meunasah

Meunasah is a term from the Acehnese language referring to a village-level prayer house or small mosque used by Muslims in Aceh, Indonesia. It serves as a place for daily prayers, Friday prayers when possible, Qur’anic recitation, and religious education, and also functions as a community center for meetings and social events. Meunasah are typically simpler and smaller than urban mosques, often constructed with wood and a thatched or metal roof, and they may be elevated on posts. The interior is usually oriented toward the qibla and may include a designated space for prayer and a mihrab.

In many Acehnese communities, the meunasah acts as a focal point of religious and social life, especially in rural areas. It is commonly operated by local volunteers or an imam and may be overseen by a village religious council or networks associated with traditional Islamic education. The term is closely tied to Acehnese Islamic culture and history and can appear as a standalone structure or as part of a dayah, the traditional Islamic boarding school complex.

Differences between a meunasah and a mosque are generally related to size, facilities, and administration; meunasah are typically smaller and less formally organized, while large urban mosques have broader administrative structures. In contemporary contexts, meunasah can also host community programs, weddings, or funerals while continuing to support traditional learning and religious practice.