MASJID SULTAN

Description

Essentials about Masjid Sultan in brief

The impressive Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) in the middle of the historic Kampong Glam district is the religious center of Singapore’s Muslim community. The Sultan Mosque can accommodate 5,000 worshippers, making it the largest mosque in Singapore.

The history of Masjid Sultan

The Masjid Sultan was built in 1824/25 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the first Sultan of Singapore. This first mosque was a one-story building with a two-tiered roof. Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, made a significant financial contribution to the construction, as he was aware of the importance of Muslim residents and immigrants to the development of Singapore.

By the early 20th century, Singapore had developed into a prosperous center of Islamic art, culture and commerce. By that time, the Masjid Sultan was already dilapidated and unable to cope with the increasing number of Muslim worshippers. Against this background, 100 years after the construction of the first mosque, work began on the construction of a second mosque. Four years later, the new Sultan Mosque was completed.

The building of Masjid Sultan

Today’s mosque building is dominated by two large golden onion-shaped domes, which can be seen from afar. The two onion domes have an interesting detail: they are decorated with the bottoms of glass bottles that were donated by poor Muslims during construction. Thus, not only rich but also less well-off Muslims could contribute to the construction of the mosque.

Tips for visiting Masjid Sultan

Non-Muslims are also allowed to enter the Sultan Mosque. However, their entry is restricted to the vestibule; the main hall, the actual prayer room, is reserved for devout Muslims. Nevertheless, from the vestibule you have a great view of the beautiful and richly decorated prayer hall. A small warning: Despite the beautiful sight, please do not get the idea to pull out the camera. Photography and filming is strictly prohibited here. And another note: When entering the vestibule, please take off your shoes and make sure you are dressed appropriately. Shorts and uncovered shoulders are inappropriate in a Muslim place of worship.