Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Coordinates: 3.172000, 101.671000
The Federal Mosque, known as Masjid Wilayah, set on a 5 hectare site, near the Federal Government Complex off Jalan Duta, in the Segambut district. It’s only a short taxi hop from the Sentral Station.It accommodates 17,000 worshipers.
The design is a blend of Malay, Ottoman, Moorish and Iranian architectural styles. Visitors from all faiths are welcome. Avoid prayer times and dress modestly. We got there just before midday prayers on Friday.
Its beautiful arch is decorated with woodcarving from Kelantan and Terengganu, as are the three elegant carved main wooden doors and the Minbar, the pulpit staircase from top of which the Imam delivers the Friday sermon.
You’ll be mesmerised by the breathtaking Mehrab, a semi-circular wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, which has inlays of semi-precious stones embedded into carved marble. These glitter when lit during prayer times.
Inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Iran’s Masjid Imam, in Isfahan, the turquoise-glazed tiles cover its 22 domes offering truly breathtaking views when fully lit at night.
At the bottom of the stairs on Fridays, it’s a heaven of home-made delicacies on offer for lunch. Food lovingly cooked by locals who feed the Jummah (Friday) worshippers for next to nothing.
Know This
Both the ladies and men (if they are wearing shorts) have to be covered, or they can provide a robe for free.
Very clean with great Islamic arts, there is a free tour around the mosque. Highly recommended for those who want to know more about Islam. Nice to take photos.
