PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan urged the public to make the Bandung Grand Mosque a center of Muslim unity. He made the call during the 18th Ramadan Safari event at the Bandung Grand Mosque on Monday (March 9, 2020).

According to Farhan, the Grand Mosque is a historical legacy from the founders of Bandung City which not only functions as a place of worship but also as a gathering place for Muslims from various backgrounds.

"This is part of our mission to make the Grand Mosque of Bandung City a legacy of the city's founders and a place of unity for Muslims in Bandung City," said Farhan.

He likened the journey of building communal unity to a ship that has a clear destination. Now, Farhan continued, it's time for all elements of society to work together to develop the "sails" of togetherness to achieve that goal.

"Our goal is clear, and our course has been determined. Now is the time to unfurl our sails and steer this boat of togetherness toward Muslim unity in Bandung," he said.

Farhan also appreciated the presence of community leaders, young entrepreneurs and various community elements who supported efforts to improve the Grand Mosque.

Farhan stated that the mosque in Bandung City can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers. Therefore, he encouraged the community to continue to support the mosque's prosperity by attending various worship and religious activities.

"The greatness of a mosque is not because of its large pillars or magnificent dome, but because the mosque is filled with worshippers," he said.

According to him, the existence of mosques also plays a crucial role in building community civilization through religious outreach and preaching. Through mosques, moral values, norms, and social structures in community life can be continuously strengthened.

He believes that religious teachings have a major role in forming a healthy social order, where every individual understands their role in society, whether as a leader, a cleric or part of a community.

Farhan hopes that creativity in preaching can continue to develop in the city of Bandung so that messages of goodness can reach the wider community.

"The energy of preaching must spread throughout the city of Bandung, and that energy must be positive and creative," he said.

Furthermore, Farhan also announced plans to hold Eid al-Fitr prayers with members of the Bandung City Government. An Eid al-Fitr open house will be held at the Bandung City Hall Plaza so the public can experience the togetherness and blessings within the government environment.

"God willing, this year I will perform Eid prayers with the Bandung City Government, while the Eid open house will be held at the City Hall Plaza," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)