@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah January/February 2025 | Page 10

10 Mosque Tourism

10 Mosque Tourism

January-February . 2025
Entrance of Muhammadiah Mosque .

Harmony in diversity

Chinese New Year and Chinese-style mosques highlight Malaysia ’ s cultural and religious diversity , attracting tourists
Prof . Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin
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MALAYSIA IS a multicultural nation , and its true strength lies not only in its diversity but in its unity . With Chinese New Year just around the corner , the country has a remarkable opportunity to use this celebration to attract both domestic and international tourists .

In Malaysia , culture and tradition unite communities , while religious differences are never a source of division . The country ’ s diversity makes it unique , allowing visitors to witness the harmonious coexistence of vari-

Muhammadiah Mosque

THE MUHAMMADIAH Mosque in Ipoh , completed in 2013 , stands on the site of the Madrasah Muhammadiah , which was founded in 1973 by the late Haji Abdul Latif Mohd Kassim and his seven companions . Built at a cost of RM4 million , the mosque is a striking symbol of cultural harmony . Its architecture blends Chinese and local design elements with

Chinese-style arches , towers , and intricate dragon carvings . The roof features a motif of Malaysia ’ s national flower , the hibiscus , replacing the traditional peony . The mosque ’ s geometric layout and its red , white , and green colour scheme , popular in Chinese culture , reflect Malaysia ’ s multicultural spirit while staying true to Islamic values .

Masjid Al-Khairiah

MASJID AL-KHAIRIAH in Pulau

Pangkor , also known as Masjid 1000 Doa , was completed in 2017 and officially opened on 19 June 2020 . This distinctive mosque is renowned for its Chinese architectural style and is the only mosque adorned with prayers derived from the Quran and Hadith . Its origins date back almost a century to when Chinese Muslims from the Kwangtung region first settled here , and a well from that period remains intact to this day . With an estimated construction cost of RM7 million , the mosque covers an area of 7,450 square feet , providing space for 500 worshippers . Masjid Al-Khairiah stands as a testament to Malaysia ’ s rich cultural and religious diversity , symbolising the harmonious coexistence of its diverse communities .