183-year-old Nerasau mosque mimbar well-preserved
THE uniqueness of Masjid Kariah Nerasau’s mimbar, which is almost 200 years old, is testament to the enduring strength of Islam in the country. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris’s Art and Design Department head Dr Harleny Abd Arif said the wooden mimbar, which was carved by Baba Husin from Jepara, Central Java, had a complete inscription, which made it different that other mimbars she encountered in her previous studies.
She said a complete inscription could help researchers determine the actual age of a mimbar.
Studies conducted on a number of mimbars in the country found that those at Masjid Kariah Nerasau dan Masjid Kariah Kampung Selemak had a complete inscription, she added.
Harleny said based on information from the inscriptions carved on the mimbars by the same individual, the Masjid Kariah Neras mimbar was now 183 years old, while the one at Masjid Kariah Kampung Selemak was 177 years old.
“According to my studies on several old mosques in the country, only the Masjid Kariah Nerasau mimbar has the most complete inscription, which comprised the time, month and year (of the Islamic calendar) it is built, as well as the name and place of birth of the sculptor,” she said.
Harleny said the inscription, which was written in Jawi, was carved using a type of calligraphy known as the Nasakh script.
The inscription reads: “Year 1254 after the Hijrah of the Prophet, in the month of Jamadil Akhir on Monday during the time of Dhuha, it is Tuan Haji Jalil Abdul Rahman who is in charge of Masjid An-Nur. The craftsman is a Javanese named Baba Husin of Jepara Barongan”.
Founded by Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahman, Masjid Kariah Nerasau is one of the oldest mosques in Negri Sembilan, built through gotong-royong by the local community.
Although the mosque has been gradually upgraded and expanded, the original appearance of its interior including the mihrab and the mimbar, has been maintained.