Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan: Perak-wide Friday Donations Used to Redeem Land
The Perak State Government has taken a crucial initiative to save Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan, Alor Pongsu, Bagan Serai, from losing part of its land after it was sold by the waqf donor's heirs to a non-Muslim owner.
According to the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, funds collected from Friday prayer donations across the state will be used to repurchase the land, valued at RM1.8 million, which is currently being claimed by the legal Chinese owner.
"Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan was built on waqf land, but the donor's grandchild sold a portion of that land to a Chinese individual. It was then registered under the buyer's name, and he is now claiming the land," he stated.
"If the demand is not met, it means part of the mosque will have to be demolished. It would be a disgrace to the Muslims in Perak, and a disgrace to the Islamic religious executive council in Perak."
History of the Construction of Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan
Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan was built in 1931, funded by contributions from villagers. At the time of its construction, the mosque could only accommodate about 200 congregants, consistent with the population size then. The original site was a palm oil plantation endowed by its operator, and the mosque was inaugurated by Haji Yunus bin Haji Alias, the Religious Administrative Officer for the Bagan Serai District. Prior to this, residents only performed congregational prayers at a surau near their residential area.
The original construction cost was estimated at around RM64,000, raised through donations and local community support. The mosque has undergone several significant renovations. The first extension was built in 1998 on the side of the main building, and the inauguration ceremony was performed by Yang Berbahagia Orang Kaya-Kaya Shahbandar Paduka Indera Dato’ Sri Mohd Zulkifli Kushairi, representing the Sultan of Perak. This extension is also recognized as a valid area for i'tikaf.
Population growth began when many residents, especially from Kedah, migrated to Alor Pongsu to develop idle land. This situation caused the existing prayer space to no longer accommodate the increasing number of congregants.
Efforts to expand the prayer space continued from time to time, especially after the opening of several new housing estates such as Taman Sri Pongsu, Taman Pongsu Melati, Taman Pongsu Mawar, and Taman Pongsu Teratai.
Additionally, the opening of the Alor Pongsu Toll has made Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan a major stopover for North-South Expressway users, particularly for performing Friday prayers.
Perak-wide Friday Donations Used to Redeem Land
During the recent launch of the reading book for mosques and suraus across the state, Saarani explained that he had discussed this matter with the Director of JAIPk, Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim, the President of MAIPk, Tan Sri Mohd. Annuar Zaini, and the CEO of MAIPk, Syamsul Hazeman Md. Salleh.
According to information received from MAIPk, Friday prayer donations across Perak are estimated to reach RM5 million to RM7 million per month, which is about RM1 million per week.
"We hope to show the solidarity of Muslims in Perak, so that a portion of those funds, God willing, can be used to redeem the land, which is said to cost RM1.8 million," said Saarani.
As an official step, JAIPk has issued a notification letter to all mosques and suraus in Perak to inform them of the use of these donations for the purpose of saving the mosque's land.
Solidarity of Perak Muslims Needed
Saarani emphasized that it would be very unfortunate and shameful if a mosque that serves as a center of worship for Muslims had to be demolished just because of a property claim by a non-Muslim.
"It would be very unfortunate for us if we let it happen, let alone if we demolish the mosque just because of a claim from a non-Muslim because the land is now owned by them," he said.
Bank Name: Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB)
Account Number: 08013010091983
Account Name: Tabung Bantuan Bencana dan Kemanusiaan
The recommended dates for the donation collection are May 9, 2025 (Friday) and May 16, 2025 (Friday).
Conclusion
Masjid Jamek Ar-Ridzuan is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of the heritage and early struggles of the Muslim population in Alor Pongsu. This land ownership issue serves as an eye-opener for many regarding the importance of safeguarding and preserving waqf trusts and religious assets so they are not lost.
With the support and solidarity of Muslims in Perak, it is hoped that the effort to redeem this land will succeed for the continuity of the mosque, which has served the community for over 90 years.
References:
- https://076115masjid.blogspot.com/2009/04/maklumat-ringkas-mengenai-masjid-ar.html
- https://masjid.islam.gov.my/maklumatDetailMS/1/0807069
