Known to be one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek is a definite must-visit when you find yourself in the area. Nestled between the Klang and Gombak rivers, Masjid Jamek is a popular destination for tourists.
The mosque was built in 1909 by Sultan Abdul Samad and remains to be the city’s central house of worship for the Muslim community. The name of the mosque was derived from the Arabic word “Jami”, translating to a place where the community gathers together for worship.
Standing over 70 feet tall, Masjid Jamek is also highly known for its unique and intricately crafted design. The building has an alluring design of Moorish architecture and is made up of bright white marble and detailed carvings and mosaics. The mosque is also designed with a traditional dome along with four tall and slender minarets.
Enter the mosque and you will be enchanted by its beautifully decorated stained glass windows as well as smooth marble pillars. The mosque also resembles an Indo-Saracenic style, which reflects the Indian Muslim Mughal architectural style.
Stroll along the outside of the mosque to view one of the most beautiful rivers that surround Masjid Jamek, the River of Life. The best time to visit the river is at night as it transforms beautifully with lights glowing all around it. The lighting at night highlights the beauty of the blue pool which is definitely a sight to see.
Masjid Jamek holds an abundance of historical value and significance. Famously known for being a historical site in Kuala Lumpur, the area in which Masjid Jamek is located, was the first place where the British flag was raised in 1874. Being one of the longest-standing monuments in the area, the mosque has been a witness to the city’s swift development in the early 20th century.
This historical mosque is more than just a place of worship. Masjid Jamek plays a role in being a community centre in which Muslims from every part of the city gather to pray, learn and socialise among themselves.
The mosque also offers an array of programs and services to everyone, which include religious classes, community events and social welfare programs. With no entrance fee, Masjid Jamek is open to everyone.
Masjid Jamek opens its doors to everybody from different faiths. The mosque encourages people to visit and learn more about the Muslim faith and culture through programs set by the mosque. Having a variety of educational resources like brochures and pamphlets in multiple languages, Masjid Jamek is always available to anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge of the faith.
To learn more about Masjid Jamek, visitors can stop by the Gallery Room which is located on the premises of the mosque itself. The room tells the history of Masjid Jamek through the many photos that were captured in the past. Although the room is relatively small, it is still packed with a great deal of information on the history of the mosque.
Since the mosque is located in the central area of the city, Masjid Jamek is easily accessible by public transport. With the Masjid Jamek LRT* station located just next to the mosque, visitors can hop onto the nearest LRT and take the Kelana line.
*However, as of now, the Masjid Jamek LRT station is temporarily closed for ongoing repairs and is expected to reopen at the end of February 2024. Visit the Rapid KL website for further updates.
Another route that can be used to get to Masjid Jamek is by taking the LRT via Kelana Line and stopping at the Pasar Seni LRT station. From there it is an 11-minute walk to Masjid Jamek. Visitors can also get down at the Bank Negara LRT station and take a 13-minute walk to the mosque.
For those who wish to travel by bus, multiple bus stations are located near Masjid Jamek. The Bsn Lebuh Ampang (Kl117) and LRT Masjid Jamek (Kl107) bus stops are a mere 3-minute walk away from Masjid Jamek. Bus stations, Muzium Telekom numbered Kl1826 and Kl15 are 4 minutes away from the mosque. Located 5 minutes away from Masjid Jamek are bus stations Laman Tunku Abdul Rahman (Kl38) and Heritage Trail @ Jalan Tun H.S.Lee (Kl100).
A reminder to anyone visiting the mosque to be respectful of the Muslim worshippers. The dress code for Masjid Jamek is that visitors should be modestly dressed and shoes are to be removed upon entry.
Visitors are also requested to avoid making loud noises to show reverence for the place of worship. Appropriate attire is essential for visitors visiting the mosque. Non-Muslim female visitors may receive a robe and scarf for their attire within the mosque. Male visitors, on the other hand, are required to wear long trousers, and non-Muslim men who are wearing shorts may also receive a robe at the entrance. Shoes are meant to be removed and placed on the provided racks or can be left outside at the entrance.
Visiting hours for Masjid Jamek’s visitors are as stated below:
There is also a free guided tour available for those who wish to learn about Masjid Jamek in detail. Visitors can request a free guided tour at the entrance of the mosque.
Masjid Jamek is a unique place to visit for both locals and tourists alike. The mosque is a beautiful example of what Moorish architecture is like and holds a great amount of historical significance. Not only is Masjid Jamek a place of worship but also a community centre where people gather to socialise and learn more about the faith, making this monumental building a must visit any time you find yourself in Kuala Lumpur city.
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