Beautiful Terengganu: A Visit to Crystal Mosque, Kuala Terengganu

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Located on a man-made island called Pulau Wan Man, Crystal Mosque is located within the grounds of Taman Tamadun Islam (Islamic Heritage Park), another major attraction in Terengganu. Constructed between 2006 and 2008, it was officially opened in February 2008 by the present Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

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Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful mosques, the moque features stunning architecture made of steel and glass, which gives the mosque its crystal-like appearance. This unique structure adopts a contemporary style injected with Moorish and Gothic elements.

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A large crystal chandelier forms the main prayer hall’s centrepiece.

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At night, the mosque comes alive with a mesmerising display of lights, which changes the colour of its domes and minarets to pink, green, yellow and blue.

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Crystal Mosque is the country’s first ‘intelligent’ mosque with a built-in IT infrastructure and WiFi connection, providing visitors with internet access with which to read the electronic Quran.

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The mosque is open to public’s visit at and as this is a place of worship for Muslims, tourists will need to dress up appropriately before entering the mosque. Clothing should be modest for both men and women. For women this means an ankle length skirt or trousers, which should not be tight or transparent, together with a long sleeved and high- necked top. A headscarf is usually essential for women.

If you are not dressed appropriately, just head over to the registration counter, jot down your name and time of visit and grab a set of clothing that consists of a pair robe, and a pair of scarves for the ladies. Put on the robe to cover up your body before entering the mosque.

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Donning the robe can be quite tricky to some, so if you need assistance donning the robe or head scarves, just ask the staffs to help you out. They are very helpful.Once you’re covered up appropriately, you will be allowed to enter the mosque to visit.Shoes must be removed before going into the prayer hall.

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This is deemed appropriately dressed. One must be covered up nicely from top to toe and for ladies, hair should be decently covered with a scarf and preferably without any hair sticking out. To visit the prayer hall, walk quietly into the hall, and sit on the floor, avoiding pointing the feet in the direction of the Qibla, the wall with the niche or alcove in it, indicating the direction of Makkah. If you are non-Muslim and happened to be visiting as a group during a time when prayers are taking place, sit together toward the rear of the hall.

When Salat, one of the five daily prayer is in progress, non-Muslim visitors are welcomed but simply to observe rather than to join in. If arriving at such a time, find a place near the rear wall and sit quietly while observing the prayer. No sacred or blessed food will be offered, nor will visitors be expected to make any physical gesture of respect to holy objects except removing their shoes and acting respectfully in the prayer hall. Vistors may be greeted by the Arabic greeting “Assalamualaikum” which means “peace be upon you.” The answer, if the visitor would like to use it, is “Wa ‘alaikum-as-salam”, which means “peace be upon you too”. Do not offer, or expect, to shake hands with people of the opposite sex.

Crystal Mosque is a very beautiful place to visit but whether you visiting alone, or in a group, it is important to follow the guidelines for clothing and behaviour so as not to cause offence. For groups, it is important not to talk loudly, thus disturbing anyone who may be at prayer.

For more detailed information on the Crystal Mosque, you may contact Terengganu Tourism Office here: +609 – 630 9433 / 90

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