Masjid Sultan, also referred to as Sultan Mosque, is a widely known religious landmark in
Singapore
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. The country's territory comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. It is about one degree ...
. This
mosque
A mosque ( ), also called a masjid ( ), is a place of worship for Muslims. The term usually refers to a covered building, but can be any place where Salah, Islamic prayers are performed; such as an outdoor courtyard.
Originally, mosques were si ...
, which can be found in the
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam ( ; Malay language, Malay: Kampung Gelam; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: کامڤوڠ ڬلم ; ; Tamil language, Tamil: கம்போங் கிளாம்) is a neighbourhood and ethnic enclave in Singapore. It is located north of ...
district at the intersection of
North Bridge Road
North Bridge Road () is a one-way road in Singapore, running north of the Singapore River. It starts at the junction with Crawford Street in Kallang, on the western bank of the Rochor River, and continues in a southwest direction before ending ...
and Muscat Street, is highly significant in terms of both history and culture.
The mosque was officially inaugurated on 27 December 1929, and was given its name in
Sultan Hussein Shah's honor. Its historical significance and striking architecture earned it the distinguished status of being named a national monument in 1975, which demonstrates its value to Singapore's cultural heritage.
History
Sultan Hussein Shah of
Johor
Johor, also spelled Johore,'' is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia in the south of the Malay Peninsula. It borders with Pahang, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the north. Johor has maritime borders with Singapore ...
and Sir
Stamford Raffles
Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles (5 July 1781 – 5 July 1826) was a British Colonial Office, colonial official who served as the List of governors of the Dutch East Indies, governor of the Dutch East Indies between 1811 and 1816 and lieut ...
of the British
East India Company
The East India Company (EIC) was an English, and later British, joint-stock company that was founded in 1600 and dissolved in 1874. It was formed to Indian Ocean trade, trade in the Indian Ocean region, initially with the East Indies (South A ...
signed a treaty in 1819 that permitted the British to officially establish a trade settlement in Singapore. Sultan Hussein Shah then requested as part of this arrangement that a mosque be built next to his royal home, the
Istana (Malay: palace) in Kampong Glam, to serve the
Muslim
Muslims () are people who adhere to Islam, a Monotheism, monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God ...
community.
[Buana, Muhammad, and Natasha D. Santoso. "MOSQUE DESIGN IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY."]
Acknowledging the cultural significance of this place of worship, Raffles had promised and contributed $3,000 from the British East India Company to fund construction. Completed in 1826, the very first mosque was an average sized brick structure standing one level and with a double-tiered pitched roof, typical of Southeast Asian architecture.
Sultan Hussein's grandson Tunku Alam Sultan Alauddin Alam Shah donated land to the Sultan Mosque in 1879, and an anonymous generous donor named Tunku Aleem offered additional gifts. To supervise the mosque's administration, Tunku Alam formed a committee consisting of five members. This committee was eventually enlarged to a board of twelve trustees in 1914.
By 1924, the mosque was over a century old and had needed multiple repair works to be done and it was decided by the trustees that it would be demolished and replaced with the current building, which is bigger and more spacious as compared to the past. The estimate cost for the renovations had amounted to S$250,000 during the meeting that consisted of the ''five original committee members'' which consists of ''Chairman, Messrs Syed Abdur Rahman bin Shaik Alkaff, J.P., Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Mahmood bin Haji Dawood, M. ismail and Shaik Salim bin Taha Mattar along with H.G. Sarwar'' that had joined the committee at a later time.
Construction took place in phases for a number of reasons. The first reason was due to funds that were available. Resources were scarce due to continuous fundraising efforts while the construction for the mosque was ongoing. Secondly, it was because of the community and the people. They had to make sure that there would be as little disturbance as possible for worshipers and that the community could carry on with their religious routines during the construction process. Due to the construction, North Bridge Road had to be extended beyond Arab Street, which now curves around the mosque. The mosque was just over two thirds completed when it opened on 27 December 1929. In the end, 1932 saw its completion.
The first known installation of a microphone–loudspeaker set occurred in 1936 in the mosque; it was reported that the summons to prayer could 'carry more than a mile'. Some mosque attendees were sceptical of the new electric system, however most believed it was necessary to empower the muezzin's voice to transcend a modern city's noises.
