Albukhary Mosque

This article is about the mosque in Alor Setar. For the mosque in Kuala Lumpur, see Masjid Albukhary (Kuala Lumpur).

Albukhary Mosque
Masjid Albukhary
Religion
Affiliation	Sunni Islam
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Active
Location
Location	Jalan Langgar, 05460 Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman.
State	Kedah
Country	Malaysia
Shown within Alor Setar
Coordinates	6°08′47″N100°23′21″E / 6.14639°N 100.38917°E / 6.14639; 100.38917
Architecture
Architect	Abdul Harris Othman (RDA Harris Design Group)
Type	Mosque
Founder	Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary
Funded by	Albukhary Foundation
Groundbreaking	1999
Completed	2001
Specifications
Capacity	15,000 (complex) 3,000 (main hall)
Dome	7
Minaret	1
Minaret height	47.92 m (157.2 ft)
Website
www.masjidalbukhary.com.my

Masjid Albukhary is a mosque located in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. It serves as the spiritual centerpiece of the Albukhary Complex, which also houses the Albukhary International University and a medical center. ^{[1] [2]}

The mosque was commissioned by the Albukhary Foundation, a charity organization established by the Malaysian philanthropist Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary. ^[3] It shares its name with the Masjid Albukhary KL, a sister mosque in the capital city which was built by the same foundation five years later. ^[4]

History

The groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque was held on 15 January 1999, officiated by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad. Construction commenced in March 2000. ^[5]

The mosque was fully completed in 2001. It was officially inaugurated on 22 November 2001 (coinciding with 6 Ramadan 1422H) by the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

In December 2020, the mosque opened the Albukhary Mosque Gallery, the first of its kind in Kedah, to showcase the history and architectural evolution of the site. ^{[6] [7]}

Architecture

The mosque was designed by architect Abdul Harris Othman of RDA Harris Design Group. It features an eclectic architectural style that blends elements from the Islamic world, specifically drawing inspiration from Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Morocco. The design was intended to showcase the diversity of Islamic heritage. ^{[4] [8]}

Domes and Minarets

The exterior is dominated by seven blue domes, which symbolize the seven continents where the message of Islam has spread. The main dome features intricate carvings of the 99 Names of Allah on its interior. ^[9]

The design of the main dome is heavily influenced by the Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque) in Isfahan, Iran. The mosque features twin minarets that stand 47.92 m (157.2 ft) tall, designed in the Mamluk style with influences from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina.

Interior and Courtyard

The mosque's entrance features a courtyard (sahn) with geometric water features and reflective pools. This layout mimics the architecture of the Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The main prayer hall can accommodate approximately 3,000 worshippers, while the entire mosque complex, including the courtyard and surrounding areas, can hold up to 15,000 people during peak congregations such as Eid prayers. ^{[10] [11]}

Albukhary Complex

The mosque is part of the Sharifah Rokiah Centre of Excellence (named after the founder's mother). ^[12] This integrated hub includes:

• Albukhary International University: A non-profit private university located within the same grounds. ^[13]
• Souq Albukhary: A commercial market designed with architecture inspired by the Citadel of Bukhara.
• Medical Facilities: A dialysis center (Pusat Hemodialisis) and clinics for the underprivileged.
• Orphanage: The complex includes an orphanage and an old folks' home managed by the foundation.

See also

• Masjid Albukhary (Kuala Lumpur) – The sister mosque in Kuala Lumpur.
• Islam in Malaysia
• List of mosques in Malaysia

References

1. "Masjid – Portal PBT Kedah". pbt.kedah.gov.my. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
2. KHAMELIA, AMIRA (31 July 2025). "Masjid Al‑Bukhary - JomMaiKedah.com" . Retrieved 10 December 2025.
3. "King receives Albukhary Foundation chairman in audience at Johor palace". Malay Mail. 6 December 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
4. "Portal SISMIM". masjid.islam.gov.my. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
5. "Dr Mahathir visits Albukhary Foundation Gallery at British Museum in London". Malay Mail. 16 June 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
6. Bernama (16 June 2019). "Watch: Dr M visits London's Albukhary Gallery; becomes centre of attention | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
7. "Galeri Masjid Albukhary yang pertama di Kedah". Kosmo! (in Malay). 12 January 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
8. "Masjid Albukhary (The Albukhary mosque), Alor Setar". Seni Lama Melayu. 10 March 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
9. "The most breathtaking mosques in Malaysia". Free Malaysia Today. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
10. Mukhtar, Ahmad Mukhsein (7 June 2025). "Sultan Sallehuddin observes Aidiladha with over 1,000 worshippers | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
11. Basyir, Mohamed (20 December 2019). "King officiates Masjid Nabawi inspired Al-Bukhary Mosque in Penang | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
12. "Sharifah Rokiah Centre of Excellence – Albukhary Foundation". albukharyfoundation.my. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
13. "About AIU - Albukhary International University". 18 April 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2025.