Jakarta’s Best Mosques for Itikaf During Ramadan 2026

As the month of Ramadan nears its conclusion, mosques across Jakarta are preparing to welcome worshippers seeking to observe Itikaf – a period of spiritual retreat spent in devotion within the mosque walls. This practice, defined as remaining in the mosque for a designated time, often during the last ten nights of Ramadan, allows individuals to disconnect from worldly affairs and focus on prayer and reflection. The atmosphere shifts as congregants increasingly seek solace and spiritual enrichment, hoping to witness Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, believed to be more valuable than a thousand months.

What is Itikaf?

I’tikaf, or simply ‘Itikaf’, is defined as remaining silent in the mosque, generally often done during the month of Ramadan. Itikaf is carried out for a certain period of time to worship with special conditions, such as distancing oneself from worldly affairs to get closer to Allah SWT.

Five Mosques Recommended for Itikaf in Jakarta

Istiqlal Mosque

As the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Istiqlal Mosque is a primary destination for those seeking to perform Itikaf. Its expansive prayer hall can accommodate thousands, though it can become crowded on odd nights. The mosque provides a comfortable environment with thick carpets, air conditioning, and great ventilation. Itikaf participants can typically join in congregational night prayers (qiyamul lail), Quran recitation (tadarus), religious studies, and a communal sahur, which is limited to approximately 400 attendees.

Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque

The Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque provides Itikaf services along with sahur (suhoor) meals for the congregation. The building is spacious with high ceilings and the interior is comfortably carpeted. Congregants typically bring extra sleeping mats for overnight stays. The Itikaf program includes night studies, congregational tadarus, qiyamul lail, and a communal sahur, managed by the committee.

Al-Azhar Grand Mosque

The Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Kebayoran Baru is known for its well-organized Ramadan activities and comprehensive facilities. The complex is spacious with a large parking area, making it straightforward for worshippers to come with their Itikaf equipment. The mosque’s air-conditioned interior, thick carpeting, and warm lighting create a comfortable atmosphere for evening prayers. During the last ten nights, there are usually a series of activities such as a midnight sermon, congregational Qiyamul Lail (recitation of the Quran), Quran recitation, and communal sahur.

Baiturrahman Mosque, Pondok Pinang

The Baiturrahman Mosque offers Itikaf services. Although the mosque is not particularly large, it is comfortable enough for worshippers who wish to spend the night. The prayer area is clean and the carpets are well-maintained, and worshippers usually bring extra sleeping mats. Evening activities usually include dhikr (recitation of the Qur’an), tadarus (recitation of the Qur’an), and congregational Qiyamul Lail (prayer for the night). This is suitable for those who want to observe Itikaf in a less crowded environment.

At-Tin Mosque, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)

The At-Tin Mosque in the TMII area boasts magnificent architecture with a large dome and a very spacious main hall. Its capacity can accommodate large numbers of worshippers, making it a popular choice for Itikaf, especially on odd-numbered nights. The thick carpet and spacious room allow worshippers to worship comfortably even if they bring overnight supplies. The Itikaf program usually includes evening sermons, qiyamul Lail (recitation of the Qur’an), tadarus (recitation of the Qur’an), and communal sahur or suhoor (pre-dawn meal).