Sultan Mosque: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>Zanahary
Restored revision 1257143166 by Citation bot (talk): Rvv
 
imported>Aleain
 
Line 9: Line 9:
| alt                  =  
| alt                  =  
| caption              = Sultan Mosque in 2023
| caption              = Sultan Mosque in 2023
{{Infobox mapframe|tyep=shape|zoom=14|frame-width=250}}
| mapframe         = yes
| mapframe-zoom     = 14
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
| map_type              = Singapore
| map_type              = Singapore
| map_size              =  
| map_size              =  
Line 24: Line 26:
| patron                =  
| patron                =  
| website              = {{url|http://sultanmosque.sg/}}
| website              = {{url|http://sultanmosque.sg/}}
| architect            = [[Denis Santry]]
| architect            = [[Denis Santry]] of [[Swan & Maclaren]]
| architecture_type    = Mosque
| architecture_type    = Mosque
| architecture_style    = [[Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture|Indo-Saracenic style]]
| architecture_style    = [[Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture|Indo–Saracenic]]
| capacity              = 5,000
| capacity              = 5,000
| founded_by            =  
| founded_by            =  
Line 32: Line 34:
| funded_by            =  
| funded_by            =  
| general_contractor    =  
| general_contractor    =  
| established          = 1929
| established          = {{start date and age|1824|df=yes}} (original)<br/>{{start date and age|1929|df=yes}} (current)
| groundbreaking        = 1924
| groundbreaking        = {{start date and age|1824|df=yes}} (original) <br/>{{start date and age|1924|df=yes}} (current)
| year_completed        = 1932
| year_completed        = {{start date and age|1826|df=yes}} (original)<br/>{{start date and age|1932|df=yes}} (current)
| construction_cost    = S$200,000
| construction_cost    = 3,000 [[spanish dollars]] (original) <br/>S$200,000 (current){{efn|Estimated, the common currency used in Singapore at the time was the [[Straits dollar]].}}
| date_demolished      = <!-- or | date_destroyed = -->
| date_demolished      = <!-- or | date_destroyed = -->
| facade_direction      =  
| facade_direction      =  
Line 61: Line 63:
| elevation_footnotes  =  
| elevation_footnotes  =  
| nrhp                  =  
| nrhp                  =  
| designated            = {{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=Singapore|designation1_date=8 March 1975|designation1_number=14}}
| designated            = {{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=Singapore|designation1_date={{Start date and age|df=yes|8 March 1975}}|designation1_number=14}}
}}
}}


'''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.
'''Sultan Mosque''' or '''Masjid Sultan''' is a [[mosque]] located at Muscat Street and [[North Bridge Road]] within the [[Kampong Glam]] precinct of the district of [[Rochor]] in [[Singapore]]. It was named after [[Hussein Shah of Johor|Sultan Hussain Shah]]. The mosque was completed in 1932, having been rebuilt from a previous mosque on the same site which dates back to 1826. In 1975, it was designated as a [[national monument of Singapore]].<ref name="rootssm">{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=www.roots.gov.sg |publisher=[[National Heritage Board (Singapore)|National Heritage Board]] |access-date=23 December 2025 |language=en |date=15 October 2020}}</ref>
 
The mosque was officially inaugurated on 27 December 1929, and was given its name in [[Hussein Shah of Johor|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://roots.sg/Roots/Content/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=Roots |access-date=26 September 2014}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The [[1819 Singapore Treaty]] between [[Hussein Shah of Johor]] and [[Stamford Raffles]] of the British [[East India Company]] (EIC) had allowed the British to formally establish a trading settlement in Singapore. Not long after, Sultan Hussein requested that a mosque be built beside his royal residence, the [[Istana Kampong Glam]], to serve the local [[Islam in Singapore|Muslim]] community. Raffles pledged support for the project and contributed 3,000 [[spanish dollar]]s from the EIC towards its construction.<ref name="rootssm"/>


