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According to the department of Islamic Development of Malaysia, there are almost 7000 mosques in Malaysia. From the unique design of Malacca Mosque to the intricate carvings of Jamek mosque, through their architecture, and communal functions, these mosques in Malaysia offer a window into the country’s unique integration of faith and cultural identity. Malaysia has some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Some of these mosques are renowned for unique designs, storied past and offering an educational experience about the rich heritage of the country.
10 Mosques In Malaysia
Malaysia mosques are the perfect intermingling of Islamic architecture and Asian culture. Here are some of the well known mosques in Malaysia.
1. National Mosque Of Malaysia
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Capital of Malaysia, National Mosque of Malaysia or Masjid Negara Malaysia is one of the most important mosques in the country. The mosque has the capability of holding over 15,000 people at the same time. It was built in 1965, by three extremely talented architects, Ikmal Hisham Albakri, Baharuddin Kasim and Howard Ashley. The National Mosque of Malaysia used to be the biggest mosque in the country until the development of Sultan Salahuddin Adbul Aziz Masjid was completed.
Location: Kuala Lumpur
2. Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
Photo: Sham Hardy Kuala Lumpur / Wikimedia Commons
Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque is one of oldest mosques in Malaysia. One can see the impact of various cultures on the architecture of the mosque. The building has been inspired by Indo-Saracenic architecture, Mughal architecture. The mosque was designed by a British architect, Arthur Benison Hubback and it was completed in 1909. While not as big as the National Mosque of Malaysia, Jamek Mosque is one of the main historical heritage sites of Malaysia.
Location: Kuala Lumpur
3. Putra Mosque
Photo: ReubenST / Wikimedia Commons
Putra Mosque is the primary mosque of Putrajaya city, it was named in honor of Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Hajj. The pink mosque was made from rose tinted granite, which gives it its iconic pink color. The mosque is relatively new compared to other mosques in Malaysia. Putra Mosque is famous for its pink color which is rather enchanting during sunsets, when the orange and pink light hits the surface of the man-made lake and reflects on the Pink Mosque.
Location: Putrajaya
4. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Masjid
Photo: Danialnorizzat / Wikimedia Commons
The largest mosque in Malaysia and second largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Masjid is a marvel to behold. The feature that differentiates this mosque from others is its extremely large blue and silver dome. The mosque was built on the orders of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz on 14 February in 1974, which is also how the mosque got its name. The mosque can fit 24,000 people at the same time, making it the largest mosque in Malaysia.
Location: Selangor
5. Masjid Zahir
Photo: Jensennbj / Wikimedia Commons
One of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, Masjid Zahir was built in 1912. It is called the grandest mosque in Malaysia, and for a very good reason. It was built on the cemetery site of Kedah warriors, who had gone to battle against the Siamese army in 1821. The state mosque of Kedah is extremely strict about the rules and regulations.
Location: Kedah
6. Penang State Mosque
The state mosque of Penang is famous for its unique Western Modernist Architecture. It was designed by Efren Brindez Paz, who was inspired by the Cathedral of Brasilia, Brazil. The mosque is located in Georgetown. It can be recognised from a far distance thanks to its distinct golden pointed dome. Penang State Mosque is the perfect blend of Malay and western, Islamic and Christian architecture.
Location: Penang
7. Kampung Laut Mosque
Photo: asrol affandi / Wikimedia Commons
Kampung Laut Mosque is the oldest mosque in Malaysia. While there is no known date to when the mosque was actually built, it is believed it was built between the 15th or 18 century by Champa Kingdom. This mosque is quite unique compared to other mosques, its design seems to be influenced by Malaysian and South Indian architecture rather than the generic mosque designs. Originally, the mosque had 4 pillars and a palm branch roof, now it has been expanded to 20 pillars and three tiered roof.
Location: Kelantan
8. Masjid Abidin
Photo: rasmuscleve / Wikimedia Commons
Masjid Abidin was built by Sultan Zainal Abidin II somewhere between 1793 to 1808. It has been called by many names such as Marhum Masjid, the Big Mosque and the White Mosque. The mosque has gone through a number of renovations that have completely changed the look of the mosque from its original design when it was first opened to people in 1808. The mosque is filled with calligraphy of Quranic verses, and prayers.
Location: Kuala Terengganu
9. Malacca Chinese Mosque
Photo: Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Malacca Chinese mosque is a unique mosque as it is designed to look like a Chinese temple. It was designed and built by the Malacca Chinese Muslim Association. The construction cost around RM 7.9 million out of which RM 5.9 million was donated by the federal government and remaining was given by Pertim, which is the abbreviation for the Malacca Chinese Muslim Association and the locals of Malacca city
Location: Malacca
10. Sabah State Mosque
Photo: WorldTravleerAndPhotoTaker / Wikimedia Commons
As the name suggests, Sabah State Masjid is the state mosque of Sabah city. It is a beautiful dome structure in the middle of Jalan Mat Salleh and Jalan Tunki Abdul Rahman, in Kinabalu. The entry fee to the mosque is ₹ 5, and it is open to visitors from all around the world, regardless of ethnicity and religion.
Location: Sabah
Mosques are extremely holy places of worship but alongside they also act as a community center. Mosques in Malaysia have been used by the government to create a community around the cities and states of the country. They are built with intricate details reflecting the culture and history of the country . If you want to visit and explore all these beautiful mosques in Malaysia, book your journey with TripXL!!
Cover Photo: Chanilim714 / Wikimedia Commons
