July-August. 2025

Insight 13

Masjid Sultan Iskandar sets an example of balancing hospitality, heritage and faith through mosque tourism

" When this mosque began operations, its management was handed over to Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad. In 2019, the company saw the need to position the mosque as a key destination in Malaysia," said Syazwan Hafidz, Head of the Dakwah Innovation Department at Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad.

" This was because, at the time, not many mosques in the country were offering opportunities or facilities to welcome visitors and tourists."

He shared that the mosque initiated its tourism efforts in 2019 with the opening of the An-Nur Gallery, which was later renamed the Islamic Information Centre. Its strategic location near the highway, high visibility and proximity to Singapore made it an ideal site for mosque tourism, prompting the team to take active steps in welcoming visitors.

" It started with the gallery. Over time, the team engaged with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture( MOTAC), which subsequently provided the necessary criteria for mosque tourism recognition. Alham-

The Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) actively encourages mosques to take part in mosque tourism by introducing initiatives such as the Mosque Visit Guide( MosVi) Training Programme. This programme includes a series of specialised courses designed to prepare mosque guides to receive tourists who are interested in learning about the mosque ' s functions in society. The training modules focus on three main areas: tourism and hospitality, communication and digital skills. For further information, please visit www. itc. gov. my.

Scan Me

Syazwan Hafidz

Aerial view of Masjid Sultan Iskandar

dulillah, the mosque successfully met these requirements and was officially recognised as a mosque tourism site."

Syazwan encouraged other mosques in Malaysia to recognise their broader role beyond serving as places of worship, pointing to how mosques during the Prophet ' s time functioned as centres of civilisation. He urged those with the capacity to actively contribute to da ' wah efforts and help address misconceptions about Islam, particularly among non- Muslim communities.

He added that mosque tourism need not be limited to international visitors, as engaging local communities is equally valuable. As a starting point, he suggested mosques explore cultural exchange activities, which can offer a meaningful and accessible introduction to mosque tourism.

Preserving Sanctity at Masjid Sultan Iskandar

1. Respecting Worship and Mosque Operations All visits must adhere to the mosque’ s operational schedule to ensure that tourism activities do not disrupt its core function as a place of worship. Visitor hours are limited to 9 a. m to 5 p. m. to avoid disruption during peak prayer times. Group visits are encouraged to provide prior notice, allowing the mosque to suggest suitable times and dates.

2. Managing Visits During Prayer Times If a visit coincides with prayer time, clear procedures are in place to ensure respectful observation. Visitors are guided to the upper mezzanine floor, where they can observe the prayer from a distance without disturbing worshippers.

3. Tour Flow and Space Management Tours usually begin at the ground floor gallery, which is separate from the prayer hall, avoiding interference with congregational prayers. The mosque’ s two-level layout supports the smooth flow of visitors while preserving the sanctity of the worship area.

4. Accommodating Other Functions Masjid Sultan Iskandar also hosts wedding ceremonies and solemnisation events in addition to tourist visits. These activities are carefully scheduled and managed to ensure they remain appropriate, organised, and aligned with mosque etiquette.

Welcoming visitors to the mosque

1. Mosque tour guide training

The mosque initiated a tour guide training programme for staff and interested locals when the gallery opened.

2. Guided mosque visits

All non-Muslim visitors are accompanied by trained guides who explain about Islam in a respectful and friendly way.

3. Interactive visitor experience

Visitors engage with interactive exhibits. During prayer time, guides demonstrate prayer rituals and explain the process of ablution.

4. Cultural engagement activities

Visitors can try on traditional attire and, during special events like Ramadan, take part in simple Jawi writing lessons.

5. Multilingual and inclusive approach

The mosque offers etiquette guides in multiple languages, and some staff are learning Mandarin to assist Chinese-speaking visitors.