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://roots.sg/Roots/Content/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=Roots |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> Sultan Hussein Shah then requested as part of this arrangement that a mosque be built next to his royal home, the [[Istana Kampong Glam|Istana]] (Malay: palace) in Kampong Glam, to serve the [[Muslim]] community.<ref name="Buana">Buana, Muhammad, and Natasha D. Santoso. "MOSQUE DESIGN IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY."</ref>
The original mosque was completed in 1826 as a modest brick structure of a single storey, featuring a double tiered pitched roof typical of Southeast Asian architectural styles of the period. By 1924, after more than a century of use, the building had fallen into severe disrepair. The trustees subsequently decided that the ageing structure should be demolished and replaced with a new and larger mosque, resulting in the construction of the present building.<ref name="rootssm"/>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://roots.sg/Roots/Content/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=Roots |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://roots.sg/Roots/Content/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=Roots |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://roots.sg/Roots/Content/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=Roots |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://roots.sg/Roots/Content/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |website=Roots |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19261104.2.53 |title=Digitised Article - The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 4 November 1926 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg |publisher=National Library Board, Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malay Mosque |newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser |date=4 November 1926 |page=7 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19261104.2.53 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Mosque at Kampong Glam |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=5 April 1932 |page=12 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19320405-1.2.84.24 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Mosque at Kampong Glam |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=5 April 1932 |page=12 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19320405-1.2.84.24 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> Due to the construction, North Bridge Road had to be extended beyond Arab Street, which now curves around the mosque.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sultan Mosque to be restored |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=12 January 1986 |page=12 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860112-1.2.27.1 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> The mosque was just over two thirds completed when it opened on 27 December 1929. In the end, 1932 saw its completion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Winters |first=Bryan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I3H6CQAAQBAJ&pg=PA69 |title=The Bishop, the Mullah, and the Smartphone: The Journey of Two Religions into the Digital Age |date=2015 |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=9781498217934 |location=Eugene, Oregon |page=318 |access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
On March 8, 1975, the Singaporean government officially declared the Sultan Mosque as a [[national monument]], acknowledging its importance for both history and culture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sultan Mosque extension to be ready by 1990 |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=23 October 1988 |page=16 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19881023.2.29.5 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
An annex was built that cost ''$4.2 million'' which blended well with the architecture.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM opens $4.2m Sultan Mosque annex |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=11 July 1993 |page=3 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930711.2.8.6 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM opens $4.2m Sultan Mosque annex |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=11 July 1993 |page=3 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930711.2.8.6 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM opens $4.2m Sultan Mosque annex |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=11 July 1993 |page=3 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930711.2.8.6 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite news |title=Restoration of Sultan Mosque complete |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/restoration-of-sultan-mosque-complete |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=16 January 2016 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Restoration of Sultan Mosque complete |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/restoration-of-sultan-mosque-complete |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=16 January 2016 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> The mosque also received a new coat of paint in addition to the expansion of areas including the office, ablution area, and auditorium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Restoration of Sultan Mosque complete |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/restoration-of-sultan-mosque-complete |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=16 January 2016 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Buana">Buana, Muhammad, and Natasha D. Santoso. "MOSQUE DESIGN IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY."</ref>
 
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.<ref name="NHB">{{cite web |url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |title=Sultan Mosque |website=Roots.gov.sg |publisher=National Heritage Board |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="ST1932">{{cite news |title=New Mosque at Kampong Glam |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=5 April 1932 |page=12 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19320405-1.2.84.24 |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pasic |first=Amir |title=A Short History of Mosque Architecture |year=2004 |publisher=AMAR Center |pages=45–47}}</ref> 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.<ref name="NHB">{{cite web |url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |title=Sultan Mosque |website=Roots.gov.sg |publisher=National Heritage Board |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sultan-mosque |title=Soy Sauce Bottles of Sultan Mosque |website=Atlas Obscura |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sultan-mosque |title=Soy Sauce Bottles of Sultan Mosque |website=Atlas Obscura |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>


