Masjid Sultan, also referred to as Sultan Mosque, is a widely known religious landmark in Singapore. This mosque, which can be found in the Kampong Glam district at the intersection of North Bridge Road 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.[1]
History
Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor and Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company signed a treaty in 1819 that permitted the British to officially establish a trade settlement in Singapore.[2] 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 community.[3]
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.[4] 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.[5]
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.[6] 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.[7]
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.[8] 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.[9]
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.[10] 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.[11] Due to the construction, North Bridge Road had to be extended beyond Arab Street, which now curves around the mosque.[12] The mosque was just over two thirds completed when it opened on 27 December 1929. In the end, 1932 saw its completion.[13]
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.[14]
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.[15] 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.[16]
On March 8, 1975, the Singaporean government officially declared the Sultan Mosque as a national monument, acknowledging its importance for both history and culture.[17]
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.[18] An annex was built that cost $4.2 million which blended well with the architecture.[19] This would also be beneficial to enrich the area as there is now additional space for different facilities which includes, an auditorium, a conference room, a library and a function hall which further enhances the mosque as compared to the newer towns that have emerged during this time period.[20]
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.[21] 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, or MUIS).[22] 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.[23] The mosque also received a new coat of paint in addition to the expansion of areas including the office, ablution area, and auditorium.[24] On 16 January 2016, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed a plaque to commemorate the project's completion.
Architectural features
The dome is now an essential component of Islamic architecture even in Indonesia and Malaysia. 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.[3]
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, following Islamic customs.[25] 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's innovative vision. Santry is a well-known architect from the highly esteemed company Swan & Maclaren.[26] 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.[27] 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.[25] 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.[28] 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.[29]
The mosque's roof parapet, which has elaborate merlon cresting—a decorative detail typically of Islamic architecture—adds even more majesty to the building.[30]Minarets, 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, or call to prayer.[30]
Up to 5,000 worshipers can be accommodated in the large, two-story prayer hall, which has a shape that is rectangular.[25] Twelve octagonal columns, which contribute to the architectural harmony of the hall in addition to provide structural support, define its architectural plan.[25]
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.[31]
The Mihrab, a wall niche signifying the Qibla (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 embellished with delicate gold-plated flower designs.[32] This ornamental feature enhances the beauty of the room while also captivating the worshippers . A panel of calligraphy above the mihrab adds to its spiritual value, almost certainly including Quran passages or various other important Islamic writings.[32]
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.[25] The windows on the ground level are especially distinctive for their ogee form, a distinctive architectural feature with a double curve.[33] 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.[34]
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 windows, which have five lobes.[35] These windows are further adorned with intricate mouldings, which give a touch of artistic elegance to their practical purpose.[36]
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, a lively night market with several food booths is set up near the mosque, and Muslims begin purchasing food at sunset.[30] The mosque also participates in charitable activities such as distributing free meals and funning blood donation drives, as well as social outreach and educational programs.[30]
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.
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
Aerial perspective of Masjid Sultan in Singapore
Festive Light and Sound Show on the façade in April 2022 to celebrate Ramadan.
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