The mosque received a substantial amount of reparations in 1968 in order to repair the wear and tear that had accumulated over the years, these repairs included a thorough repainting of the building and the installation of new floor tiles. However as there was a lack of funds, repairs were also done in stages. Having the repairs done in stages would also make sure that daily activities could still continue without any disruption. The renovations had ''totalled to about S$145,000'' where most of the funds were raised through the donations that had come from the Muslim community amounting to S$108,000 and S$38,000 was donated by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
On March 8, 1975, the Singaporean government officially declared the Sultan Mosque as a
national monument
A national monument is a monument constructed in order to commemorate something of importance to national heritage, such as a country's founding, independence, war, or the life and death of a historical figure. The term may also refer to a sp ...
, acknowledging its importance for both history and culture.
As the population and community grew, an addition to the mosque was constructed in 1987. A ''donation of S$53,000'' was received for the project from the World Muslim League in Saudi Arabia.
An annex was built that cost ''$4.2 million'' which blended well with the architecture. This would also be beneficial to enrich the area as there is now additional space for different facilities which includes, an
auditorium
An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances. For movie theaters, the number of auditoriums is expressed as the number of screens. Auditoriums can be found in entertainment venues, community halls, and t ...
, a
conference room
A conference hall, conference room, or meeting room is a room provided for singular events such as business conferences and meetings.
Room
It is commonly found at large hotels and convention centers though many other establishments, including even ...
, a
library
A library is a collection of Book, books, and possibly other Document, materials and Media (communication), media, that is accessible for use by its members and members of allied institutions. Libraries provide physical (hard copies) or electron ...
and a
function hall
Function or functionality may refer to:
Computing
* Function key, a type of key on computer keyboards
* Function model, a structured representation of processes in a system
* Function object or functor or functionoid, a concept of object-orien ...
which further enhances the mosque as compared to the newer towns that have emerged during this time period.
This was additionally implemented to encourage more gatherings and points for community-wide social, cultural, and educational activities, which makes a contribution to the greater integration of various communities and the development of Singapore's multiracial society. The annex was formally inaugurated on July 10, 1993, by Goh Chok Tong, the prime minister at the time.
The most recent changes were made in August 2014 which total cost was ''roughly S$3.65million'', where the mosque underwent another round of renovation works but this time by the Mosque Upgrading Programme led by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (
Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), also known as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (IRCS), is a Statutory boards of the Singapore Government, statutory board of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Government of Si ...
, or MUIS). It now has become much more accessible with features such as a wheelchair accessible ramp located at the main entrance along with two glass lifts that will further help worshippers of all ages and abilities to reach the prayer hall located on the second level. The mosque also received a new coat of paint in addition to the expansion of areas including the office, ablution area, and auditorium. On 16 January 2016, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed a plaque to commemorate the project's completion.
Architectural Features
The
dome
A dome () is an architectural element similar to the hollow upper half of a sphere. There is significant overlap with the term cupola, which may also refer to a dome or a structure on top of a dome. The precise definition of a dome has been a m ...
is now an essential component of Islamic architecture even in
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...
and
Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. Featuring the Tanjung Piai, southernmost point of continental Eurasia, it is a federation, federal constitutional monarchy consisting of States and federal territories of Malaysia, 13 states and thre ...
. The traditionally designed mosque roof has just about been completely replaced with many several kinds of domes. The dome is seen as a fundamental element of mosque building in modern Muslim society.
[Buana, Muhammad, and Natasha D. Santoso. "MOSQUE DESIGN IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY."]
Measuring 4,109 square meters, the Sultan Mosque takes up an extensive area in the center of Kampong Glam. When compared to other nearby structures that follow the layout of the city, the mosque is specifically facing
Mecca
Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia; it is the Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley above ...
, following Islamic customs.
The mosque grounds are protected and made visually appealing by an elaborate border with cast-iron railings that defines the sacred place.
Sultan Mosque's architecture is a reflection of
Denis Santry
Denis Santry (14 May 1879 ''–'' 14 April 1960) was an Irish architect and cartoonist. He was a pioneer of animated cartoons in South Africa and the architect of the several prominent structures in Singapore, including the Sultan Mosque and The C ...
