This is a view from Kapitan Keling Mosque, in Penang, in times gone by. The place still maintains a similar way of life with people trading. It also captures then and now the crossroads of cultures.
Waiting for the Adhan in Al-Karaouine. People sit around doing Dzikir near the stained glass arch. People informally contemplating and doing Dzikir is often a missed aspect of Al-Karaouine life.
Masjid Kapitan Kling is located at Lebuh Pitt and is the oldest mosque in Penang. It was first built by the East India Company in the 18th century. The present mosque was built in 1916 and the domes reflect Indian architecture of the time.
This is one of a cluster of traditional house that are around the oldest Malay mosque on Penang. This area of Georgetown has most of the oldest mosques in Penang and is in the UNESCO area. Traditionally these houses were occupied by the Iman, his extended family and students.
Here is the old Mosque sitting next to Masjid Terapung. I have walked passed this Mosque many times but only today realised it was now a cafe offering local fish from the sea.
May be a Madrasah of tomorrow ...
Here is the floating Mosque of Penang. Masjid Terapung is a significant land mark on Penang Island. The space inside is open and access to all. Gender equality is rooted in the architecture.
Unfortunate to see such a prominent Mosque lacking in study circles or a local Madrasah. This you can see as a recurring issue in Malaysia.
Islamic studies typically is integrated into Mosque activities rather than attached or associated Madrasahs. Speaking to people in the Mosque learning also takes place by informal groups in the home. These informal learning circles are also open to outsiders in addition to the local community.
Ubudiah Mosque is in north Malaysia in Kuala Kangsar. Open architecture with a cool breeze from the many doors. Study circles are common with small groups of students. Built in 1917 during the reign of the 28th Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Murshidul'adzam Shah, the Masjid Ubudiah is located beside the Royal Mausoleum on Bukit Chandan. It was commissioned by the Sultan, who vowed that he would build a mosque of great beauty as gratitude for recovery from an illness.
Yes, steel mosque. Very unique to see a Mosque constructed from steel and mainly surrounded by water.
Amazing concept and pushing the boundaries of our perceptions of a modern day Mosque. Malaysia architecture from the 1970's provides a visionary eye on exploring religious space that takes from tradition and modernity. The space is open with water and most of the sides with no walls. This is significant issue and the message it presents. Challenging pre-conceptions. The space is open in terms of access to all and no restrictions based on gender issues. Close to Prophet Mohammed's time in many ways. Here an insight into part of the roof and the idea of the one.
