History Of Sultan Mosque
The history of Sultan Mosque can be traced back to its origins in the early 19th century when Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore. In a deal struck between Sultan Hussein Shah, the first sultan of Singapore, and the British East India Company, Sultan Hussein Shah agreed to let the British establish a trading post on the island. This is in exchange for a yearly stipend and recognition that the area around Kampong Glam belongs to the Malay royal family.
In addition, a royal mosque was to be built near Istana Kampong Glam, then the residence of the Sultan of Johor. The mosque was named after Sultan Hussein Shah after he commissioned it in 1824, and Sir Stamford Raffles pledged 3,000 Spanish dollars towards its construction. It started as a humble wooden and brick structure but went through multiple renovations and expansions over the years to its current splendour as the Muslim community grows.
An Architectural Splendour
Main Prayer Hall
By 1924, the mosque had fallen into a state of disrepair. The mosque management had fallen into a group of trustees (five people), and they approved the construction of an enormous mosque on the same site.
The estimated cost was $250,000 (at that time), and in the end, $73,186 was raised by 31 January 1926. During that time, there were still some internal discussions about the project's feasibility. Some objected to the tearing down of the mosque, while donors have their concerns about the project falling through.
They want to know if the issued receipts, which were in the shape of the new mosque, could be exchanged for cash if the project did not proceed. Finally, a public meeting was held to explain the project, and the green light was given.
The work was done in phases due to a lack of funds from donors and to avoid disrupting worshippers. It was able to formally open on 27 Dec 1929, despite the building only being two-thirds completed. The total completion was finally achieved on 26 Feb 1932.
From 1968 onwards, the Sultan Mosque has undergone several restoration and preservation efforts to maintain its architectural splendour and historical value. King Faisal of Saudi Arabia also contributed $37,142 in 1968 to aid with restoration.
An extension similar to the main structure of the mosque was built in 1987, where the annexed interior is furnished with modern amenities. The building has a 425-seat auditorium equipped with simultaneous translation facilities, a 200-seat conference room, and two multipurpose halls.
In August 2014, a significant facelift was made to restore broken doors and windows to their original design and colour. Other works include rewiring, retiling, and replacing appliances such as fans and chandeliers. Today, the rectangular prayer hall is two storeys high and large enough to hold 5,000 worshippers.
The Sultan Mosque's architectural design blends traditional Islamic, Indian, and European architectural elements. The building has two large onion-shaped domes atop the eastern and western ends of the prayer hall.
One dome leads into the main entrance foyer for the worshippers and visitors, while the other crowns the mausoleum where Sultan Alauddin Alam Shah (the grandson of Sultan Hussein Shah) and other royal family members are buried. At the top of both domes are a crescent moon and a star.
Worshipping in Sultan Mosque
Worshipping in Sultan Mosque is a sacred and cherished experience for Muslims in Singapore and visitors worldwide. As a place of spiritual devotion, the mosque provides an environment that encourages peace, reflection, and connection with Allah (God). Here is a closer look at the worship experience of different events in Sultan Mosque:
Performing Salah
Muslims must perform salah five times a day whenever possible. Salah is an Arabic term for the ritual prayers, forming one of the five pillars of Islam. Sultan Mosque welcomes Muslims, both locals and foreigners alike, for the five daily prayers. These prayers serve as a means of seeking closeness to Allah and inner peace. The mosque's prayer hall, with its spacious layout and beautiful architecture, provides a serene and conducive place for prayers and contemplations.
Performing Jummah Prayer
Jummah, also called Friday prayer or Congregational prayer, is a Friday noon prayer that holds significance for Muslims. It is a congregational prayer performed in the mosque, with the Imam delivering a sermon (known as khutbah) before the prayer. Only men are expected to pray on Fridays, but women are welcome to attend. Sultan Mosque attracts many worshippers on Fridays, creating a sense of unity and communal worship.
Taraweeh Prayer
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims gather in Sultan Mosque for Taraweeh prayers. Taraweeh is an additional prayer performed after the evening prayer (Isha) during Ramadan. Sultan Mosque performs several rakaat prayers every night during Ramadan. The mosque accommodates a large congregation, and the prayer sessions are led by a skilled reciter, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Eid Prayers
Eid prayers mark the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Muslims wear their best clothes, and most go to the mosques in the morning. Muslims come together to offer prayers and listen to the special sermon delivered on this festive occasion. Sultan Mosque becomes a focal point for Eid prayers as it is a large mosque. The mosque's courtyard and nearby areas fill with worshippers, creating a joyous and vibrant atmosphere.
Sultan Mosque serves as a centre for spiritual guidance and religious education. The Imam and other religious scholars provide counselling, advice, and religious instruction to those seeking guidance in faith and personal development.
Significant Past Events
Some interesting historical events have taken place around the mosque. In January 1937, the Malay Regiment, led by Malay officers for the first time, made its first public appearance. They marched from Victoria Theatre at Empress Place to Sultan Mosque to attend prayers. The sultans of Perak and Trengganu and Governor Shenton Thomas witnessed the march past.
During the Maria Hertogh case in 1950, rioters, unfortunately, decided to hide in the mosque and had to be dispersed by Muslim police officers entering the mosque.
Current Activities
During Ramadan, a night market with numerous food stalls will be set up near the mosque. This is popular with Muslims gathering around the mosque to await the prayer call to break fast at sunset.
The mosque is also heavily involved in charity work. It undertakes food distribution and blood donation drives and conducts social outreach programs. The mosque also organizes seminars and talks and hosts visiting dignitaries and religious scholars.
A National Monument
The Sultan Mosque is recognized for its historical, cultural, and religious significance and was gazetted as a national monument on 8 March 1975. National Monuments are buildings and sites that form an integral part of Singapore's heritage, which the National Heritage Board (NHB) preserves and promotes for posterity. They are monuments and places given the highest level of protection in Singapore.
