Masjid An-Nahdhah

Coordinates: 1°21′12.62″N 103°51′04.66″E / 1.3535056°N 103.8512944°E / 1.3535056; 103.8512944

Front view of An-Nahdhah Mosque

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.^[1]

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.^[1]

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).^[2]

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^[2]

Prayer hall

Oriented towards the Qibla, 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.^[2]

See also

• Islam
• Timeline of Islamic history
• Islamic architecture
• Islamic art
• List of mosques
• Religion in Singapore
• Islam in Singapore
• List of mosques in Singapore

References

1. ^ ^{a b} [1], MUIS Mosque Management
2. ^ ^{a b c} [2] An-Nahdhah About Us

External links

• Muis
• Portal for Mosques in Singapore
• IslamicEvents.SG, Portal for Islamic events, courses and classes in Singapore