The design of Masjid Negara, or the National Mosque of Malaysia, combines elements from modern architecture and traditional Islamic art, caligraphy and ornamentation.
Address
Masjid Negara, Jalan Perdana,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Details
Masjid Negara is located along Jalan Perdana next to the Kuala Lumpur Old Railway Station, Islamic Arts Museum and the Perdana Botanical Garden.
Masjid Negara opened its doors back in 1965, taking over the role as the main mosque for Kuala Lumpur city from Masjid Jamek, which held the title for more than 50 years.
The National Mosque is the brainchild of architects Howard Ashley from Scotland, Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kasim from Malaysia.
One of the mosque’s most notable elements is its umbrella-shaped, ribbed roof with eighteen corners symbolizing Malaysia’s thirteen states and Islam’s five basic pillars.
Another architectural detail that singles out the National Mosque from the background of Kuala Lumpur’s urban landscape is the elegant 73-meter-high minaret.
The most impressive part of the Masjid Negara, however, is the richly decorated main hall adorned with stained-glass windows and massive chandeliers. Outside, beautiful gardens with white marble-bottomed fountains and pools surround the mosque.
With a capacity of eight thousand people, the mosque is especially crowded on Fridays during the joint prayer.
Masjid Negara was originally supposed to be named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, in recognition of his contribution towards the gaining of the country’s independence. However, he rejected the idea, preferring the current name as a symbol of gratitude towards the nation’s peaceful efforts in achieving independence back in 1957.
It is the site of the Makam Pahlawan or Heroes Mausoleum, the burial ground of Tun Abbul Razak, the second prime minister and Tun Hussein Onn, the third prime minister of Malaysia.
Note: Visitors are advised to observe the rules of dressing and decorum, which are listed at the entrance. Men are not allowed to wear shorts and women must cover their head, arms and knees. Robes and head scarves are available at the entrance for those who do not meet these requirements.
Price/entrance fees
Admission to the mosque is free.
▶ KL half day tour – Book today
Opening hours
Non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque on Fridays between 9.00am to 3.00pm and between 4.00pm to 5.30pm, and on other days between 12.00pm to 3pm and from 4.00pm. to 5:30pm.
Map
How to get to Masjid Negara
The National Mosque is located in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
By Train
The National Mosque is about a 5-minute walk From the Kuala Lumpur KTM Station, and around a 7-minute walk from Pasar Seni LRT station.
By Bus
If you are on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus, get down at the Perdana Botanical Garden for the short walk to the mosque.
