BLUE MOSQUESULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH MOSQUE

SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH MOSQUE

BLUE MOSQUE

NUR ADILA ZAAS | NURUL JANNAH | YASEEN SYED | KEE TING TING | TINA FAZLII

C O N T E N T SPROLOGUE

PHILOSOPHIES

PRINCIPLES

TEACHINGS

VALUES

INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS

P R O L O G U E

The mosque was commiss ioned

by the late Sul tan Salahuddin Abdul

Az iz, when he declared Shah Alam

as the new capi ta l of Selangor on 14

February 1974. Construct ion began in

1982 and f in ished on 11 March 1988.

The Mosque is a lso known as the

Blue Mosque owing to i ts b lue dome.

One of the largest mosques

in South-east Asia, th is impress ive

bui ld ing is f requent ly referred to as the

b lue mosque. I t is huge and magni f icent

wi th an enormous, dark b lue dome,( I ts

most d ist inguish ing feature is i ts large

b lue and s i lver dome.) and four mina-

rets standing at 466.8 feet . Decorat ive

Is lamic ca l l igraphy enhances the dome

and main prayer-hal l , whi le the overa l l

archi tecture integrates ethnic Malay

design e lements. The mosque is ad-

jo ined by a smal l lake, which makes i t a

part icu lar ly serene sett ing, especia l ly

at sunset.The lake emphasizes on the

aspect of dhikr in Is lamic archi tecture.

P H I L O S O P H I E S

GENERAL PHILOSOPHIESIt is the essence of Islam to provide humanity

with basic rules of morality and guidelines of

proper conduct in life even in fields that does

not relate to prescribed ritual worship, such as

art and architecture. Islam holds on to many

values, for example, peace, equality, fairness,

compassion, respect and honesty. Although the

main Islamic values and human values are the-

same, but because of different views of these

values andprioritization of them, Muslim ar-

chitects have to create a newdesign process.

Upon such general principles and guidelines

people can establish systems, regulations,

views and attitudes in order to comprehend

and regulate their worldly lives in accordance

with their time, region and needs. New prob-

lems and challenges arise every age and era,

so the solutions and insights deduced from the

fundamental principles and permanent values

will be different will be different to some extent.

Their substance, however, remains unchanged.

Islam is based on essential human nature, which

is constant and not subject to change according

to time and space. It is the outward forms, which

change while the fundamental principles, the ba-

sic values and the essential human nature togeth-

er with man’s basic needs remain unchanged.

PHILOSOPHIES OF SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ MOSQUE:

Based on the principle of HAYA,in Islamic

Architecture:Mosques are usually built on the

outskirts of an area.This is done to reduce

the interference of the outer world.The Blue

Mosque is located in the quiet sections on

Shah Alam,and is therefore enclosed from the

main city and outer world.This is to allow for a

private meeting between man and Allah(SWT).

Aluminium grills,which have intricate details

are fitted with blue stained glass to reduce

the amount of light entering the masjid,hence

creating a serene yet private atmosphere.

Among the rules of Haya,the idea of

preserving a barrier between Muslim men and

women is supported by segregation of the

entrances,ablution blocks and prayer halls.

The mosque serves as “city” for the

community,in that marriage ceremo-

nies,Eid prayers and traditions,and oth-

er Islamic functions can be held in the

mosque.A few other services are provid-

ed for the Muslim community of Shah Alam.

These include an Islamic Bank,a kindergarten for

children,a series of lecture halls,galleries,coun-

celling services and a library.People who are vis-

iting Makkah for Hajj,are given advise and prac-

tice the order of Hajj.The main use of the circular

fountain at the entrance of the Mosque,is to help

people understand the schematic systems of Hajj.

The main strategy behind developing such spac-

es in the area,is to bring the Muslim community

together in all their daily activities.It helps to edu-

cate the children,converts and others about the

teachings of Islam in the best possible manner.

The use of nature reminds the believers of the

existence of God.Also the use of openings,(ocu-

lus),remind the worshippers of a divine presence

and of heaven. The trees and the ponds with wa-

ter also remind the believers of Allah’s creations

and givings.They make worshippers realise

the infinity and abundance of Allah’s creations.

P R I N C I P L E STHE 7 PRINCIPLES IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE:

ARCHITECTURE OF TAWHID :

By accepting the syahaadah, They glorify only

ALLAH S.W. T, and believe he has no partners.

The mosque faces directly towards the Ka’bah,

and all the worshippers around the world

pray in One Direction (Qiblah) towards it. This

symbolizes their unity in prayer as well as

uniquity of ALLAH S.W.T. The mihrab is locat-

ed at the axis of the mosque which is oriented

towards the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah.

ARCHITECTURE OF IHTIRAM :

Architecture of Ihtiram translates into the

presence of showing respect, propriety and

good manners to God, to fellow mankind. The

minaret is constructed in higher scale as

compared to the rest of the building, showing

that God is mighty and humans are small com-

pared to Him. The minarets are the focal point

of the mosque.

Another way of showing Ihtiram, isn’t by using

images of animals and statues, instead the use

of Khat’(arabic caligraphy) is used.

Also the atmosphere in a mosque is a quiet as

muslims do not raise their voices, as this cause

disturbances in other people’s prayer.

ARCHITECTURE OF IQTISAD:

There is a balance in the composition, in the

plan of the mosque as well as in the facade of

elevation, hence achieving the perfect

symmetry.

