The Transformation of Mosque Functions: From Religious Ritual Space to a Center of Participation and Political Leadership for Muslims in Bau-Bau City

In contemporary Muslim society, mosques are no longer understood solely as places for performing ritual worship, but have developed into social institutions that play a strategic role in community development. This article aims to analyze the transformation of the mosque's function from a center of worship to a center of participation and political leadership for Muslims in the city of Bau-Bau. This study uses a qualitative approach with qualitative methods, and the data collection involves interviews and literature studies of various scientific works relevant to the themes of mosques, community empowerment, and political participation. The study results show that mosques function not only as centers for religious activities but also as spaces for social education, strengthening civic awareness, and forming political leadership among Muslims in a socio-civic sense, rather than in practical or partisan political activities. However, expanding the function of mosques requires governance that professional and ethical so that the mosque remains a space that unites the community