Built on Chinese pattern, Muhammadiah Mosque beckons the devout

As the devout Muslims gathered for the Aidilfitri celebrations, the Muhammadiah Mosque here marked yet another historic milestone. Not only local Muslims but members of the Chinese Muslim community from even other parts of the country gathered in this mosques unique and beautiful surroundings to pray. Built as per the Chinese architectural concept and style, the renovated Muhammadiah Mosque in Taman Tasek Jaya, Tasek, known as "Masjid Cina" to the locals is also a new landmark. It takes its name from the original mosque which was founded by the late Abdul Latif Mohd Kassim along with his seven friends in March 1973. Deputy Chairman of the Ipoh Chinese Muslim Association Hafiz Ng Abdullah, in a recent interview with Bernama at the mosque said a joint committee, comprising of office bearers from the earlier mosque and some from his association, is now managing the holy place. The building was inspired by traditional Chinese architectural designs and culture, something reflected eminently in all the structures of the mosque, right from its roof, gates and walls to the symmetry and balance of its prayer hall. UNIQUE STRUCTURES Elevated floors, large red pillars and a roof-tower decorated with green Chinese motifs, have all added to the uniqueness of the mosque's structural design and appearance. The main, red-coloured entrance door, decorated with Chinese writings on both sides and the word "Masjid Muhammadiah" in Bahasa Malaysia at the centre overhead, indicate the historical development of the mosque. "A closer look, however, will reveal that we have slightly altered the designs of the roof giving it a Chinese touch, they usually use the motif of Lotus flowers but in this mosque, we instead used the national flower Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) that is red in colour," Hafiz Ng said. The choice of red, green and white paint for the mosque was also reflective of the colours preferred by the Chinese community. The mosque also features open spaces, interspersed with small gardens separating the areas with a walkway to the prayer hall. DIFFERENT Asked about the features of the mosque and whether they could be compared with other Chinese-style mosques in other states, Hafiz Ng said that the Muhammadiah Mosque was unique in its own right. For example, the Chinese style mosque in Rantau Panjang, in Kelantan, also shows elements and influences from the Thai culture in its design, he said. Hafiz Ng, said the concept of an open space for holding activities was also aimed at providing an avenue for the community to hold sermons, forums and cultural activities in line with Islamic principles. Meanwhile, the prayer and activity halls of the Muhammadiah Mosque only represents the first phase of a 0.4 hectare complex, which is to house a dakwah centre and a shelter home as well. "The home will provide temporary shelter for new converts," he said. The prayer room for the women, can house 200 people while the main prayer area could accommodate up to 800 people. COLLECTION OF DONATION Hafiz Ng said the cost of the first phase was RM4 million while the second phase, including the construction of the dakwah centre and the shelter home, would require about RM2.8 million. On 8th Oct, 2009, Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, who is also the head of the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIAMP) announced a launching grant of RM2 million for the development of the mosque. "For the second phase of the development, donations and contribution from various parties are being collected," Hafiz Ng said, adding that many parties had extended strong support for the mosque building and were now offering their support for the second phase. He said the proposal for the Muhammadiah Mosque was discussed by both the committees involved in November 2008 and an agreement was reached allowing the construction to commence in December 2011. A SOURCE OF INFORMATION "This mosque also brings together Muslims, especially the Chinese Muslims who, at times, hesitate to go to other mosques," he said. Hafiz Ng said the mosques doors were also open to anyone who wished to get more information or make any enquiries regarding Islam. "We also want this mosque to serve as a tourist attraction in Perak. Many new Muslim converts and non-Muslims from Georgetown, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur were present during the opening ceremony of the mosque on Aug 4," he said. Various programmes such as gotong-royong, sermons as well as the Tarawih prayers of Ramadan marked the rather low key opening ceremony. While some final touches still remain before the mosque is completed, the committee agreed to open its doors early for the convenience of the growing Muslim community in fulfilling their obligations during Ramadan.