.: القطط في المسجد :.

Kittens in the masjid.

"I know pretty much what I like and dislike; but please, don’t ask me who I am." 

Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

Found these two at the entrance of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque. They were sound asleep and their mother was nowhere in sight. Minutes after this shot was taken, they were woken up by a couple of kids, who happily picked them up and started cuddling them. 

Their purrs. Their playfulness. Their incredibly lovable nature.

Sums up my daily dose of happiness.

7.16pm, Malaysian Time

.: Steel Mosque :.

Not the man of steel.

The Steel Mosque or "Masjid Besi" is also known as Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. On my recent trip to Putrajaya, Alhamdulillah I was able to bring my husband and big sis to visit it. Elated, it was a first time for the both of them. 

Like any other tourist, both of them spent a good amount of time snapping pictures. Mr Husband is particularly fond of mosques. I suppose the ones we have here are quite different from the ones in his hometown. On the other hand, big sis had a ball of a time wearing the purple-coloured mosque garment. Sort of made her feel like Harry Potter. 

As for me, I like how spacious and airy the mosque is. Not much has changed since my last visit there and I am glad that the mosque is well taken care of. I adore the courtyard and the fact that the changing rooms are not too far from the prayer hall. For someone who does not use the telekung to pray, I still appreciate the changing rooms as it beats going all the way to the ladies just to check whether my scarf is in place. 

Looking at how things are turning out, there is a high possibility that we will go to the mosque again end of this year. 

All's well that ends well.

9.48am, Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Putra :.

Seeking jannah.

Noticed that it has been a long time since I posted any entries on mosques. Not that I haven't been to one in so many years, just that I chose to take pleasure in the solitary state, being alone and lost in my thoughts, than to go around snapping intricate details of the mosque.

So I dug through my image files and stumbled upon this photo of Masjid Putra. The masjid was one of the mosques that I first went to when I came to Kuala Lumpur. At that time it was newly built and Putrajaya wasn't fully developed yet. I can't remember much about the mosque other than I was in awe of the reddish hue and the spacious courtyard.

Years later, I came to the mosque again because I had some work in Putrajaya. Despite haven't been there in such a long time, the mosque still had that awe-effect on me. There was just something about its' reddish hue.  

For those who would like to know more about the mosque, you may visit: Portal Masjid Putra.

The mosque is open to the general public though there may be certain restrictions in terms of the visiting hours and dress code.

Holiday in JB!

2.52pm, Malaysian Time 

.: Masjid Ahmad :.

At Buona Vista, Singapore.

A matter of days left till the gates of Ramadhan close in on us. Haven't made specific plans for Eid, however the family had mutually came to a consensus to return to the Southern home for a quaint Eid celebration. After all, it has been close to 10 years since we last gathered there.  

Due to the close proximity between the Southern home and my motherland, I will most probably hop over to Singapore for a bit; seizing the occasion to strengthen the bonds of kinship and possibly badgering a couple of friends for a sip or two. 

Recollections.

4.20pm Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin :.

At Putrajaya.

There was hardly anyone around when I entered the mosque compound. The guide, upon seeing me walking in, smiled and showed the direction to the female ablution area. Soon after, I went up to the second floor, sat on the prayer mat and opened my compact Qur'an. I had only read about 2 pages of it when my mind took a trip of its own, and before long, I found myself asking God;

How did it come to this?

Incorporating Chinese into the deen.

5.41pm Malaysian Time

.: Masjid At-Taqwa :.

Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI).




A quick look at my feeds and I noticed that I haven't been posting any new post under the "Mosque" label. Thus I dug through my image files and found some of these. These images were taken in Ramadhan, where a handful of friends and I decided to have our iftar at TTDI, and while waiting for them, I decided to perform my Asr prayers here.

In the middle picture there were a group of boys learning the recitation of the noble Quran. As I didn't want to bother them in their studies, I took the picture from another angle and made sure I didn't have any flash on. I like how the mosque incorporates natural lighting, the maze-like walkways and the building nearby with the bookstore, zakat office, mini-canteen, etc.

