Located in Kuala Lumpur, The Masjid Negara is the national mosque of Malaysia. It has a capacity of 15,000 people prayer at once make this masjid a second largest mosque capasity in south east asia. The vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Many of the city’s Malay office workers congregate here for the solat jumaat (Friday afternoon prayers). The eye catching structure of the building is surrounded by 13 acres of splendid gardens. This principal mosque of Malaysia was built in 1965 and to build this building, RM 10 million were spent.

 

 

It is located diagonally opposite the Railway Station of Kuala Lumpur and near to Bangunan Daya Bumi , Pos Besar Malaysia , Muzium Kesenian Islam , bird park Kuala Lumpur and Taman Tasik Perdana

 

The idea to built Masjid negara was came after Malaya gained its independence from the British government on 31 August 1957. Major development programs in areas of economy, social and architecture were actively implemented in line with the new government. The programs were also to portray new progressive culture and achieved democracy. Therefore, on 30 July 1957, in the meeting of the Federal Executive Council an idea to build a national mosque as a symbol of the country’s independence was mooted. In another meeting on 5 March 1958, Chief Ministers of the eleven states in the Federation of Malaya, a proposal was made to name the mosque Masjid Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, in recognition of Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj’s efforts in guiding the country to gaining independence. However, Tunku refused this honour; on the contrary he named it Masjid Negara in thanksgiving for the country’s peaceful independence without bloodshed .

 

The original structure was designed by a three-person team from the Public Works Department of UK architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysians Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. Originally built in 1965, it is a bold and modern approach in reinforced concrete, symbolic of the aspirations of a then newly-independent Malaysia. And since that time, this masjid negara had took his duty from former national mosque, Masjid Jamek

 

The mosque is a fine blend of modern structures and traditional Islamic expression. Visitors can see the striking features which include marvelous Islamic art, fine embellishment and calligraphy. The vital features of the masjid include the 18 pointed star concrete main roof  and 73 meter tall minaret. synonymous with the tropics, is featured conspicuously – the main roof is reminiscent of an open umbrella, the minaret’s cap a folded one. The folded plates of the concrete main roof is a creative solution to achieving the larger spans required in the main gathering hall. Reflecting pools and fountains spread throughout the compound. Similar to other mosques in the city, Masjid Negara houses a prayer hall, which can occupy 15,000 people at a time.

 

Local reports have drawn metaphors about the significance of its main roof: 18 points symbolise the (then) 13 states of Malaysia and the Five Pillars of Islam. However, design member Hisham Albakri revealed in an interview with Badan Warisan Malaysia that this was erroneous.

 

 

 

The mosque had underwent major renovations in 1987, and the once-pink concrete roof is now clad in green and blue tiles. Today, Masjid Negara continues to stand sleek and stylish against the Kuala Lumpur skyline. An underground passage leads to the National Mosque located near the railway station, along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Its unique modern design embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art calligraphy and ornamentation.

 

Near the mosque is the Makam Pahlawan (Heroes’ Mausoleum), a burial ground of several Malaysian politicians. Makam Pahlawan is a 7-pointed star concrete roofed structure.The Makam Pahlawan  is located near the Malaysian national mosque, Masjid Negara in the national capital, Kuala Lumpur. Construction of the mausoleum began in 1963 under its project of the construction of Masjid Negara and was completed in 1965.  In 1973, Tun Dr Ismail became the first Malaysian leader laid to rest here.

 

The following is a list of Malaysian leaders buried inside the dome of the mausoleum.

 

Inside dome
Tun Dr Ismail – Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (died 1973)
Tun Abdul Razak – Prime Minister of Malaysia (died 1976)
Tun Hussein Onn – Prime Minister of Malaysia (died 1990)
Tun Ghafar Baba – Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (died 2006)

 

 

 

The National Mosque is a major tourist attraction in the city. The visitors must follow the rules set by the mosque authorities, regarding dressing and behavior. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque entrance.

 

Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
Telephone: (0)3 2693 7784
Transport: LRT to Pasar Seni LRT station
Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm, except Friday during prayers 2.45pm to 6pm
Admission: Free

 

map of masjid negara: