Top 10 Little-Known Facts about the National Mosque of Malaysia

National Park Kuala Lumpur Photo By khalzuri, Wikimedia

Top 10 Little-known Facts about the National Mosque of Malaysia

The national Mosque of Malaysia is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It can hold a capacity of up to 15,000 people and occupies 13acres of the garden. The Mosque was built on land that initially belonged to the church known as Venning Road Brethren Gospel Hall.

The construction of the mosque started in 1963, and Antony Morris was the engineer in charge of the construction of the Mosque. The Mosque was originally designed by a three-person team from the Public Works Department namely Baharuddin Kassim, a UK architect Howard Ashley and Malaysians Ikmal Hisham Albakri.  

The opening and closing hours are strictly observed. Opening Hours:

• 6. 30 am -1.00pm
• 2. 30 pm- 4.00pm
• 5. 30 pm -7.00pm

Address: Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

1. National Mosque was Built as a Symbol of the Country’s Independent

Malaya was colonized by the British and on August 32, 1957, it gained its independence from the British. The new government become the major development of programs in areas of the economy, social, and architecture. In the meeting of the Federal Executive Council held on July 30, 1957, an idea to build a national mosque as a symbol of the country’s independence was mooted.

 On March 5, 1958, another meeting of Chief Ministers of eleven states in the Federation of Malaya, a proposal of naming the mosque Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj as a way of recognizing Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman for his efforts in guiding the country in gaining the independence was made. Unfortunately, the prime minister refused the honors and named the mosque Masjid Negara in thanksgiving for the country’s peaceful independence without bloodshed.

2. Mosque was Built on the Former Site of a Church

National Park Kuala Lumpur Photo By khalzuri, Wikimedia

It is surprising to know that the mosque was built on land which formerly belonged to a church. The government acquired the land in 1961 and was a site of a church, known as the Venning Road Brethren Gospel Hall.

However, the government offered the church, Venning Road Brethren Gospel Hall a replacement land on Jalan Imbi. After relocating to Jalan Imbi, the church changed its name and is now known as Jalan Imbi chapel.

3. Did you know the Mosque was Designed by a Team From Public Works Department?

The mosque was designed by a team from the Public Works Department.  Public Work Department is the federal government department in Malaysia under the Ministry of Works Malaysia which is responsible for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in West Malaysia and Labuan.

Before the renovation, this national mosque’s original structure was designed by three people from the Public Works Department. The designers were Baharuddin Kassim, UK architects, Howard Ashley, and a Malaysian, Ikmal Hisham Albakri.

4. The Mosque Underwent Major Renovations

National Mosque Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas Wikimedia

The national Mosque was initially built with a modern architectural design in back 1963 when its building started and in 1965 the mosque was declared open by the Tuanku Syed Putra of Perlis.

Nevertheless, in 1987, the mosque underwent major renovations. The concrete roof which was initially pink was changed to now clad in green and blue tiles.  Up to date, the Masjid Negara continues to stand sleek and stylish against the Kuala Lumpur Skyline.

5. It is Easily Accessible

The location of the mosque is easily accessible from all locations in Malaysia. Transportation means are available and accessible as well. You can either travel by bus, Train or MRT & LRT.

The following transit lines have routes that pass near the National Mosque of Malaysia: using a bus 250,770,780 or Train: 2 not forgetting MRT & LRT:5,9. The transportations fee is affordable as well to all classes.

6. Makam Pahlawan is Near the Mosque

National Mosque Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas Wikimedia

Near the mosque are other attractions sites such as Makam Pahlawan. Makam  Pahlawan is a burial ground for several Malaysian leaders and politicians. The grounds are located near the Malaysian national mosque, masjid Negara in the national capital, Kuala Lumpur.

This is one of the known and visited museums. Since it is near the National Mosque it has played a positive impact and made it known world Wide. Many tourists who come to the museums visit the mosque as well hence the fast-growing tourism Industry.

7. Fast Growing Tourism Industry

The mosque has become of tourist attraction site in Malaysia. Many tourists are visiting this place of worship to admire its architecture and the exterior grounds where visitors love walking around the lake gardens admiring the view and enjoying the serenity.

Due to many visitors visiting daily, the mosque has helped in the growth of Malaysia at large because of foreign revenue. All tourists visiting are required to pay a registration fee before accessing the mosque and its grounds.

8. It has a Modern Architectural Design

The National Mosque’s amazing architecture was influenced by traditional Islamic art from the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The National Mosque is said to be the most beautiful Mosque in South East Asia.

The dome has a roof shaped like a partly-opened umbrella, and it represents the 5 pillars of Islam and the 13 states of Malaysia. However, the key features are a 73 metres high minaret and a 16-pointed star concrete main roof which adds a sparkle to the already beautiful view of Kuala Lumpur at night.

9. The Location of the Mosque was Chosen by the First Prime Minister of Malaysia.

National Mosque Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas Wikimedia

The Mosque is located on 12 hectares in one of the most beautiful gardens. It is not only beautiful inside but in its outside has this beautiful garden which attracts visitors and visits to walk around the lake garden admiring the view.

The location of the mosque was chosen by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haiz. He considered different aspects before settling in the location. The location is easily accessible, you can travel from the iconic Kuala Lumpur railway station located just opposite the mosque along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. The place is filled with the breeze as well.

10. Did you Know the Mode of Dressing You Were Before Entering the Mosque is Considered?

Since this is a worshipping place there are do’s and don’ts to adhere to. Before visiting make sure you are suitably dressed if you are going inside the mosque.

All women must cover their heads, if you had not prepared no need to worry since you can loan one of the available robes in the mosque. All visitors are as well required to remove their shoes before going inside the mosque.