Mosque-Based Economic Empowerment at the Al-Mashun Mosque Site: A Perspective on the Development of the Islamic Community

Abstract

This research is motivated by the limited number of studies on the economic empowerment of the community in historic mosques that integrate aspects of worship, religious tourism, and economic empowerment of the community. This study aims to examine the role of the Al-Mashun Mosque in Medan as a historical heritage and a religious tourism object that has the potential to encourage economic empowerment of the community in the surrounding area. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive research type. Data collection was carried out through several techniques, namely observation, interviews with various informants including mosque administrators, local residents, and visitors, and supported by relevant documentation, then tested for validity through source triangulation. All data obtained were then analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana which includes data condensation, data presentation, and drawing and verifying conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the Al-Mashun Mosque plays a role as an initial driver of community economic activity through increased visits to religious tourism that opens business opportunities such as culinary, small trade, and supporting services. However, economic empowerment is still dominated by the utilization of tourism opportunities (indirect economic empowerment) and has not been fully supported by a structured business development program. This research contributes to the development of a mosque-based economic empowerment model that integrates the roles of the BKM (Bandung Community Empowerment Agency) as a manager, religious tourism as a source of economic potential, and the community as business actors. Strengthening MSME development, business mentoring, area planning, and collaboration among stakeholders are needed to enable the Al-Mashun Mosque to develop as a center for sustainable religious tourism-based economic empowerment.