Have you ever seen a mosque that looks like a Chinese temple? If not, then you should visit Masjid Cheng Ho in Sumatra, Indonesia. This mosque is a symbol of harmony and diversity in the Muslim community, as it reflects the cultural and religious influences of China, Malaysia and Indonesia.
In this article, you will learn more about the history, architecture and significance of Masjid Cheng Ho, and how to make the most of your visit to this unique and multicultural mosque.
History of Masjid Cheng Ho
Masjid Cheng Ho is named after Cheng Ho, also known as Admiral Zheng He, a famous Chinese Muslim explorer and diplomat who led seven naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, India and Africa between 1405 and 1433. Cheng Ho is revered by the Muslim community in Indonesia, as he helped spread Islam and foster trade and diplomacy in the region. He also visited Sumatra several times, and established friendly relations with the local rulers and people.
The mosque was built in 2006 by the Indonesian Chinese Muslim Association (PITI), with the support of the local government and the Chinese embassy. It was inaugurated on July 15, 2007, coinciding with the 600th anniversary of Cheng Ho's first voyage. The mosque is intended to honor Cheng Ho's legacy and to promote interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange among the diverse Muslim communities in Indonesia and beyond.
Architecture of Masjid Cheng Ho
Masjid Cheng Ho is a stunning example of Chinese Islamic style, which combines elements of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. The mosque covers an area of 3,500 square meters, and can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers. The mosque has a distinctive pagoda-shaped roof, which is decorated with green and yellow tiles and adorned with a golden crescent moon and star. The roof also features four smaller pagodas at the corners, representing the four cardinal directions.
The mosque has a spacious and elegant prayer hall, which is surrounded by a veranda with red columns and arches. The prayer hall has a large mihrab (a niche that indicates the direction of Mecca) and a minbar (a pulpit where the imam delivers the sermon). The mihrab and the minbar are both carved with intricate Arabic calligraphy and floral motifs, creating a contrast with the red walls and the wooden ceiling. The prayer hall also has a chandelier that resembles a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
The mosque also has a courtyard that contains a fountain, a garden, and a statue of Cheng Ho. The courtyard is a place for relaxation and socialization, as well as for performing the ablution (the ritual washing before the prayer). The courtyard also has a dragon sculpture, which is a common symbol of Chinese culture and mythology. The dragon represents power, wisdom and good fortune, and also signifies the connection between the mosque and the Chinese community.
Significance of Masjid Cheng Ho
Masjid Cheng Ho is more than just a place of worship. It is also a place of learning, culture and harmony. The mosque offers various activities and events for the visitors and the locals, such as lectures, seminars, festivals, exhibitions, and cultural performances. The mosque also has a library that contains books and documents on Islam, China, and Cheng Ho. The mosque also has a museum that displays artifacts and relics related to Cheng Ho's voyages and achievements.
The mosque is also a place of interreligious harmony and cultural heritage. The mosque welcomes people of different faiths and backgrounds and encourages dialogue and understanding among them. The mosque also showcases the diversity and richness of the Muslim community in Indonesia, which consists of various ethnic groups, such as Javanese, Sundanese, Minangkabau, Acehnese, Buginese, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and others. The mosque also celebrates the contribution of Cheng Ho and the Chinese Muslims to the history and development of Indonesia and the world.
Practical Information for Visitors
If you are interested in visiting Masjid Cheng Ho, here are some practical information that you need to know:
- Timings:
The mosque is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Fridays, when it is closed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the congregational prayer. The mosque also has special events and programs on certain occasions, such as the birthday of Cheng Ho, the Chinese New Year, the Islamic holidays, and others. You can check the schedule and the details of the events on the mosque's website or social media accounts.
- Entry fee:
The mosque is free to enter for everyone, regardless of their religion or nationality. However, you can also make a voluntary donation to support the mosque's maintenance and activities. You can also buy souvenirs, such as books, t-shirts, keychains, and others, at the mosque's gift shop.
- Dress code:
The mosque requires visitors to dress modestly and respectfully, in accordance with the Islamic norms. You need to cover your head, shoulders, and knees, and avoid wearing tight, transparent, or revealing clothes. You can also borrow a robe or a scarf at the mosque's entrance, if you need to.
- How to get there:
The mosque is located in Jalan Gajah Mada No. 5, in the city of Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra province. You can reach the mosque by various modes of transportation, such as car, taxi, bus, train, or boat. The mosque is about 15 kilometers from the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport, and about 4 kilometers from the Palembang Train Station. The mosque is also near the Musirawas River, which is a popular tourist attraction in Palembang.
Masjid Cheng Ho in Sumatra is a unique and multicultural mosque that you should not miss when you visit Indonesia. It is a place where you can learn more about the history, architecture and significance of Cheng Ho and the Chinese Muslims, and also experience the diversity and harmony of the Muslim community in Indonesia. Whether you are a Muslim or not, you will find something interesting and inspiring at Masjid Cheng Ho.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Masjid Cheng Ho today and discover this amazing attraction for yourself.
