kalimantan. Inside, the carefully designed acoustics ensure that the imam's or preacher's voice is heard clearly to the furthest corners, enhancing the solemnity of worship.

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Architectural Conclusion

Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin is a technical and artistic achievement of its time. It successfully combines modern construction technology with deep traditional and religious values. The use of a flat dome, symbolic minarets, and integration with the river ecosystem makes this mosque one of the most important religious architectural works in Indonesia. It stands tall as a living monument connecting the golden past of the Banjar Sultanate with the modern future of South Kalimantan, making it an irreplaceable icon in the land of "a Thousand Rivers."