@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah January/February 2025 | Page 11

January-February . 2025

Mosque Tourism
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Aerial view of Masjid Muhammadiah .
Interior of Masjid Al-Khairiah .
ous communities , including the culture and influence of Chinese Muslims , offering a truly distinctive experience .
Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association ( MACMA ) President Prof . Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin said the organisation aimed to serve as a bridge between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Malaysia , mainly focusing on empowering Chinese Muslims .
“ We want to share the universal message of Islam with the wider Chinese community . This includes addressing any cultural or religious misunderstandings or misconceptions that may arise . This is particularly important in Malaysia because there ’ s often the assumption that Chinese people must be non-Muslims . Automatically , for example , when you see Chinese characters , some might immediately think , ‘ This is not halal .’ This is one of the misconceptions we frequently encounter , and we are working to address this issue ,” Taufiq explained .
CHINESE MUSLIMS IN MALAYSIA
“ Chinese New Year is a cultural celebration , not a religious one . Of course , there are some Chinese norms that involve religious activities , such as Taoism practices , but for the Chinese here , it ’ s more about culture .
The yard of Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang .
He highlighted Malaysia ’ s strengths as a Muslim-friendly destination , emphasising its unique position as a Muslim-majority country that offers a broad range of Islamic values and services alongside other attractions for tourists .
Taufiq acknowledged mosque tourism as one of the key attractions of Malaysia ’ s Muslim-friendly appeal . From the perspective of Chinese Muslims in Malaysia , he noted that they have the opportunity to experience mosques with unique Chinese-style architecture , distinct from the typical mosque designs found in the country . Examples include Masjid Muhammadiah ( Masjid Cina ) in Ipoh , Masjid Al-Khairiah ( Masjid 1000 Doa ) in Pulau Pangkor , Masjid Cina Al-Muttaqin in Melaka , and the latest addition , Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim in Klang .
He then elaborated on the distinctiveness
of Malaysia ’ s Chinese New Year celebrations , which could serve as one of the key draws for visitors . Taufiq said that one unique aspect of Malaysia is how its people celebrate Chinese New Year together , regardless of race or religion - something uncommon in many other countries . He emphasised that Malaysia needs to showcase this to the world , highlighting how , despite being multi-racial and multi-religious , Malaysians come together to celebrate cultural festivities with joy , diversity , and a strong sense of unity .
“ Chinese New Year is a cultural celebration , not a religious one . Of course , there are some Chinese norms that involve religious activities , such as Taoism practices , but for the Chinese here , it ’ s more about culture .
“ In Malaysia , Chinese New Year is special . We even have certain dishes you won ’ t find in China . For example , Yee Sang ! Yee Sang is part of Malaysian culture and heritage . It ’ s something unique to us . When people from China come here , they enjoy the Yee Sang ceremony - the tossing of the dish while everyone shouts joyfully . It ’ s a moment of happiness and celebration .” – RnR

Masjid Cina Al-Muttaqin

MASJID CINA AL-MUTTAQIN , also referred to as Masjid Cina Negeri Melaka , is a stunning representation of cultural integration . Constructed on 0.4 hectares of a 2.4-hectare site at a cost of RM7.5 million , the mosque ’ s construction commenced in October 2012 and was completed on 27 June 2014 . Its vibrant red exterior , reminiscent of a Chinese imperial palace , has made it a prominent attraction for both local and international visitors . While its design may initially resemble that of a Chinese Buddhist temple , distinguishing features affirm its identity as a mosque . The architecture reflects cultural traditions , closely resembling mosques in China . This incorporation of Chinese architectural elements is deeply rooted in Melaka ’ s history , where Chinese design influences have been a part of the region ’ s heritage for centuries .

Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim

MASJID JAMEK Cina Muslim , located in Bandar Botanik Klang , integrates Chinese cultural elements and draws architectural inspiration from the Grand Mosque of Xi ’ an in Shaanxi , China . Built on 2.98 acres of land owned by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department , the mosque reflects key aspects of the Xi ’ an Mosque ’ s historic 1,282-year-old design , such as the layout of the main entrance leading to a central courtyard adjacent to the prayer hall . However , certain features have been adapted to suit Malaysia ’ s climate , local regulations , and project constraints . Upon entering the mosque , visitors are greeted by an 18-metre tall tower called the Menara Cahaya Bulan ( Moonlight Tower ), topped with a unique ‘ hip roof ,’ differing from the pagoda-style tower of the Xi ’ an Mosque . The prayer hall , which accommodates 450 jemaah as part of the mosque ’ s 1,000-person capacity , showcases elements like a wooden minbar , walls , and grand columns .