26 Juni 2025

Summary

This interview discusses the history and significance of a mosque founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1886. The mosque serves as a place of worship and education in the Asahan Sultanate, with notable religious figures like Sheikh Abdul Basit Asahan contributing to its prominence. The mosque's architecture features influences from Malay, Arabic, and Chinese styles, including a unique pulpit and calligraphy. It also holds historical importance, with graves of key figures, including Sultan Ahmad Shah. The mosque played a vital role in preserving Islamic culture and history in the region, and the speaker urges the younger generation to remember and protect this legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sultan Ahmad Shah founded the mosque in 1886, predating the Mandiraya Almansun of the Deni Sultanate and is an extension of the Asa Sultanate.
• 😀 Sheikh Tuanku Sheikh Abdul Basit Asahan, the grand mufti of the Asahan Sultanate, was a prominent religious figure linked to the mosque.
• 😀 The primary purpose of the mosque was for worship, but it also served as a center for broadcasting Islamic preaching and religious education.
• 😀 The mosque was originally built in 1846, with renovations made by the Tanjung Balai City government to improve facilities like the ablution area.
• 😀 In addition to prayers, the mosque served as the head of a madrasah, hosting community children and religious recitations and activities.
• 😀 The mosque's architectural style is influenced by Islamic culture, with a pulpit that blends Chinese, Malay, and Arabic design elements.
• 😀 The tombstones at the mosque display Islamic civilization influences from Aceh and Bugis, featuring ornamental roses and Arabic calligraphy.
• 😀 Arabic calligraphy, specifically the Alkatt eh Tulun script, was imported and engraved into the mosque by Sultan Ahmad Shayah.
• 😀 Sultan Ahmad Shah is buried in front of the mosque, with a separate Sultanate tomb for royal family members, including those who died in the 1946 social revolution.
• 😀 The mosque played a significant cultural and religious role in the Asahan Malay Sultanate, especially after it split from Dutch influence in East Sumatra.
• 😀 The interviewee emphasizes the importance of remembering history and preserving cultural heritage, particularly for the younger generation.

Q & A

Who founded the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque, and when was it established?

The Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1886, making it older than the Mandiraya, Almansun of the Deni Sultanate.

Who was a notable religious figure associated with the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque?

A notable religious figure associated with the mosque was Sheikh Tuanku Sheikh Abdul Basit Asaha, who served as the grand mufti of the Asahan Sultanate.

What was the primary purpose of establishing the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque?

The primary purpose of the mosque's establishment was for worship, as the majority of the Malay community were Muslims. It also served as a center for broadcasting Islamic preaching.

Has the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque undergone any renovations over the years?

Yes, the mosque has been renovated over time, including renovations to its ablution area by the Tanjung Balai City government.

What role did the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque play in the community besides worship?

Besides serving as a place of worship, the mosque also functioned as a madrasah for children, where religious education such as recitation and wirid were carried out.

What are some of the architectural influences found in the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque?

The mosque's architecture shows influences from both Chinese and Islamic cultures. Notably, its pulpit has a Chinese design with Arabic and Malay ornaments, reflecting the cultural fusion in the Asahan region.

How does the mosque's design reflect the Islamic civilization?

The mosque’s design includes Islamic calligraphy and Arabic ornaments, with specific mention of the beautiful Arabic script imported by Sultan Ahmad Shah from Alkatt eh Tulun.

Are there any notable graves located at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque?

Yes, the mosque contains the tomb of Sultan Ahmad Shah, one of its founders. Additionally, there are tombs for the royal family members who died during the 1946 social revolution.

What was the historical importance of the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque in the context of the Asahan Sultanate?

The mosque played a crucial role in the Asahan Sultanate as a religious and cultural center, particularly after the Sri Indrapura strategy split from Dutch rule. It served as the hub for Islamic civilization in the Malay community.

What message did the speaker offer to the younger generation about preserving history?

The speaker emphasized the importance of remembering history and preserving the cultural heritage of the Asahan Sultanate, urging the younger generation not to forget the past and to protect their legacy.