The mosque's roof parapet, which has elaborate [[merlon]] cresting—a decorative detail typically of Islamic architecture—adds even more majesty to the building.<ref name="NLB">{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> [[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.<ref name="NLB">{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
The reconstructed mosque was two-thirds complete when it was formally opened on 27 December 1929.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressb19291230-1.2.64|title=New Sultan Mosque at Kampong Glam |access-date=2018-09-24}}</ref> The mosque was fully completed in 1932.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressb19320226-1.2.13|title=Matters of Muslim Interest|access-date=2018-09-24}}</ref> 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 initially sceptical of the new electric system, however most believed it was necessary to empower the muezzin's voice to transcend a city's noises.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Winters |first=Bryan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I3H6CQAAQBAJ&pg=PA69 |title=The Bishop, the Mullah, and the Smartphone: The Journey of Two Religions into the Digital Age |date=2015 |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=9781498217934 |location=Eugene, Oregon |page=318 |access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref>


Up to 5,000 worshipers can be accommodated in the large, two-story prayer hall, which has a shape that is rectangular.<ref name="NHB">{{cite web |url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |title=Sultan Mosque |website=Roots.gov.sg |publisher=National Heritage Board |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> Twelve octagonal columns, which contribute to the architectural harmony of the hall in addition to provide structural support, define its architectural plan.<ref name="NHB">{{cite web |url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |title=Sultan Mosque |website=Roots.gov.sg |publisher=National Heritage Board |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
The Sultan Mosque has stayed relatively unchanged since it was rebuilt, with only repairs carried out to the main hall in 1968. It was [[gazette]]d as a [[National Monuments of Singapore|national monument]] on 8 March 1975. An annex was added in 1993. The mosque is managed by its own board of trustees and management board.
 
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.<ref name="SG101">{{cite web |url=https://www.sg101.gov.sg/resources/connexionsg/sultanmosque/ |title=Sultan Mosque #Heritage |website=SG101 |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref name="VisitKampongGelam">{{cite web |url=https://visitkamponggelam.com.sg/attraction/masjid-sultan/ |title=Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) |website=Visit Kampong Gelam |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref name="VisitKampongGelam">{{cite web |url=https://visitkamponggelam.com.sg/attraction/masjid-sultan/ |title=Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) |website=Visit Kampong Gelam |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref name="NHB">{{cite web |url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/sultan-mosque |title=Sultan Mosque |website=Roots.gov.sg |publisher=National Heritage Board |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> The windows on the ground level are especially distinctive for their [[ogee]] form, a distinctive architectural feature with a double curve.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pasic |first=Amir |title=A Short History of Mosque Architecture |year=2004 |publisher=AMAR Center |pages=50–52}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pasic |first=Amir |title=A Short History of Mosque Architecture |year=2004 |publisher=AMAR Center |pages=50–52}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pasic |first=Amir |title=A Short History of Mosque Architecture |year=2004 |publisher=AMAR Center |pages=50–52}}</ref> These windows are further adorned with intricate mouldings, which give a touch of artistic elegance to their practical purpose.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pasic |first=Amir |title=A Short History of Mosque Architecture |year=2004 |publisher=AMAR Center |pages=50–52}}</ref>
 
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.<ref name="NLB">{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref> 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.<ref name="NLB">{{cite web |title=Sultan Mosque |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=12ffc367-4687-4c85-beb6-b5779a42983f |website=National Library Board |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=2024-09-27}}</ref>


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
The mosque is accessible from [[Bugis MRT station]] and [[Jalan Besar MRT station]].
The mosque is accessible from [[Bugis MRT station]] and [[Jalan Besar MRT station]] on the [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) network. There are also numerous [[Public buses of Singapore|public bus]] stops in the vicinity, including at the adjacent [[North Bridge Road]].
 
Bus to take: 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 62, 63, 80, 133, 145, 197,190, 61, 603, 61, 851, 960, 961, 980
 
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.
 


