"A mosque is like a machine shop that can help 'repair' the religiosity of children. We should not scare children away or even ban their presence from mosques," he said in a statement released by his office in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He then called upon mosque administrators to shift the way people view the Islamic house of worship, transforming it into a more inclusive and friendly gathering spot for all.
"We should not be afraid of children making a mosque dirty. A mosque will remain clean if it is managed in a proper manner," he said.
The minister then highlighted that in the era of Prophet Muhammad, a companion was spotted urinating near a mosque. Instead of scolding him, the Prophet simply covered the companion's urine with sand.
He added that in the era of Abu Huraira—a companion of Prophet Muhammad and narrator of hadith—mosques served as places for hosting wedding celebrations and managing Islamic philanthropic funds, spoils of war, and grants, among others.
"Everything was managed at mosques. These houses of worship were places that empowered the community. Owing to mosques, the Islamic community transformed from being a minority into a majority within three years," he pointed out.
Bearing that in mind, Umar encouraged all mosque administrators to help mosques emerge as places that develop and empower members of the community.
"Let us all rebrand mosques, making them places that empower the people," he stressed.
The minister also urged Muslim children to participate in developing and enlivening mosques to shape a better future.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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