ARCHITECTURE OF ILM’ :

As narrated by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, “it

is mandatory upon every Muslim to gain or have

knowledge in oneself”. The mosque is known

to be a place of worships as well as a place

for Islamic Teachings. It has a library, gallery as

well as kindergarten for children. The mosque

also offers learning of the Quran for children to

enhance their knowledge of Islam and improve

their Tajweed.

ARCHITECTURE OF HAYA’ :

The mosque is enclosed from the outer world.

This is to allow for a private meeting between

man and ALLAH S.W.T. Alluminium Grills, which

have intricate details are fitted with blue stained

glass to reduce the amount of light entering the

mosque, hence creating a serene yet private

atmosphere.

ARCHITECTURE OF IKHLAS:

Honesty is sincerely displayed through the art of

architecture within the conformity of God’s will

by removing any images of humans and

animals. Instead use of Mathematics and

Science help to create geometric

ornamentations.

ARCHITECTURE OF DHIKR:

The use of repetitive geometric elements

mirrored in the chanting of ALLAH S.W.T (

attributes). This mosque practices repetition of

the ornaments such as the columns.

This reminds the believers of the existance of

the God. Also the use of openings, (oculus),

remind the worshippers of a divine presence

and of heaven.

T E A C H I N G SMuslim architects began to develop a new type

of religious building, designed specifically for Is-

lamic worship. In Blue Mosque, it has a grand

entrance with covered passageways/ verandah

on every sides. The tiles tiling on verandah and

the carpets in the prayer hall all assembled in

an order facing the direction of Mecca. The 4

minarets with height of 460 feet are positioned

at the 4 corners, are to call the faithful to prayer.

Before a Muslim wants to perform a prayer, he/

she should clean himself/herself in the ablu-

tion room. As mentioned in Quran and Islamic

teachings, to separate prayer spaces for men

and women. In this mosque, women praying

area is at the mezzanine floor, whereas, for

the men prayers, they are to pray in the main

prayer at ground floor. Muslims are encour-

age to pray in congregation with the minimum

of 2 persons. will get more rewards from Allah

and praying together will brings the community

closer and fosters good relationships amongst

the worshippers. This one of the main reason

that the praying areas area wide and huge. This

ablution room is equipped with 560 pipes for

the prayers. Mosque is also known as religious

learning centre. In this mosque, there are a few

classes carry on in the prayer hall, such as psy-

chology, Japanese, Tahzfiz, al Quran and etc. In

addition, they also considerate give classes to

Muallaf (people who are not converted to Islam).

V A L U E SIt is the essence of Islam to provide humanity

with basic rules of morality and guidelines of

proper conduct in life even in fields that does

not relate to prescribed ritual worship, such as

art and architecture. Islam holds on to many

values, for example, peace, equality, fairness,

compassion, respect and honesty. Although the

main Islamic values and human values are the

same, but because of different views of these

values and prioritization of them, Muslim ar-

chitects have to create a new design process.

VALUE OF THE MOSQUE

In terms of architecture is its magnificent blue

dome, which is the mosque’s trademark and

the world’s biggest dome and tallest minarets.

It’s a very calm and peaceful place for

Muslims to worship. All visitors are provided

with a blue cape to wear while visiting, and head

scarf for women which is for matching with the

blue color of the mosque and respect to it.

In terms of architecture is its magnificent blue

dome, which is the mosque’s trademark and

the world’s biggest dome and tallest minarets.

The ring beam, both outside and inside is dec-

orated with beautiful Quranic calligraphy which

shows how this mosque is holding values of

respect and honesty in terms of architecture

as well. In addition the blue mosque overlooks

the garden of Islamic arts, a beautifully land-

scaped park inspired by the Quranic garden

of paradise. Plus in terms of ihtiram the screen

wall in geometric shape, the gate with repeat-

ed design applied through the convoluted Is-

lamic ornaments with the rectangular pattern.

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N U R U L J A N N A H J A I L A N I 0 3 1 0 2 1 0Which part of the mosque can you feel the atmosphere of Tawhid?

- In my opinion, the place where the Imam leads the congregational prayers. The Imam unites

the Muslims in the mosque.

2. Why is it important to adopt the concept of Tahwid in the mosque?

- To ensure the oneness of Allah, in every aspect of a mosque. And to strengthen the silaturra-

him bond between Muslim worshippers.

3. Does the aesthetic design of the mosque give off a Tawhidic presence?

- It’ a very beautiful mosque. It makes us come to pray, and invite our families and friends to

come to pray here.

4. What kind of activities held by the mosque to create the feeling of Tawhid?

- They hold Arabic classes, events, weddings etc. All kinds of activities to teach Muslims on

the religion, bringing everyone together.

5. Does the Tawhidic atmosphere of the mosque contributes to the spiritual connection be-

tween worshippers and God?

- It helps us being immersed during prayers, where everyone gathers together.

6. Does further understanding of Tawhid will help you being immersed during prayers?

- Yes, it does.

7. Which part of the design of the mosque that you like most?

- I personally like the dome of the mosque most. It is very beautiful and big, making me feel

rather small.

8. Does any of the ornamentation of the mosque give you an uncomfortable feeling? Why?

- I don’t think so. I think every part of the mosque is very beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

9. In your opinion, does the mosque itself a representation of Tawhid? If not, which mosque?

- Yes it does. With it’s grand look, it calls out to every Muslims and even non-Muslims to visit

this mosque.

10. If you were to take part in the re-designing the mosque, what would you input in order to

create a better spiritual feeling to the mosque?

- Maybe add more trees around the mosque? To give more privacy from the busy roads beside

the mosque compound.

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