's innovative vision. Santry is a well-known architect from the highly esteemed company
Swan & Maclaren.
The Indo-Saracenic style, that was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and incorporated Indian, Islamic, and European architectural features harmoniously, was used as the inspiration for Santry's design. With its architectural style, the mosque plays a key role in the Muslim community and reflects Singapore's unique background. The construction is both aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant.
Located atop the eastern and western facade, the Sultan Mosque's two most notable architectural features are its two spectacular ''golden domes''. A crescent moon and star, which are strongly connected to Islam, are placed atop each dome.
A noteworthy element that highlights the mosque's inclusive nature is a ring made of glass bottle ends located at the foot of each dome. These were gathered as contributions from Muslims who were not as wealthy, making it possible for everyone in the community to help build the mosque, regardless of their financial standing.
The mosque's roof parapet, which has elaborate
merlon
A merlon is the solid, upright section of a battlement (a crenellated parapet) in medieval architecture or fortifications. Merlons are sometimes pierced by narrow, vertical embrasures, or tooth-like slits designed for observation and fire. The sp ...
cresting—a decorative detail typically of Islamic architecture—adds even more majesty to the building.
Minarets
A minaret is a type of tower typically built into or adjacent to mosques. Minarets are generally used to project the Muslim call to prayer (''adhan'') from a muezzin, but they also served as landmarks and symbols of Islam's presence. They can h ...
, a crucial element of mosque architecture, are located at each corner of the building. Internal stairs in these minarets lead to balconied calling towers, which are often utilized for the
adhan
The (, ) is the Islamic call to prayer, usually recited by a muezzin, traditionally from the minaret of a mosque, shortly before each of the five obligatory daily prayers. The adhan is also the first phrase said in the ear of a newborn baby, ...
, or call to prayer.
Up to 5,000 worshipers can be accommodated in the large, two-story prayer hall, which has a shape that is rectangular.
Twelve octagonal columns, which contribute to the architectural harmony of the hall in addition to provide structural support, define its architectural plan.
The prayer hall's central atrium, which is surrounded by a gallery on the second floor, is one of its most striking aspects. In addition to making the most use of available space, its design fosters a feeling of openness and connectivity between the two floors.
The
Mihrab
''Mihrab'' (, ', pl. ') is a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the ''qibla'', the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca towards which Muslims should face when praying. The wall in which a ''mihrab'' appears is thus the "''qibla'' wall".
...
, a wall niche signifying the
Qibla
The qibla () is the direction towards the Kaaba in the Great Mosque of Mecca, Sacred Mosque in Mecca, which is used by Muslims in various religious contexts, particularly the direction of prayer for the salah. In Islam, the Kaaba is believed to ...
(the direction of Mecca), is the prayer hall's focal point. The mihrab of Sultan Mosque has been particularly elaborate, enclosed by a
lancet arch
Gothic architecture is an architectural style that was prevalent in Europe from the late 12th to the 16th century, during the High Middle Ages, High and Late Middle Ages, surviving into the 17th and 18th centuries in some areas. It evolved f ...
embellished with delicate gold-plated flower designs.
This ornamental feature enhances the beauty of the room while also captivating the worshippers . A panel of
calligraphy
Calligraphy () is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a pen, ink brush, or other writing instruments. Contemporary calligraphic practice can be defined as "the art of giving form to signs in an e ...
above the mihrab adds to its spiritual value, almost certainly including
Quran
The Quran, also Romanization, romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a Waḥy, revelation directly from God in Islam, God (''Allah, Allāh''). It is organized in 114 chapters (, ) which ...
passages or various other important Islamic writings.
The interior is meant to optimize natural ventilation, which is accomplished by a careful placement of many windows on both the ground and upper floors.
The windows on the ground level are especially distinctive for their
ogee
An ogee ( ) is an object, element, or curve—often seen in architecture and building trades—that has a serpentine- or extended S-shape (Sigmoid curve, sigmoid). Ogees consist of a "double curve", the combination of two semicircle, semicircula ...
form, a distinctive architectural feature with a double curve. These windows are effectively separated into three functional sections:
1. The highest section has louvred timber shutters that allow for adjustable ventilation and control of light.
2. The central part features casement windows that may be fully opened for optimal ventilation.
3. The bottom piece features patterned vents, which provide consistent air circulation even when the windows above are closed.
