The history of Masjid Agung Al-Falah in the city of Jambi is deeply intertwined with the rich heritage of the Malay Jambi kingdom. The land on which the grand mosque stands today was once the center of the Malay Jambi kingdom, a place of great historical significance. Following the Dutch colonization in 1885, the area was transformed into a Dutch administrative center and fortress, marking a significant shift in its purpose and function.
The origins of Masjid Agung Al-Falah can be traced back to the former grounds of the Tanah Pilih Palace, once belonging to Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin. The mosque, also known as the Mosque of 1000 Pillars, despite having only 256 pillars, was constructed between 1971 and 1980. Its architectural design resembles an open pavilion with numerous supporting pillars and a large dome crowning the structure, symbolizing a blend of cultural and historical elements.
In 1858, Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin ascended to the throne of the Jambi Sultanate and promptly annulled all agreements made by the Dutch with his late father, citing their detrimental impact on the kingdom. This bold move angered the Dutch, who threatened to attack the palace in response. The legacy of Masjid Agung Al-Falah is not only a testament to architectural grandeur but also a reminder of the enduring historical narratives that shape the region's identity.
However, Sultan Thaha instead launched an attack on the Dutch position in the Kumpe area. The Dutch forces retaliated and razed the complex of the Tanah Pilih Palace. In 1906, the former location of the sultan's palace was converted into a Dutch army barracks, which was used as the seat of the Residency government. During the era of independence until the 1970s, the location continued to function as a military barracks in Jambi.
Initially, the idea of building the Grand Mosque emerged in the 1960s by the Jambi government, along with Islamic figures in Jambi. However, the construction process of the new mosque began in 1971. The religious scholars and figures in Jambi, including M.O. Bafaddal, H Hanafi, Nurdin Hamzah, and the governor at that time (Tambunan or Nur Admadibrata), agreed to build the grand mosque at that location and relocate the military barracks. One of the reasons why the mosque was built in that historical location is because it refers to the symbol of Jambi, which features an image of a mosque. The Al-Falah Grand Mosque in Jambi city was inaugurated by President Soeharto on September 29, 1980.
This pride of the people of Jambi stands on a land area of more than 26,890 square meters or more than 2.7 hectares, while the mosque building covers an area of 6,400 square meters with dimensions of 80m x 80m, and can accommodate 10 thousand worshipers at once. From the beginning, the structure of the Grand Mosque has been maintained according to its original form. Even if there are renovations, they only involve adding carvings to the imam's mihrab, without altering the original shape of the mosque, and replacing the wrapping of the pillars in 2008.
The grand mosque of Al-Falah in the city of Jambi is built with a large dome and towering minarets. The entire mosque building is made of reinforced concrete. At first glance, the rows of slender white pillars in this mosque bear a resemblance to the pillars of the grand mosque in Rome, Italy, which was built much later than the Al-Falah mosque in Jambi.
The rows of hundreds of pillars in the Al-Falah mosque are divided into two forms. The first form consists of slender white pillars with three spirals upwards supporting the outer roof of the mosque. The second form of pillars consists of cylindrical pillars wrapped in copper supporting the dome structure in the central area of the mosque. The use of copper material to cover these cylindrical pillars gives an antique yet magnificent impression on the interior of the Al-Falah mosque.
Designed as an open building without doors and windows, it truly aligns with the name of the mosque. Al-Falah in Arabic, when translated into Indonesian, means Victory, which implies having freedom without constraints. Perhaps this philosophy is also the basis for the construction of this mosque with an open concept, allowing Muslims from anywhere to enter and perform worship in this mosque.
Meanwhile, the interior of the dome is adorned with ornate symmetrical lines resembling lines of latitude and longitude on a globe. A large ring beneath the dome is decorated with calligraphy paintings of the Quran in gold. A very large copper chandelier enhances the appearance of the space under the dome, adding to the grandeur of the mosque's interior.
The mosque's architecture and design reflect a blend of traditional and modern elements, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere for worshippers. The intricate details and craftsmanship in the construction of the mosque showcase a deep appreciation for Islamic art and architecture. The Al-Falah mosque stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural beauty, inviting all Muslims to come together in prayer and reflection within its sacred walls.