Thousand Doors Mosque (Nurul Yaqin Mosque)

Exploring the Spiritual Trails and Architectural Mysteries of the Thousand Doors Mosque (Nurul Yaqin Mosque)

The Nurul Yaqin Mosque, more widely known by the public as the Thousand Doors Mosque, is one of the most unique historical and religious sites located in Kampung Bayur, Periuk Jaya Village, Periuk District, Tangerang City, Banten. Standing majestically on approximately one hectare of land, this mosque is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of steadfast faith and a manifestation of architectural art rich with Sufistic symbolism.

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Historical Origins and Founder

The history of the Thousand Doors Mosque cannot be separated from the figure of Al-Faqir Syekh Ami Al-Ishaqi. He was an Arab descendant preacher who built this mosque in 1978. Unlike the general construction of mosques which involves large committees or government funding, the Nurul Yaqin Mosque was built independently by Syekh Ami Al-Ishaqi with personal funds and the labor assistance of his students.

Syekh Ami Al-Ishaqi built this mosque without using blueprints or formal architectural designs on paper. Its construction was carried out in stages, following spiritual guidance believed by the founder. This is what causes the building structure of this mosque to have labyrinth-like corridors and an unconventional layout compared to modern mosques in Indonesia.

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Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

The name "Thousand Doors" is not just a metaphor. Although the number of doors is not exactly a thousand, the mosque does have hundreds of interconnected doors and narrow corridors. Each door is about two meters high, but some entrances to the basement are made much lower, forcing visitors to bow as a symbol of humility before the Creator.

The architectural style of the Thousand Doors Mosque is a blend of local motifs, Western influences (baroque), and Middle Eastern ornaments. One of the most striking features is the presence of the number "99" adorning several parts of the mosque walls. This number represents the Asmaul Husna, or the 99 glorious names of Allah.

The building structure consists of three floors. The first floor is used for dhikr and taklim activities. The second and third floors function as the main prayer area and hall. The materials used were considered simple at the time, but due to their thick and sturdy construction, the mosque has been able to withstand weather and time without significant structural damage.

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Philosophical Meaning and Labyrinth Corridors

One of the most iconic parts of the Nurul Yaqin Mosque is its dark, labyrinth-like underground area. Inside these corridors, there are small rooms just large enough for one person. These rooms are called places for khalwat, or seclusion, to draw closer to Allah SWT.

The existence of these dark corridors carries a philosophy about the human life journey, full of darkness and twists and turns before finally finding divine light. At the end of one corridor, there is a giant prayer bead made of teak wood. This prayer bead has beads the size of a human head and is one of the largest prayer beads in Indonesia, often becoming a main attraction for pilgrims.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

The Thousand Doors Mosque bears witness to the development of Islamic da'wah in the Tangerang region, especially in the Bayur area. During his lifetime, Syekh Ami Al-Ishaqi made this mosque a center for spreading the thariqah and moral education. The mosque attracts not only local congregants but also pilgrims from abroad such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam.

The uniqueness of this building has sparked various speculations and myths among the public. However, for the followers of Syekh Ami, every inch of this building is a visual representation of Sufi teachings that emphasize the purification of the soul (tazkiyatun nafs). To this day, the tomb of Syekh Ami Al-Ishaqi, located within the mosque complex, is a focal point for pilgrims who come to pray for him and remember his contributions to the spread of Islam.

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Preservation Status and Restaurant

Currently, the Thousand Doors Mosque is managed by the descendants of Syekh Ami Al-Ishaqi and senior students. Administratively, this mosque has been recognized as one of the leading religious tourism destinations in Tangerang City. Although not yet fully designated as a national cultural heritage site with strict protection, the local government continues to strive to promote this site as part of Banten's historical identity.

Restoration efforts are carried out independently to avoid altering the original form of the building. The authenticity of the unpainted walls (exposed cement) and the original door structures are maintained to preserve the historical value and the mystical impression attached to it. Cleanliness and the arrangement of the parking area are the main focus of the management, considering the surge in visitors on holidays or Islamic celebrations.

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Cultural and Religious Importance

For the people of Tangerang, the Nurul Yaqin Mosque is a cultural pride. It represents the diversity of religious expression in Banten. Religiously, the mosque remains actively used for the five daily prayers, regular recitations, and the commemoration of the Prophet's Birthday, which is usually attended by thousands of people.

One rarely known unique fact is that within this mosque, there are several rooms dedicated to depicting the "gates of hell" and the "gates of heaven" as a reminder to visitors of the afterlife. This strong moral message makes a visit to the Thousand Doors Mosque not just an architectural tour, but a profound spiritual journey.

With all its architectural uniqueness, philosophical depth, and the long history of its founder, the Thousand Doors Mosque stands strong as a spiritual beacon amidst the modernization of Tangerang City. Its existence reminds humans that in seeking God, one sometimes must pass through the dark corridors within themselves before finding the true door of light.