Mosques of Malaysia-2

In our series, we are introducing beautiful mosques from different countries. This time, the mosques we will get to know are from Malaysia.

Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque

The mosque, also known as the Steel Mosque, is located in the same vicinity as the Putra Mosque and can be seen from Putra’s courtyard. The construction, which began in April 2004, was completed in August 2009. It was officially opened on June 11, 2010. Unlike many other mosques, this one exhibits the influence of Chinese and German architecture rather than Middle Eastern architecture. It can accommodate 20,000 worshippers simultaneously. The main prayer hall is designed with an eco-friendly system, and despite not having air conditioning, the absence of side walls helps keep the interior cool.

Shah Alam Abdul Aziz (Blue) Mosque

Construction began in the 1980s, and the mosque was completed on March 11, 1988. It is the second-largest mosque in the world in terms of dome size and has the second tallest minarets. The mosque is located in the capital of Malaysia. It features a combination of modern and traditional architecture with influences from the Middle East and Malay architecture. Due to the blue and silver colors on its dome, it is also known as the Blue Mosque. The interior of the mosque is adorned with beautiful calligraphy by Egyptian calligrapher Sheikh Mohammed Ali Al-Sharqawi. The stained glass windows are designed to reduce incoming light, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

The mosque has two floors, with the lower floor designated for male worshippers, including facilities such as a conference room, a library, rooms for mosque administrators, and classrooms. The upper floor is reserved for female worshippers. With the capacity to accommodate 24,000 worshippers at a time, this mosque is the largest in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia.

Jamek Mosque

Jamek Mosque is the oldest mosque in Malaysia, opening its doors to visitors on December 23, 1909. It is also known as the Friday Mosque among the local population. It served as the country’s national mosque until the opening of the National Mosque. It is located at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers, which gives the city its name, Kuala Lumpur, meaning “muddy confluence.” The mosque is situated near a small harbor where fishermen used to dock their boats. Given Malaysia’s diverse population of Chinese, Malays, and Indians, the mosque’s location takes on special significance, symbolizing unity in worship. The architecture shows significant influences from Moroccan and Mughal architecture.

Melaka Straits Mosque

The mosque is situated on a man-made island named Pulau Melaka. It was opened for worship on November 24, 2006. Its architecture reflects influences from both Malay and Middle Eastern styles. From the outside, it appears to be floating on the water, earning it the nickname “Floating Mosque of Melaka.” The most striking feature of the mosque is its minarets, which also serve as lighthouses. The mosque’s unique design and location on the water add to its grandeur, making it a distinctive landmark in Melaka.