Al-Muqarrabin Labala Mosque

1. History

The establishment of al-Muqarrabin mosque in Lalaba, east Flores, Indonesia, was in the time of the spread of Islam in the region. Based on local historical writing, the mosque was built in 1923 CE by King Labala from Mayeli dynasty, the son of King Baha. During the process of spreading Islam in the region, the King Labala was supported regularly by other Muslim kings from Andonara and Solor island, such as King Terong from Terong Kingdom, King Ratuloit from Lemahala, King Lohayong and King Lamakera. As the expression of devotion to fulfill the call of religious duty, the King Ratuloit from the Lemahala kingdom, for example, sent a Chinese Muslim preacher, Baba Abdullah, to the region in order to accelerate the spread of Islam. Baba Abdullah spent his lifetime as an imam of al-Muqarrabin mosque, and intensively called the local inhabitants to embrace Islam. He played very important role. His religious activity was broadly received, including by Lamanunang inhabitants at the eastern side and Mulankera inhabitants at the western side of Lembata island.  

Labala is a village lays in the southern side of Lembata island, east Flores, Indonesia. This village is rather isolated due to the hill surrounded areas that hampered the development of land transportation. Motor boat is the most available water transportation that can easily reach the area.

Although it is isolated in rural area, Labala has an important history. Many centuries ago, Lembata kingdom, a Hindu kingdom, was established within. Its historical existence can be seen through the inherited inscription written with Kawi alphabet that is now called by the local people as Berkah Kerama inscription. The local people believe that the inscription has supernatural power that pushes them to place it at a high place at adat house. In its long historical line, the region changed its name to be Desa Gaya Baru Leworaja used until today.

2. Location

Al-Muqarrabin Labala mosque is located in Labala village (Desa Gaya Baru Leworaja), east Flores, east Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

3. Measure

At the first period of its establishment, the mosque could accommodate only 200 worshippers. In 1995, the mosque was renovated to be larger and bigger that now can accommodate up to 400 worshippers.

4. Architecture

This sub title is still in the process of data collecting

5. Planning

The architect of the mosque is Haji Olong Koli from Kampung Gorang Lamahala village, east Flores.

6. Renovation

The mosque had been renovated twice. The first renovation was in 1972 initiated by the head of the village, Muhammad Soap, with placing zinc as its roof instead of grass-weed. The second was in 1995 initiated by the head of the village, Samin Sado, with enlarging the mosque to be capable of accommodating more worshippers than before.

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