Baitul Sobhur Grand Mosque (99 Lights Mosque)

Splendor Without a Dome: Architecture and Philosophy of Baitul Sobhur Grand Mosque (99 Lights Mosque)

Baitul Sobhur Grand Mosque, widely known by the public as the 99 Lights Mosque, stands tall as a manifestation of architectural bravery in the heart of Tulang Bawang Barat Regency (Tubaba), Lampung. Unlike most mosques in Indonesia, which are identical with curved domes and separate tall minarets, Baitul Sobhur offers a radical form that blends Islamic spirituality with local and modern values.

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Architectural Vision and Historical Context

This mosque is an integral part of the "Kota Budaya Uluan Nughik" (Uluan Nughik Cultural City) area, an ambitious project by the Tulang Bawang Barat Regency Government under the leadership of Regent Umar Ahmad to create a regional identity through architecture. Designed by renowned Indonesian architect Andra Matin, the mosque was completed in 2016.

The selection of Andra Matin as the designer had a significant influence on the building's minimalist yet meaningful aesthetic. Baitul Sobhur was not built in isolation; it stands alongside the Sesat Agung (Traditional House) Bumi Gayo. The contrast between the vertical mosque and the horizontal traditional house creates a visual dialectic symbolizing the relationship between humans and God (Hablum Minallah) and humans with fellow humans (Hablum Minannas).

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Geometry and Structural Innovation

The main uniqueness of Baitul Sobhur Mosque lies in its shape, resembling a giant pillar or a square tower soaring 30 meters high. The entire structure of the building is dominated by exposed concrete, giving an impression of honesty, sturdiness, and humility. The building has a square base with dimensions of 34 x 34 meters, a number referring to the number of prostrations in the five daily prayers.

The marvel of civil engineering is evident in how the building manages air circulation and light. Without air conditioning (AC), the main prayer hall remains cool thanks to its "porous" design. Gaps in the concrete walls allow wind to flow freely, creating a natural cross-ventilation system that is highly effective for Lampung's tropical climate.

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Philosophy of 99 Lights and Divine Light

The name "99 Lights Mosque" is not just an aesthetic nickname but a representation of Asmaul Husna (the 99 beautiful names of Allah). On the roof or ceiling of the mosque, there are 99 precisely designed light openings. These openings not only function as ventilation but also as channels for sunlight to enter the prayer hall.

Each opening is inscribed with the calligraphy of the 99 names of Allah. As the sun moves from east to west, the reflection of light falls onto the mosque's floor and walls, creating a constantly changing visual drama throughout the day. This phenomenon provides a spiritual experience for the congregation, as if they are enveloped by the light of God's attributes. The number 99 is also represented through the building's height, calibrated to align with numerical proportions in Islam.

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Contemplative Interior

Upon entering the mosque, visitors are greeted by a calm and contemplative atmosphere. The interior is minimalist, avoiding excessive ornamentation to maintain focus on worship. The cool concrete material is combined with wood accents in some areas, providing visual warmth.

The mihrab area is designed to be very simple yet symbolically strong, directing full focus towards the Qibla. The spacious main hall without central pillars gives an impression of openness and egalitarianism, where no partitions obstruct the congregation's view. The mosque floor uses material that remains cool even when the outside temperature is scorching, adding comfort during prostration.

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Social and Cultural Significance

Baitul Sobhur Grand Mosque has transcended its function as merely a place of worship. It has become a religious tourism icon attracting thousands of tourists from outside Lampung province. The existence of this mosque proves that contemporary architecture can be accepted by religious communities as long as it has a strong philosophical root.

Socially, the mosque complex serves as a public space for the residents of Tubaba. The surrounding area, enclosed by a vast fish pond, creates a mirroring effect that makes the building appear to float on water. This pond is not just an aesthetic element but also functions as a micro-climate regulator around the building and a place for residents to gather and enjoy the afternoon.

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Visitor Experience and Sustainability

For visitors, the experience at Baitul Sobhur begins from afar. The vertical silhouette of the building contrasts with the surrounding landscape of rubber plantations and rice fields. At night, carefully designed artificial lighting makes the building look like a giant lantern illuminating the Uluan Nughik area.

The building's maintenance system is designed for the long term. The use of exposed concrete minimizes repainting costs, while the energy-efficient design through natural lighting and ventilation makes this mosque an example of sustainable architecture relevant to current environmental issues.

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Conclusion

Baitul Sobhur Grand Mosque is a masterpiece that redefines the face of Islamic architecture in Indonesia. It is proof that to be religious, a building does not always have to literally follow Middle Eastern conventions. By combining Islamic numerology, local climate wisdom, and modern aesthetics, the 99 Lights Mosque in Tulang Bawang Barat stands as a beacon of spirituality, radiating beauty through simplicity and honesty of form. It is not just a concrete building, but a poem of space written to glorify the Creator through light and shadow.