Whenever Malaysians talk about beautiful Islamic architectures, first things that will comes to their mind are destinations in the Middle Easts.
But do you know that Malaysia is also a home to various equally beautiful and impressive Islamic architecture? We have plenty of beautiful mosques close to home. Among them is the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque or better known by the locals a the Blue Mosque, owing to it’s blue dome.
Located in Shah Alam, the mosque was commissioned by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah when he declared Shah Alam as the new capital of Selangor on 14 February 1974.
The Blue Mosque (Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz) holds the the world’s tallest group of minarets as the set of four each stand at 142.3 m above ground level.
Elements of Malay and Islamic architecture are incorporated into the finishes of the building. Fine decorative calligraphy can be seen on the inner curve of the dome and parts of the walls. The calligraphy work was executed by the Egyptian calligrapher Shiekh Abdel Moneim Mohamed Ali El Sharkawi.
The main prayer hall is over two levels, is fully carpeted and air conditioned and is one of the largest such spaces in the world. Aluminium grills of intricate design can be found on the doorways, windows and walls of the Mosque. The windows are fitted with blue stained glass to reduce the amount of light that can enter the hall. The resulting filtered illumination renders a bluish ambiance to the interior spaces evoking a sense of peace and serenity.
The upper gallery of the prayer hall is reserved for the use of female worshippers. The second floor houses a gallery, the ground floor contains the administrative office, conference rooms, wedding room, library, reception and lecture rooms. The mosque can accommodate 24,000 worshippers at one time and holds plenty of enriching classes daily for those who are interested to learn more about Islam.
It’s a really beautiful mosque with unique design and intricate architecture. If you are a Muslim and is in the vicinity of the mosque during your visit to Shah Alam, you might want to drop by and answer the call of prayers over here. A non Muslim but interested to visit? Don’t worry. The Mosque is tourist friendly and welcomes visitors with open arms.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18.30, Friday 9:00-midday and 15:00-18.30
Location: Persiaran Masjid, Sekysen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia