In Malaysia, Islam is one of the major religions practised by Malays and a small percentage of other races. They perform their daily prayers in mosques that feature stunning Islamic design elements.
Here are Malaysia’s top 10 most beautiful mosques.
1. Jamek Mosque
Jamek Mosque, also known as the Friday Mosque, was built in 1907 on the first Malay burial ground in Kuala Lumpur. It is the oldest mosque in Malaysia, offering a sense of peace and tranquillity and is located near the Klang and Gombak rivers. The mosque’s architecture is a mix of Moorish, Islamic, and Magul elements.
2. Putra Mosque
Putra Mosque faces the scenic Putrajaya Lake. It is one of Putrajaya’s most visited landmarks. The mosque features a blend of modern and traditional designs created with local artisans and indigenous materials. The design is based on the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. Following that, the Putra Mosque’s design incorporates Malaysian, Persian-Islamic, and Arab-Islamic architectural elements.
3. Federal Territory Mosque
The Federal Territory Mosque is located close to the Government Office Complex. The Blue Mosque in Turkey influenced the mosque’s design, which is a mix of Ottomon and Malay architectural details. The garden of the mosque, surrounded by a moat, adds to the beauty of this holy place.
4. Malacca Straits Mosque
Malacca Straits Mosque is a floating mosque built on stilts on Melaka’s shores in Bandar Hilir. The mosque features a Middle-Eastern dome with four turret corners decorated with Malaysian roof lines. The brightly coloured arch with blue trim symbolises its significance in Islamic culture. It is even more stunning when the mosque is illuminated in the evenings.
5. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque
It is the state mosque of Selangor, and it is located in Shah Alam. Because of its magnificent blue dome and blue-stained-glass panels on the windows, this mosque is known as the Blue Mosque. It is Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, with the largest dome and tallest minarets. Its architecture is a magnificent blend of modern and traditional styles, with Middle Eastern and Malay influences. A well-known Egyptian calligrapher created detailed Arabic calligraphy on the main dome and walls.
6. Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque
Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque is Malaysia’s first floating mosque. The mosque is located in Kuala Ibai, 4 kilometres from Kuala Terengganu’s town centre. It is situated on a platform surrounded by water. From a distance, you can see the beautiful mosque reflected in the lake. It is built in traditional Malay and Moorish style, with marble, ceramics, mosaics, and bomanite paving.
7. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque has its contemporary Islam architectural design similar to Nabaqi Mosque in Medina. The stunning white mosque is surrounded by a man-made lagoon. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque except during prayers.
8. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is Johor’s state mosque, and it is located on Jalan Skudai. It is located at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Johor. It has two distinct architectural details with Malay influences – Victorian and Moorish styles. The mosque’s materials were imported from Turkey, Czechoslovakia, and Italy. The Department of Museums and Antiquities has designated the mosque as a protected heritage monument.
9. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Kapitan Keling Mosque is built by Penang’s first Indian Muslim settlers in 1801. It is Georgetown’s largest mosque. The mosque is distinguished by its large golden-yellow Mughal-style domes, crescents, and stars. Prayer rugs cover the polished white marble floor, and calligraphy panels adorn the walls. Geometrical patterns and floral motifs adorn the stained-glass windows.
10. Al-Bukhary Mosque
Al-Bukary Mosque is located in Alor Setar, Kedah, and is part of the Al-Bukhary Complex, which also includes a medical centre, a community centre, an old people’s academy, an orphanage, and a learning centre. The stunning interior and exterior design was inspired by mosques in Iran and Turkey. The five-layered archway represents Islam’s five pillars. In front of the mosque’s entrance is a stunning reflecting pool with Arabesque motifs.