PS :: The image in the "Crypting Passages" post is the walkway towards the women's ablution area.

Still feeling unwell.

2.08pm Malaysian Time

.: Compounded stillness :.

Universiti Putra Malaysia mosque.

A public university located in Serdang.

There's just something captivating about praying in the mosque. Maybe it has something to do with the spirit of camaraderie one gets by knowing that someone else is praying alongside, or maybe it has something to do with the tranquil feeling one gets in seeing others praying, reciting the Qur'an or supplicating to Allah.

Seeing all that, has in some ways reinforce the belief in Islam and the ummah, as well as provide the much needed encouragement to constantly strive to become a better Muslim, or in my case, a better practicing Muslimah.

Overridden priorities.

10.57am Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah :.

Also known as the "Blue Mosque".


It is a famous landmark synonymous to Shah Alam, the largest mosque in Malaysia with a distinguishable blue and silver dome and four minarets erected at the corners. Fine decorative Arabic calligraphy adorn the the inner curve of the dome and the walls. There are 2 fully carpeted and air-conditioned main prayer halls in which the upper floor is mainly utilized by the women. The mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshipers during Friday prayers.

I was about 7 when my relatives brought me here. The only thing I could recall was I was overwhelmed by its majestic size, spacious halls and intricate designs.


I was driving in Shah Alam when I spotted the unforgettable architecture from afar. Seeing it was almost time for Asar prayers I made a stop there. Masha'Allah. Yet again I was drowned by its magnificence. However I noticed there were cracks and leaks at several places. I hope those are momentary defects.

Reminiscing. :)

7.01pm Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar :.

An artwork by itself.

Source from Tourism Johor Darul Ta'zim

Raised high above the hill overlooking the Straits of Johor and Singapore, lies the majestic Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar. It was commissioned by the "Father of Modern Johor", the late Sultan Abu Bakar in 1892 and the construction was completed in 1900. Furthermore, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

_________________________________

Slight change of plans. I'm going down South tonight~!!! Back in high school, I used to frequent this mosque with friends.

Yesterday, I contacted my primary school friend telling her I'm coming down and all so perhaps we can finally meet up as we haven't met for 8 long years! Found out that she's having several problems which includes her dad being recently involved in an accident... I didn't know how to react when I heard that, though I told her to hang on, I'll pray for her dad's recovery and we'll talk further when I'm there. Hopefully, my presence will help to alleviate her worries a little. On another note, my dad was not feeling too well either last week, but Alhamdulilah he is doing much much better now.

Happy Juma'ah to everyone!

9.27am Malaysian Time

.: Stops en route :.

Road tripping.

Fulfill your obligations to Allah and you will become the best worshiper or devotee among men. Avoid all the forbidden things that Allah has decreed and you will become the most ascetic of all. Be pleased with what Allah has decreed for you and you will become the richest of all.

'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud; Source: Al-Muhabbihat

One of the musollas located at the rest and service areas [RSA] on our way to the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan from Kuala Lumpur.

Kudos to Plus Expressways Berhad [PEB] for providing adequate and commendable RSAs, Vista points and Lay by-s!

Happy Juma'ah everyone! :)

8.26am Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Abdul Rahman Bin Auf :.

Jalan Puchong.

With the exception of Fridays, this beloved mosque is where I go to perform my Zuhr prayers as well as implore to Allah S.W.T when things get a little too heavy for me. A place to reflect the life I am graciously provided with, and be gratified with it. The women's area is separated using removable partitions at the back of the mosque, and the ablution area is extremely spacious with curtains to separate the chambers.

Sekolah Agama Al-Ihsan [Al-Ihsan Religious School] :: This Islamic religious school is situated adjacent to the mosque. On my way back, give or take a quarter to 2pm, the students aged 7 - 12 will begin to gather at the entrance or inside the mosque's compounds before proceeding to the school. They like to run around the compounds, playing hide-and-seek with one another. A great deal of all this reminded me of my time years ago, back in the south.

