Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq Mosque

Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq Mosque
Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq
Religion
AffiliationIslam
Branch/traditionSunni (Shafi'i)
Location
LocationBangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Architecture
TypeMosque
StyleModernist
Completed1982
Minaret(s)1

The Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq Mosque (MSABA) (Malay: Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq) is a prominent mosque in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[1] The mosque was named after Muhammad's successor (Caliph) Abu Bakr.

History

In 1976, residents in Bangsar requested for a mosque.[2] It was approved by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council on 25 November 1977. A meeting was then held by local representatives with YB Datuk Othman Abdullah on 27 November 1977. It received RM700,000 in donations from the public. The government took over the project and placed it under the 3rd Malaysian 5-Year Plan. Planning for the construction of the mosque began in 1978 and its construction was completed in 1982.[2]

The site was officially handed over to the contractor on 18 July 1980. The direction of the qibla was consented by The Mufti of the Federal Territories, S.S. Datuk Sheikh Abdul Mohsein bin Haji Salleh on 24 August 1980. Ground levelling work started in September 1980.

The mosque was officially handed over to the government on 29 March 1982. Its official opening ceremony was officiated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ahmad Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar on 15 July 1982.

Architecture and features

The mosque was originally designed for up to 3,500 people, but after expansion work was done in 2009 and 2010, it became capable of accommodating up to 4,000 people.

The architecture of the mosque follows traditional Malay mosque architecture, with a minaret (43.3 m), arches, dome (16.6 m wide and 24 m from the floor), and motifs, but also depicts levels of modernity in its form. It has an open concept, where air flow is allowed into the mosque as its doors are made from hard wood. Islamic patterned holes are also carved in between the motifs.

Its architectural designs are used in the construction of the Maldives National Mosque, as well as other prominent mosques in Kuala Lumpur such as Masjid Saidina Omar al-Khattab and Masjid Saidina Uthman ibn Affan.

Levels

The building has three levels:

Ground floor

  • Classrooms for religious classes
  • Office space and library
  • Multipurpose hall that can accommodate up to 200 people
  • Canteen
  • Place for ablution and toilets

First floor

  • Main praying hall for daily use by up to 1,000 people. It's full capacity can accommodate up to 4,000 people.

Second floor

  • Additional praying hall for Fridays and special occasions
  • Left wing: A school block comprising classrooms and school office

In the compound, there is a book shop and canteen for the public as well as for school students.

Awards

The mosque has received several awards for serving as the temporary National Mosque of Malaysia while it was undergoing renovation.

In May 2023, the mosque received the Muhibbah Award for its efforts in promoting unity and muhibbah in the community over the recent years.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Ng, Alexander; Rasdi, Mohd Tajuddin Mohd; Samsudin, Intan Liana; Zulkifli, Yusra (June 2022). "Evaluation of Architectural Design Element in Saidina Abu Bakar as Shiddiq Mosque on Social Inclusion". Journal of Islamic Architecture. 7 (1): 120–126. doi:10.18860/jia.v7i1.12899. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq". Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia | ITC. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  3. ^ Sallehuddin, Qistina; Riduan, Husna Syamila (17 May 2023). "Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque in Bangsar receives Muhibbah Award | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

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