Masjid Negara
The semi-open umbrella shaped roof symbolizes the Malay culture of being good host and providing shelter to others. You will hear many tour guides erroneously telling you that the 18* pointed roof of the mosque is to symbolise the 13 states of Malaysia and the 5 pillars of Islam. This error was pointed out by the Badan Warisan in its interview with one of the architects of the mosque.
Masjid Negara Malaysia or Malaysia's National Mosque
Address
- Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It stands diagonally across from the old Malayan Railway Station.
Telephone
- 603-2693 7784 / 603-2961 3696 Fax
- webmaster@masjidnegara.gov.my
Official Website
Quick Facts
- The Masjid Negara was officially opened in 1965
- It cost RM10 million to built
- It has a capacity of 15,000 worshippers per session
- The area of this National Mosque is 13 acres
- The architect were Howard Ashley, Hisham Albakri, Baharuddin Kassim
- Minaret: 73 metres
Interesting Mis-Information about the Masjid?
You will hear many tour guides erroneously telling you that the 18* pointed roof of the mosque is to symbolise the 13 states of Malaysia and the 5 pillars of Islam. This error was pointed out by the Badan Warisan in its interview with one of the architects of the mosque.
I really don't know why everyone seems to say that the blue roof has 18 folds. I can only count 16 folds. If you do visit the National Mosque, do count the folds of the roof. Would appreciate if you let me know your findings.
Go ahead and count the number of folds. I can't take a shot from the top so I guess this underside shot should be just as good.
Thanks to a suggestion by a fellow guide, S Nasir, I was able to get the Google Earth satellite photo of the National Mosque as shown below. Now we all know, it's definitely 16 folds!
Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Naming of the Mosque
The mosque was originally supposed to be named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia but he declined the honor and recommended the name Masjid Negara to reflect the importance of the Islam in Malaysia instead. Your can read more about it at the official website, in the Sejarah or History section. However it's only in Malay, no English version yet.
The mosque underwent major upgrade in 1987 where the pink concrete roof was replaced by cool blue tiles.
Behind the mosque is the Makam Pahlawan or Warrior's Mausoleum with the 7-pointed star shaped roof. This is where some Malaysian political leaders are buried.
The Masjid Negara Consist of
- Grand Prayer Hall with a size of 2,000 sq. metres
- Dewan or Hall
- Heroes' Mausoleum or Makam Pahlawan
- Library
- Offices
- Open Courtyard
- Minaret
- Ladies Gallery
The Grand Prayer Hall
- Has deep verandahs and white grilles with designs similar to the Agra and Patephur Sikri mosques in India.
- Sits right under the blue semi-open umbrella shaped roof.
- Capacity: 8,000 worshippers.
- Area: 2,000 square metres
The Dewan
- Situated on the south side
- Used as a multipurpose hall
- Capacity: 500 seats
The Heroes' Mausoleum or Makam Pahlawan
- Located at the rear.
- Has a lovely self-reflecting pool connected to the main building through a covered footbridge.
- The roof has a similar semi-open white colored umbrella with 7 folds.
- Tun Dr Ismail, the former deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, was the first national leader to be buried in the mausoleum
Indoor
- Tun Dr Ismail, buried 1973
- Tun Abdul Razak, 2nd Malaysian PM, buried 1976
- Tun Hussein Onn, 3rd Malaysian PM, buried 1990
- Tun Ghafar Baba, Deputy PM, buried 2006
Outdoor
Other lesser known politicians of Malaysia are buried in the tombs just outside the white umbrella shaped mausoleum
The Open Courtyard
- Located right in front of the Grand Prayer Hall.
- A traditional element of most mosque.
- Has independent concrete parasols that provide some shelter for the worshippers.
The Minaret
- Located beside the Grand Prayer Hall, rising from the middle of the self-reflecting pool.
- The closed umbrella spire at the top of the minaret blends beautifully with the design of Masjid Negara.
- Height: 73 metres
Ladies Gallery
Yes the ladies have their special place in the mosque. There is a separate staircase reserved only for ladies to access the gallery. It is located in the north end of the mosque.
Masjid Volunteers
Good news!
You may now request for the services of volunteer guides to give you an meaningful tour of Masjid Negara.
These friendly volunteers are really knowledgeable about the masjid.
See Masjid Negara in a different light!
I hope that you found the information about the National Mosque of Malaysia useful and informative, that it has created a desire for you to visit it when you come to Kuala Lumpur.
Thank you for dropping by, and here's a toast to your health and happiness, and may god bless you wherever you are.
May these information provided in this website be your humble guide to this enchanting land.
And after you've visited the mosque, what do you think of this claim, that
Masjid Negara Is This The Most Beautiful Mosque in Malaysia?
Do you agree? Share your opinions here
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Other mosques in Kuala Lumpur: Masjid Jamek, Masjid Wilayah
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