Masjid An-Nahdhah
Encyclopedia
Masjid An-Nahdhah, or An-Nahdhah Mosque, is a mosque
in Singapore
located in the Bishan
district.
This mosque is the sixth one to be built under Phase III of the Mosque Building Fund programme to serve the needs of the Muslim community around the Bishan
area. The mosque can accommodate about 4,000 people and was opened on January 6, 2006.
The mosque complex also houses MUIS
's Harmony Centre
where visitors can learn of the Muslim Community and Islam
as practiced in multi-cultural Singapore. Being the first of its kind in a Singapore mosque, the 2-storey Harmony Centre has exhibits, artifacts and information on Islamic civilisation and lifestyle. Contemporary issues in Islam and Inter-faith understanding are also featured at the Harmony Centre through talks and activities. The centre was inaugurated in October 2006.
In line with the concept of a mosque being multi-functional with the prime role facilitating the creation of an excellent Muslim community, the design approach goes beyond the traditional notion and expectations of a mosque
Apart from fulfilling its basic function as a centre for religious practices, the design encompasses and provides for the mosque to perform other pillars of the mosque's activities - Religious Education, Family, Youth and Social Development and as a center for Information Services and Referrals.
The mosque is designed so that most area can be used as extensions to the praying area (e.g. basement, theaterette, multi-purpose room and classrooms).
It projects Islam in its essence - which is a religion that is not only contemporary but one which is also outward looking that promotes religious awareness within the larger Singapore.
The distinctive and fashionable minaret is symbolic as a unification of the five pillars of Islam whereas the curtain wall façade expresses dynamism signifying modern day relevance. Prominent and acting as a beacon recognisable from afar, the minaret distinguishes the mosque from commercial buildings in the vicinity. Though not similar in form as other traditional minarets, it remains distinct and unique yet identifiable
, the prayer hall is the focal point of the mosque. A decorative coloured glass feature with Arabic inscription and marble-clad columns accentuates the mihrab wall.
Flanked by solid timber doors dressed with intricately designed motifs, the sense of calm and serenity in the hall culminates with a decorative ceiling illuminated by carefully focused direct lighting.
The intricate motifs on door flow effortlessly to the carpeting.
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...
in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
located in the Bishan
Bishan
Bishan is a neighbourhood of the city-state of Singapore situated in the Central Region, measuring approximately three by three kilometres. Primarily a housing estate, Flats here are generally more expensive compared to other estates due to its location in the central region, which commands a...
district.
This mosque is the sixth one to be built under Phase III of the Mosque Building Fund programme to serve the needs of the Muslim community around the Bishan
Bishan
Bishan is a neighbourhood of the city-state of Singapore situated in the Central Region, measuring approximately three by three kilometres. Primarily a housing estate, Flats here are generally more expensive compared to other estates due to its location in the central region, which commands a...
area. The mosque can accommodate about 4,000 people and was opened on January 6, 2006.
The mosque complex also houses MUIS
MUIS
MUIS is an abbreviation for:*Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura*Mongol Ulsyn Ikh Surguuli, The National University of Mongolia...
's Harmony Centre
Harmony Centre
Harmony Centre is a political alliance in Latvia. It was formed in 2005 and its member parties are the Social Democratic Party "Harmony" and the Socialist Party of Latvia Harmony Centre (abbreviated SC; ) is a political alliance in Latvia. It was formed in 2005 and its member parties are the...
where visitors can learn of the Muslim Community and Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
as practiced in multi-cultural Singapore. Being the first of its kind in a Singapore mosque, the 2-storey Harmony Centre has exhibits, artifacts and information on Islamic civilisation and lifestyle. Contemporary issues in Islam and Inter-faith understanding are also featured at the Harmony Centre through talks and activities. The centre was inaugurated in October 2006.
Design Concept
Situated in the heartland of Singapore, An-Nahdhah Mosque is a new generation mosque serving both the religious and spiritual needs of the Muslim community as well as providing platform for other social services.In line with the concept of a mosque being multi-functional with the prime role facilitating the creation of an excellent Muslim community, the design approach goes beyond the traditional notion and expectations of a mosque
Apart from fulfilling its basic function as a centre for religious practices, the design encompasses and provides for the mosque to perform other pillars of the mosque's activities - Religious Education, Family, Youth and Social Development and as a center for Information Services and Referrals.
The mosque is designed so that most area can be used as extensions to the praying area (e.g. basement, theaterette, multi-purpose room and classrooms).
Building Concept
Conceptually, An-Nahdhah Mosque reflect the Muslim community's support towards multi-racial integration and coexistence with the community at large. Adopting an open and interactive approach, An-Nahdhah Mosque's more non-traditional and domeless look is unique and blends well with the surroundings.It projects Islam in its essence - which is a religion that is not only contemporary but one which is also outward looking that promotes religious awareness within the larger Singapore.
The distinctive and fashionable minaret is symbolic as a unification of the five pillars of Islam whereas the curtain wall façade expresses dynamism signifying modern day relevance. Prominent and acting as a beacon recognisable from afar, the minaret distinguishes the mosque from commercial buildings in the vicinity. Though not similar in form as other traditional minarets, it remains distinct and unique yet identifiable
Prayer hall
Oriented towards the QiblaQibla
The Qiblah , also transliterated as Qibla, Kiblah or Kibla, is the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays during salah...
, the prayer hall is the focal point of the mosque. A decorative coloured glass feature with Arabic inscription and marble-clad columns accentuates the mihrab wall.
Flanked by solid timber doors dressed with intricately designed motifs, the sense of calm and serenity in the hall culminates with a decorative ceiling illuminated by carefully focused direct lighting.
The intricate motifs on door flow effortlessly to the carpeting.
See also
- IslamIslamIslam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
- Timeline of Islamic history
- Islamic architectureIslamic architectureIslamic architecture encompasses a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam to the present day, influencing the design and construction of buildings and structures in Islamic culture....
- Islamic artIslamic artIslamic art encompasses the visual arts produced from the 7th century onwards by people who lived within the territory that was inhabited by or ruled by culturally Islamic populations...
- List of mosques
- Religion in SingaporeReligion in SingaporeSingapore is a secular multi-religious country due to its diverse ethnic mix of peoples originating from various countries. Most major religious denominations are present in Singapore....
- Islam in SingaporeIslam in SingaporeAbout 15% of Singapore's population are Muslims. A majority of Malays are Sunni Muslims. Other adherents include Indian and Pakistani communities as well as a small number of Chinese, Myanmar Muslims, Arabs and Eurasians. 17 per cent of Muslims in Singapore are of Indian origin...
- List of mosques in Singapore