Malaysia is a country that is proud of its Islamic identity and heritage. Islam is the official religion of the federation and the majority of its population. As such, mosques or masjids are very important places for Muslims in Malaysia. They are not only places to pray and worship, but also centers of learning, socializing, and community service.
With about 8,000 mosques in the country1, Malaysia has a rich and diverse architectural legacy of Islamic buildings. Some of these mosques have also become popular tourist attractions due to their beautiful and unique designs. They reflect the influences of various cultures, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Persian, Ottoman, and modern styles.
Among these, we have selected five of the most beautiful mosques in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, the two most developed and populous states in Malaysia. These mosques are not only stunning to look at, but also have historical and cultural significance. They showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Malaysian Muslims, as well as their devotion and spirituality.
In this article, we will introduce you to these five mosques and tell you why they are worth visiting. We will also provide you with some practical information on how to get there, when to go, and what to do. We hope that this article will inspire you to explore and appreciate the beauty of Islamic architecture in Malaysia.
Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra)
The first mosque that we want to introduce to you is the Putra Mosque. Although it is not located in Selangor, but in Putrajaya, the federal administrative center of Malaysia, we highly recommend it because of its stunning beauty. It is also known as the Pink Mosque, because of its rose-tinted granite dome and minarets.
The Putra Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Putrajaya, and a popular spot for photography. Whether you want to capture the scenic view of the mosque and the lake, or take a portrait with the mosque as the backdrop, you will not be disappointed. The mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers at a time, and has a distinctive design that combines traditional and modern elements.
If you want to visit the Putra Mosque, you need to register the number of visitors at the entrance. Women who are not wearing Muslim attire are required to wear a red robe that is provided by the mosque. You also need to take off your shoes before entering the main prayer hall, where you can bring your bags or luggage. The mosque is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, except during prayer times. You can also join a guided tour that is available every hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque (Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah)
The next mosque that we want to introduce to you is the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. It is the state mosque of Selangor, the country’s largest mosque and also the second largest mosque in Southeast Asia by capacity. It can accommodate up to 24,000 worshippers at a time.
The most distinguishing feature of the Blue Mosque is its large blue and silver dome, which is one of the largest religious domes in the world. The dome is decorated with verses from the Quran and has a diameter of 51.2 meters. The mosque also has four minarets, each 142.3 meters high, making them among the tallest in the world.
The Blue Mosque is one of the most famous landmark in Malaysia, and it is free to enter for visitors. Everyone who enters the mosque has to wear a blue robe, and women also have to wear a headscarf. There are English-speaking guides who are very nice and helpful. They will explain the history and architecture of the mosque, as well as some Islamic customs and practices. They will also give you time to take photos, and the mosque is very photogenic.
The best time to visit the Blue Mosque is on Monday afternoon, when there are not many tourists. You need to register at the entrance and they will arrange a guide for you. If you are not wearing long pants, they will give you a robe. The whole tour takes about an hour and a half, and you will have a very enjoyable and informative experience. You can also witness how Muslims pray, and learn why they do so. The Blue Mosque is a must-see attraction for anyone who appreciates Islamic art and culture.
National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara)
The third mosque that we want to introduce to you is the National Mosque of Malaysia, or Masjid Negara in Malay. It is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, and it is one of the most prominent landmarks in the country.
The National Mosque of Malaysia was completed in 1965, and it has a capacity for 15,000 people. It is situated among 13 acres of gardens, with reflecting pools and fountains. The mosque has a distinctive design that combines traditional and modern elements. Unlike most mosques, it does not have a dome, but a pyramid-shaped roof that resembles an open umbrella. The roof is decorated with verses from the Quran and has a 16-pointed star pattern. The mosque also has a 73-meter-high minaret that looks like a folded umbrella.
The National Mosque of Malaysia is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday, from 9 am to 11 pm, except during prayer times. On Friday, the visiting hours are from 2:45 pm to 6 pm1. Visitors who are not dressed appropriately can borrow robes and headscarves from the mosque. There are also guided tours available every hour from 10 am to 4 pm2. The mosque is a place of worship and respect, so visitors should follow the etiquette and rules of the mosque. The National Mosque of Malaysia is a symbol of the Islamic identity and heritage of Malaysia. It is also a place of learning, socializing, and community service.
Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque (Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad)
Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque, also known as Masjid Jamek or Jamek Mosque. It is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, and one of the most historic landmarks in the city. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, which is also the origin of the name Kuala Lumpur, meaning “muddy confluence”.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque was built in 1909, and named after the fourth Sultan of Selangor, who ruled from 1857 to 18981. The mosque was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, a British architect who also designed the Kuala Lumpur railway station and other buildings in the city. The mosque has a distinctive style that combines Islamic, Moorish, and Mughal influences. It has a pink and white brick facade, three domes, and two minarets.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque served as the main mosque of Kuala Lumpur until the National Mosque of Malaysia was built in 19653. The mosque underwent several renovations and expansions over the years, and it can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday, from 9 am to 11 pm, except during prayer times. On Friday, the visiting hours are from 2:45 pm to 6 pm3. Visitors who are not dressed appropriately can borrow robes and headscarves from the mosque. There are also guided tours available every hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan)
The last mosque that we want to introduce in this article is the Federal Territory Mosque, or Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan in Malay. It is one of the most artistically built mosques in Kuala Lumpur, and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It is located in Jalan Duta, near the Government Complex and the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The Federal Territory Mosque was established in 2000, and it is designed in the Ottoman-Malay style. It has a striking resemblance to the famous Blue Mosque of Turkey, which was also an inspiration for its design. The mosque has 22 domes, made of composite materials and adorned with turquoise and blue tiles. The main dome has a diameter of 20 meters and a height of 45 meters. The mosque also has two minarets, each 68 meters high.
The Federal Territory Mosque can accommodate up to 17,000 worshippers at a time, and it has a spacious and elegant interior. The mosque is decorated with intricate calligraphy, carvings, and stained glass windows. The mosque also has a library, a lecture hall, a dining hall, and a funeral management center. The mosque is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday, from 10 am to 6 pm, except during prayer times. On Friday, the visiting hours are from 2:45 pm to 6 pm. Visitors who are not dressed appropriately can borrow robes and headscarves from the mosque. There are also guided tours available every hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
Conclusion
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learned more about the five most beautiful mosques in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. These mosques are not only places of worship, but also places of art, culture, and history. They showcase the beauty and diversity of Islamic architecture in Malaysia, and they are worth visiting for anyone who appreciates Islamic art and culture.
If you want to discover more city gems in Malaysia, we recommend that you download Reviewbah, a mobile app that helps you find the best places to eat, shop, and explore in Malaysia. Reviewbah is a community-based app that allows you to read and write reviews, share photos, and get tips from other users.
Reviewbah is the ultimate guide for travelers and locals alike who want to experience the best of Malaysia. Whether you are looking for a halal restaurant, a shopping mall, or a cultural attraction, Reviewbah will help you find it. You can also filter your search by location, rating, and category.
Download Reviewbah today and start exploring Malaysia like never before. You will be amazed by what you can find with Reviewbah.
