MOSQUE UNITES LOCAL FOLK
Buka puasa event open to all races, who also help to clean up the unique Chinese mosque
FROM afar, visitors may think that the red-and-white building in Taman Tasek Jaya here is a Chinese temple.
Upon closer look, one would find a sign at the entrance stating “Masjid Muhammadiah”.
Mosque committee deputy chairman Mohd Hafiz Ng Abdullah said the second Chinese mosque in the country was unique as it featured 100 per cent Chinese architectural elements.
“The roof was imported from Longyan, China. At first glance, people may mistake
the mosque for a Chinese temple. The mosque and its minarets are adorned with Chinese motifs.
“There are similar mosques in Kelantan and Melaka, but their architecture is not 100 per cent Chinese. In Kelantan, some mosques have Thai architectural influence.”
Built in 2013 at a cost of RM4 million, Masjid Muhammadiah sits on a 0.4ha plot of land previously occupied by Madrasah Muhammadiah, which was built in 1973 by the late Abdul Latif Mohd Kassim and his seven friends.
The mosque was opened by Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah on July 18, 2014.
Hafiz said the roof and minarets had hibiscus flower designs and a dragon motif, which depicts the Chinese heritage.
“The mosque has a beautiful design. The main prayer hall has an air-conditioner and the ceiling has a lotus flower motif.”
Hafiz said Ramadan was a special time for the mosque. He said it was not just a place to pray, but also an educational centre and a tourist attraction.
“We welcome everyone from different backgrounds, religions and races to celebrate the fasting month with us. Every day, we organise a ‘buka puasa’ event here, which can accommodate between 400 and 600 people.
“People from different religions and races gather here to enjoy Indian dishes and authentic Malay food, as well as Chinese food.
“The mosque also holds tadarus (Quran recitation) classes between 8.30am and 11am daily.
“This mosque unites the local community, made up of various races and religions, and they all lend a hand in cleaning the mosque.”
The mosque was so popular that it lacked space to hold a huge congregation.
Hafiz said the construction of phase two of Masjid Muhammadiah would begin after Hari Raya Aidilfitri and was expected to be completed within 18 months.
He said the mosque committee was collecting funds to build the second building and those who wished to donate could do so via CIMB bank account 86-0124134-4 or contact 019-5779748 for details.