March-April . 2024

Masjid Panglima Kinta .

Masjid Panglima Kinta extends a warm welcome to non-Muslim tourists during Ramadan , offering free guided tours and iftar experiences

The minbar at Masjid Panglima Kinta .

The increased spiritual vibe during this holy month adds to visitors ’ overall experience . With their unique atmosphere of devotion and cultural richness , mosques have become interesting tourist spots . The various activities and lively atmosphere in mosques offer an appealing opportunity for travellers interested in learning more about Islamic traditions and having a culturally enriched travel experience .

“ For non-Muslim visitors to Malaysia , the most impactful experience during Ramadan would be the ubiquitous food bazaars found throughout the country with multiple offerings of food items from the multi-racial communities of Malaysia , including Malay , Chinese and Indian ,” said Head of Heritage and Tourism Bureau and Coordinator of IOAC-Mosque Tour Guide Programme , Masjid Panglima Kinta , Ipoh , Fazil Shuhaimi Talib .

Fazil mentioned that certain mosques , particularly those in well-visited tourist spots with mosque tour guide programmes , arrange iftar experiences for non-Muslims . This initiative aims to enhance understanding of Muslim fasting .

He emphasised that the main attractions for Muslim visitors and tourists include the widespread availability of halal food , contributing to halal food tourism , and the presence of Muslim-friendly facilities across the country . Fazil also noted that Malaysians generally exhibit friendliness and openness towards other Muslims during Ramadan , extending hospitality during suhoor ( pre-dawn meal ), iftar ( breaking of fast ), itiqaf ( mosque seclusion ), and tarawih ( night prayers ).

“ Towards the end of Ramadan , special attractions for Muslims and non-Muslim visitors and tourists are the Eid al-Fitr promotion at shopping centres around the country for the Eid al-Fitr celebration with many bargain offerings ,” he added .

MASJID PANGLIMA KINTA ’ S RAMADAN ACTIVITIES

Fazil shared that the mosque tour guide programme at Masjid Panglima Kinta is accessible to visitors and tourists all year-round . During Ramadan , the Masjid welcomes visitors , including non-Muslims , to join its daily iftar .

“ We have previously organised many iftar

MASJID Panglima Kinta , established in 1898 by Datoh Panglima Kinta Muhamad Yusuff Lassam , marked a significant era coinciding with the ‘ Kinta Tin Rush ,’ transforming Ipoh from a small riverine village to a bustling town . Years later , the mosque complex expanded to include Madrasah Kamaliah , Datoh Panglima Kinta ’ s family mausoleum , and later additions like houses for officials , ablution facilities , food stalls , and the Panglima Kinta Gallery .

The mosque , located on a 45,000-square-foot site at Jalan Masjid , Ipoh , adjacent to the Kinta River , is one of the State ’ s oldest and has been recognised as a heritage building since 2012 . Its design and historical significance , coupled with a poignant story , led to the

Panglima Kinta Gallery .

Fazil Shuhaimi Talib

mosque being affectionately called ‘ The Taj Mahal of Ipoh ’. The narrative involves Datoh Panglima Kinta ’ s construction of a substantial brick mosque in memory of his late wife , Sa ’ adiah @ Saaidah bt Chik .

Masjid Panglima Kinta boasts a captivating architectural fusion , blending British colonial , Moghul , and Neoclassical styles . Constructed with lime plaster and bricks , the mosque ’ s design includes horseshoe arches , twin minarets , and a dome inspired by Moghul architecture . The octagonal twin minarets , featuring Chinese influence , house a centuryold drum . Crafted in 1928 by Tuan Haji Mohamed Sopian ( known among the British administrators then as ‘ the genius Malay architect ’), the pulpit / minbar of the mosque showcases exquisite Malay wood

On top of the right minaret was located a beduk ( drum ), now over a century old , which was used in the olden days to announce prayer times and the time for breaking of fast . programmes with non-Muslim visitors and tourists . For this year ’ s Ramadan , Masjid Panglima Kinta will organise iftar sessions

Scan for video for non-Muslims , which will be promoted among them . The non-Muslim visitors and tourists will be provided a free guided tour of the Masjid , sharing sessions on the significance of Ramadan , and joining the Muslim congregation in breaking fast .

“ Many non-Muslim visitors and tourists choose to visit the mosque as part of their holiday to see its unique and outstanding architecture and to take photographs . Previously , there were no guides to welcome them and explain things to them . Due to Masjid Panglima Kinta ’ s strategic location and being part of the promoted Ipoh Heritage Trail , the mosque is frequently visited by foreign visitors and tourists .

“ IOAC-Mosque Tour Guide Programme was established to receive them as our guests and provide free guided tours explaining and sharing information regarding the features , history and function of the mosque together with information on the Islamic faith and interesting local historical and cultural information and practices .

“ This activity provides the opportunity for us to connect with people of other faiths , to create a better understanding of Islam and its culture among non-Muslims , and to help reduce misconceptions about Islam . However , for non-Muslims visiting mosques , certain conditions need to be complied with , including providing trained guides to show them around and respecting the decorum of the mosque , including observing the Islamic dress code .” – RnR

Datoh Panglima Kinta Muhamad Yusuff

carving with floral motifs . This architectural marvel reflects historical and cultural richness , making Masjid Panglima Kinta a gem in Ipoh .