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Muslims]]
* [[Islam in Singapore]]
* [[Islam in Singapore]]
* [[List of mosques in Singapore]]
* [[List of mosques in Singapore]]


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 01.jpg|Gateway to the mosque
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 01.jpg|Gateway to the mosque.
File:Masjid Sultan Singapura.JPG|Masjid Sultan Sign
File:Masjid Sultan Singapura.JPG|Masjid Sultan Sign.
File:Masjid Sultan.JPG|Masjid Sultan at Muscat Street in [[Kampong Glam]]
File:Masjid Sultan.JPG|Masjid Sultan at Muscat Street in [[Kampong Glam]].
File:Masjid Sultan Aerial Perspective.jpg|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
File:Masjid Sultan Aerial Perspective.jpg|Masjid Sultan Aerial Perspective in 2008.
File:Aerial perspective of Masjid Sultan in Singapore.jpg|Aerial perspective of Masjid Sultan in Singapore
File:Aerial evening shot of Masjid Sultan 1 - 20250628 - RKSY.jpg|Aerial perspective of Masjid Sultan in Singapore.
File:Sultan Mosque Ramadan Light Show 2022.jpg|alt=Sultan Mosque Light Show April 2022.|Festive Light and Sound Show on the façade in April 2022 to celebrate [[Ramadan]].
File:Sultan Mosque Ramadan Light Show 2022.jpg|alt=Sultan Mosque Light Show April 2022.|Festive Light and Sound Show on the façade in April 2022 to celebrate [[Ramadan]].
Masjid Sultan, interior.jpg|Electronic sign with times for prayer.
Masjid Sultan, interior.jpg|Electronic sign with times for prayer.
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 06.jpg|Tourists at the mosque
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 06.jpg|Tourists at the mosque.
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 05.jpg | Eastern facade
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 05.jpg |Eastern facade.
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 07.jpg | The mosque's walking street
Masjid Sultan, Singapore (2023 June) - img 07.jpg |The mosque's walking street.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
Line 177: Line 121:
[[Category:Rochor]]
[[Category:Rochor]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in Singapore]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in Singapore]]
[[Category:Swan & Maclaren Group]]

Latest revision as of 17:24, 27 December 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "check for unknown parameters".Template:Wikidata image

Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan is a mosque located at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road within the Kampong Glam precinct of the district of Rochor in Singapore. It was named after Sultan Hussain Shah. The mosque was completed in 1932, having been rebuilt from a previous mosque on the same site which dates back to 1826. In 1975, it was designated as a national monument of Singapore.[1]

History

The 1819 Singapore Treaty between Hussein Shah of Johor and Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company (EIC) had allowed the British to formally establish a trading settlement in Singapore. Not long after, Sultan Hussein requested that a mosque be built beside his royal residence, the Istana Kampong Glam, to serve the local Muslim community. Raffles pledged support for the project and contributed 3,000 spanish dollars from the EIC towards its construction.[1]

The original mosque was completed in 1826 as a modest brick structure of a single storey, featuring a double tiered pitched roof typical of Southeast Asian architectural styles of the period. By 1924, after more than a century of use, the building had fallen into severe disrepair. The trustees subsequently decided that the ageing structure should be demolished and replaced with a new and larger mosque, resulting in the construction of the present building.[1]

The reconstructed mosque was two-thirds complete when it was formally opened on 27 December 1929.[2] The mosque was fully completed in 1932.[3] 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 initially sceptical of the new electric system, however most believed it was necessary to empower the muezzin's voice to transcend a city's noises.[4]

The Sultan Mosque has stayed relatively unchanged since it was rebuilt, with only repairs carried out to the main hall in 1968. It was gazetted as a national monument on 8 March 1975. An annex was added in 1993. The mosque is managed by its own board of trustees and management board.

Transportation

The mosque is accessible from Bugis MRT station and Jalan Besar MRT station on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network. There are also numerous public bus stops in the vicinity, including at the adjacent North Bridge Road.

See also

Gallery

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

  • National Heritage Board (2002), Singapore's 100 Historic Places, Archipelago Press, Template:ISBN

External links

Template:Sister project

Script error: No such module "Navbox". Template:National monuments of Singapore Template:Authority control