With islam being the third largest religion in Singapore, the nation has made efforts to make the country more inclusive towards muslims. Singapore offers halal food, prayer areas and mosques to the Muslim Brethren. There are 72 mosques in Singapore. Singapore has some of the most unique mosques in the world with the perfect blend of modern, islamic and Indo-Asian Architecture. They are a sight to behold, and it is a must to visit them when visiting Singapore.
10 Most Famous Mosques In Singapore
Here’re some of the mosques in Singapore, the unmissable features of the country, one must definitely visit while visiting Singapore:
1. Masjid Hajjah Fatimah
Photo: Jacklee/ Wikimedia Commons
This beautiful amalgamation of Indo-islamic and western architecture was built in 1846. It was named after a rich Malaysian lady, who commissioned and supported the building of the mosque. The story goes that Hajjah Fatima’s house was attacked twice, when the second attack happened, she had been out of the house. So, to show her thankfulness, she asked for a mosque to be built on the place where her house once stood.
Location: Kampong Glam District
Timing: 24/7
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2. Sultan Mosque
Photo: Erwin Soo/ Wikimedia Commons
The Sultan mosque looks like something straight out of Arabian Nights. It was commissioned by Sultan Hussain Shah, which is also why it was named Sultan Mosque. It was first built in 1824, but it wasn’t operating completely until 1936. The mosque hasn’t changed much since it was first built, the renovations just did some small changes, but it has kept the base design completely intact. In 1975, the Singaporean government classified the mosque as a national monument.
Location: Rochor District
Timing: 24/7
3. Masjid Al Abrar
Photo: Sriharsha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is one of the oldest mosques in Singapore. It was built by Tamil immigrants in 1827. Originally, it was a hut-like structure where the immigrants would worship and pray 5 times a day. In 1986, the mosque went through a major redesign that turned it into what the mosque looks like today. It was declared as a national monument of Singapore in 1974, and is currently being overlooked by Islamic Religious council of Singapore.
Location: Central Area
Timing: 24/7
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4. Masjid An-Nahdhah
Photo: Medullaoblongata Projekt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Masjid An-Nahdhah is one of the newest mosques in Singapore, built in 2006, with the idea of building a modern mosque. The design of this mosque is extremely different from all the other mosques in the world. The mosque is a glass building, with multiple floors, rooms and basement. Beside being a worship place, the mosque is also the information service centre and provides the community with religious education, helps the homeless as a place for refuge for the night.
Location: Bishan
Timing: 24/7
5. Masjid Al Iman
Photo: Alexey M. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Masjid Al Iman mosque is a 4 storey mosque inaugurated in 2003, it was officiated by Yaacob Ibrahim, the minister in-charge of Muslim Affairs, on 19th September 2004. The goal of Al Iman mosque is to work as a helping centre to needy muslims and non muslims. While it is a place of prayer and worship, Al-Iman Mosque is also a community centre for people of Bukit Panjang New Town.
Location: Bukit Panjang New Town
Timing: 24/7
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6. Masjid Al Ansar
Photo:Dunner99 / Wikimedia Commons
Al Ansar mosque was one of the first mosques to be built under phase one of the Mosque Building Fund Program. It was built and commemorated in 1981. The mosque offers 5 time prayers, and madrasah classes on the weekdays to the younger muslims in the community. In 2011, the mosque went through a renovation that was completed in 2015. After the renovation, the mosque was opened to the public again on 24 April 2015.
Location: Bedok North Avenue
Timing: 24/7
7. Masjid Al Falah
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1987, Masjid Al Falah is another mosque with a rather modernised design. The goal of the mosque is to become a Islamic Information centre, while spreading the message of Islam to the unbelievers. Along with that, Masjid Al-Falah also does social work for the nearby community, such as providing food and shelter to the poor, offering islamic education. The mosque acts like a community centre for its neighbourhood.
Location: Bideford Road, Singapore
Timing: 24/7
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8. Masjid Al Huda
Photo: Ravish Maqsood / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Masjid Al-huda is owned and run by a non profit organisation. It was originally built in 1925, at that time it was called Masjid Kampong Coronation, later in 1966 was rebuilt and renamed as Masjid Al Huda. The mosque is quite small compared to other mosques, with a place for only 350 people to sit and offer their dua. The Masjid Al Huda Organization works towards creating a peaceful relationship between Muslims and non muslim, while spreading the message of Islam to all. The Masjid also offers a full time Almiyya program for muslim youths.
Location: Bukit Timah, Singapore
Timing: 24/7
9. Masjid Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Originally called Masjid Diraja Telok Blangah, Masjid Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim is a historical site for Singapore. It is the resting place for the Sultan Temenggong Abdul Rahman. For a long time it was a cemetery for his descendants. It was after the death of his younger son Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, that the elder brother moved the palace from the place to Tyresall. And later it was finally turned into a mosque in 1871.
Location: Bukit Merah, Singapore
Timing: 24/7
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10. Masjid Darul Ghufran
Photo: M nurhaikal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is the largest mosque in Singapore. It can be occupied by 5,500 people at the same time. It was completed in 1990 and inaugurated by the Member of Parliament, Haji Othman Haroun Eusofe. It was originally built as a brick facade, but due to some failure in the design it was redesigned and covered in azure blue panelling, in 1998. The mosque was closed between 2016 and 2019 due to renovation. It was later reopened on 22nd of March 2019.
Location: Tampines
Timing: 24/7
Mosques are not just religious places but also the community centre for their neighbourhood. It is also the education centre for muslims and the shelter for the homeless and needy. Mosques in Singapore stand out from the rest of the world due to their unique, modern designs and their relation to Singapore’s history. Book your trip with TripXL to explore these mosques and check the intriguing and beautiful designs and architecture marvel
Cover Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only