The second floor's windows features a wider range of window styles, adding to the mosque's architectural diversity. A prominent characteristic is the presence of
cinquefoil
''Potentilla'' is a genus containing over 500 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
Potentillas may also be called cinquefoils in English, but they have also been called five fin ...
windows, which have five lobes. These windows are further adorned with intricate mouldings, which give a touch of artistic elegance to their practical purpose.
The windows' many designs and forms add an element to the mosque's overall architectural appeal, combining practicality with aesthetics in the way common to Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Events
The mosque has existed for decades as a center for religious, cultural, and social activities.
During
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (''Fasting in Islam, sawm''), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed ...
, a lively night market with several food booths is set up near the mosque, and Muslims begin purchasing food at sunset.
The mosque also participates in charitable activities such as distributing free meals and funning
blood donation
A 'blood donation'' occurs when a person voluntarily has blood drawn and used for transfusions and/or made into biopharmaceutical medications by a process called fractionation (separation of whole blood components). A donation may be of wh ...
drives, as well as social outreach and educational programs.
Transportation
The mosque is accessible from
Bugis MRT station
Bugis MRT station is an underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) interchange station on the East–West (EWL) and Downtown (DTL) lines, in Bugis, Singapore. The station is located underneath the junction of Rochor Road and Victoria Street. Vario ...
and
Jalan Besar MRT station
Jalan Besar MRT station is an underground Mass Rapid Transit station on the Downtown Line in Rochor, Singapore. The station is located under Jalan Besar, at the junction with Weld Road, hence its name.
The station was first announced as Sungei ...
.
Bus to take: 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 62, 63, 80, 133, 145, 197,190, 61, 603, 61, 851, 960, 961, 980
The mosque is open for visitation from Saturday to Thursday. Visiting timings are from 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm. It is free to enter the mosque.
Do note that you are required to wear appropriate attire to show respect. You will have to cover your back, shoulders and legs (no skirts, shorts or bare backs). Cover ups will also be provided at the mosque if required. Do remove footwear upon entering the mosque.
See also
*
Muslims
Muslims () are people who adhere to Islam, a Monotheism, monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God ...
*
Islam in Singapore
Islam constitutes the third largest religion in Singapore, after Buddhism and Christianity. Muslims account for approximately 15.6% of the population, as indicated by the 2020 census. Singaporean Muslims are predominantly Sunni Islam, Sunni adh ...
*
List of mosques in Singapore
Gallery
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 01.jpg, Gateway to the mosque
File:Masjid Sultan Singapura.JPG, Masjid Sultan Sign
File:Masjid Sultan.JPG, Masjid Sultan at Muscat Street in Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam ( ; Malay language, Malay: Kampung Gelam; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: کامڤوڠ ڬلم ; ; Tamil language, Tamil: கம்போங் கிளாம்) is a neighbourhood and ethnic enclave in Singapore. It is located north of ...
File:Masjid Sultan Aerial Perspective.jpg, Masjid Sultan Aerial Perspective. The urban encroachment into the heritage protected precinct of Kampong Glam - home of Singapore's precolonial indigenous artisocracy is visible from this aerial panorama taken in February 2008
File:Aerial perspective of Masjid Sultan in Singapore.jpg, Aerial perspective of Masjid Sultan in Singapore
File:Sultan Mosque Ramadan Light Show 2022.jpg, alt=Sultan Mosque Light Show April 2022., Festive Light and Sound Show on the façade in April 2022 to celebrate Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (''Fasting in Islam, sawm''), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed ...
.
Masjid Sultan, interior.jpg, Electronic sign with times for prayer.
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 06.jpg, Tourists at the mosque
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 05.jpg , Eastern facade
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 07.jpg , The mosque's walking street
References
*National Heritage Board (2002), ''Singapore's 100 Historic Places'', Archipelago Press,
External links
*
Sultan Mosque Facebook PageSultan Mosque Instagram Page
{{Authority control
Sultan
Sultan (; ', ) is a position with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", derived from the verbal noun ', meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be use ...
Tourist attractions in Singapore
National monuments of Singapore
Mosques completed in 1928
Rochor
20th-century architecture in Singapore