Islam is deeply rooted in the history of the Acehnese people. According to the old manuscript of Izhar al-Haqq, Islam began to enter Aceh in 789 AD when a foreign ship stopped at Bandar Perlak located in East Aceh.
The foreign ship, known as the Caliph's Captain, brought Muslim merchants from Arabia, Persia and India under the captain of the Caliph envoy Harun ar-Rashid named Bani Abbas.
In Snouck Hurgronje's opinion when Hinduism's influence was so strong in Aceh. This is evident from the existence of Hindu names, such as the saga of Sri Rama, Indrapuri or Indraparwa in the city dubbed the Veranda of Makkah.
The friendliness of the entourage of Bani Abbas leadership in interacting while trading, practicing the ways of farming, community, and worship make the people of Perlak and its king impressed.
The existence of Islam in Aceh is evidenced by the many historic mosques that have survived until now. Apart from being a place of worship, the mosque is also a place of da'wah, education and other activities. Here are three historic mosques in the province nicknamed 'Serambi Makkah':
Baiturrahman (Banda Aceh)
The mosque was built when the kingdom of Aceh led Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636). However, some mention the construction was done in the past. Sultan Iskandar Muda only made improvements.
Abdul Baqir Zein in the Historical Mosques in Indonesia explained, in addition to as a place of worship, this mosque also functioned as a fortress, as did Sultan Alaidin Mahmud Shah (1870-1874)
Desqin Rayw Baiturrahman Mosque, Banda Aceh
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In this mosque is also often held a large deliberation discuss the strategy of attack and possible attack Dutch Company to the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam.
Teungku Andjong (Banda Aceh)
The mosque was built by Sheikh Abubakar bin Husin Bafaqih who came from Hadhramaut, Yemen. The building of this mosque is done because of the great interest of Islamic learning from the community in Peulanggahan area, Banda Aceh.
Teungku Andjong Mosque, Banda Aceh.
Mosque is not only used for worship activities, but also deliberation activities directly led by Sheikh Abubakar nicknamed Teungku Andjong which means flattered or glorified. The mosque was designed by Teungku Andjong himself. Thus, the building of the mosque has a typical Middle Eastern style.
Indrapuri (Aceh Besar)
This mosque stands as a form of evolutionary process of culture and ideological evolution at the same time. Called evolution because of the change of the temple (the place of worship of Hindus) into a mosque takes place naturally without violence, after going through a long period of cultural change a community
Mosque in Indrapuri, Aceh Besar.
Indrapuri Mosque is located approximately 25 km to the east of Banda Aceh. Although now we can no longer see the shape of Indrapuri temple intact, there are still some parts that remain.
This temple changed the function of a mosque thanks to an Islamic spreader, namely Abdullah Kan'an or Tengku Abdullah Lampeuneuen, originated from Peurelak, East Aceh. He came with Meurah Johan, a prince of Lingga Kingdom (in Jambo Aye area now). The goal is to invite the king together with Rakatan Lamori work embracing Islam.