Memories flooding in.

9.00am Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Al-Hidayah :.

Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

I sought shelter here during the recent rainstorm while waiting for my uncle to pick me up. The only thing that bothered me was the women's praying area. It was outside. Having gone there only once, I prefer not to comment further.

It's a Friday.

5.27am Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Jamek :.

Also know as the Friday mosque.

Masjid Jamek, dates back to 1909 is the oldest surviving mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Located in Jalan Tun Perak, the red-bricked structure of Masjid Jamek features attractive domes, marble floors together with numerous arched colonnades, minarets and chatris [umbrella-shaped cupolas, usually domed and open-sided].

Even though the designs are represented in Moorish architecture, the actual inspiration came from the Mogul mosques in North India being the source of inspiration to Arthur Benison Hubbock.

Photos taken on 2 separate days. The second photo was taken just before the Friday prayers. I couldn't get a good shot as scores of worshippers had started to congregate, flocking every nook and cranny available hence I had to add some distance, giving way to them. The other shots were taken on a normal day.

Approximately 30 mins till Fajr. :)

5.38am Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Negara :.

The National Mosque.

A while back, I went to the Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia [IAMM] to view their showcase on Divine Inspiration: Seven Principles of Islamic Architecture. Close by is the National Mosque, in which every Friday, the national television channel will broadcast Friday prayers held there. The closest I’ve ever been to it then was seeing it in the telly.

For further info, click here; in Malay.

3.44pm Malaysian Time

.: Nameless mosque :.

In Wangsa Maju, K.L.

"When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece."

John Ruskin 1819-1900, British Critic, Social Theorist

Alhamdulillah, I'm finally able to post some photos. ^^ The last time I came to the mosque in Dec. it was still nameless. There's a religious school, school canteen and quarters within the vicinity. I didn't manage to snap any shots of the interior as it was still under construction. Anyway, awed by its brilliance, it was worth the hike up the steep hill. One of these days, Insya'Allah I'll go there again.

It's a brand new day tomorrow!

11.50pm Malaysian Time

.: Close call :.

Snatch theft.

Friday. Was on my way home when the guy in front of me became a victim. It happened in a split second. Alhamdulillah. No one got hurt.

Masjid As-Syakirin KLCC [ Kuala Lumpur City Centre ]

Before that, I wanted to have my Asar prayers at home. Home meant that I'll have to qada' cos I won't make it in time. That really won't do since I've been doing that for the last couple of days. On second thoughts, I thought of Masjid As-Syakirin. I guess the most feasible is the latter alternative. Of course there are other places that are nearer though something beckoned me to go there.

So I notified mum about the incident *mum didn't say much* and told her I'll be at KLCC till Maghrib jama'ah prayers. Found out that there will be a talk on Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah after that. Called mum again and asked whether I can stay for it, till after Isya', which is around 9.30pm. *Isya' jamaah prayer begins at 9.15pm after the talk* Amazingly, mum said ok. *she made me go back with my uncle though*

The mosque is separated into 3 levels. The ground floor is the hall, 1st floor is the men's section and for women, it is on the 2nd floor. We have full view of the men's section, thus I was able to take some shots. There weren't many women, and the few are mostly the regulars staying nearby or members of the masjid. *if i'm not mistaken, KLCC has a musolla at level 4 so shoppers usually frequent there instead of the mosque located close to the park*

Being new to the mosque, I really didn't know my way. Thankfully, the women were really helpful. For the talk, the Imam asked us to join in the men's section. *yeap, more photos* There were foreigners amongst the locals, however the talk was in Malay. While some paid attention, others read the Qur'an or zikr. As soon as I was done with my prayers, my uncle picked me up.

For Muharram, they'll be having recitations and other activities. Insya'Allah, I'll be going there to find out more about it.

And perhaps be a part of it. :)

10.02am Malaysian Time