@Halal September/October 2021 | Page 14

Unity amidst diversity Chinese Muslim Mosque Ipoh highlights Malaysia ’ s multicultural society
14

Islamic Tourism

@ Halal | September-October . 2021

Unity amidst diversity Chinese Muslim Mosque Ipoh highlights Malaysia ’ s multicultural society

BY FATIHAH MANAF

AT FIRST glance , one might think that this building was another Buddhist temple in Ipoh .

“ It doesn ’ t look like a mosque . It looks like a temple ,” said Dato ’ Dr Haji Fadzli Cheah Abdullah , describing the Muhammadiah Mosque , also known as Chinese Muslim Mosque Ipoh .
The chairman of the mosque said the distinctive features of the Muhammadiah Mosque aroused the curiosity of the people who pass by the place . Constructed in 2013 , the mosque was officiated by Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah , the Sultan of Perak .
The typical Chinese architecture , minarets and the ‘ ong ’ bright red colour make it hard for people to believe this building is a mosque as it does not have the typical dome-shaped architecture like other Malaysian mosques .
Haji Fadzli shared that ceramic tiles of the Muhammadiah Mosque were imported from Longyan and were worth the investment as they look exceptionally shiny and beautiful after the rain .
“ Our concept is ‘ mosque in the garden ’. It is an open concept ,” said Haji Fadzli , adding the objective of having Chinese architecture is to deliver the message that Islam is universal and does not belong to just one particular race .
In enabling the mosque tourism programme at Muhammadiah Mosque , Haji Fadzli shared that the mosque has formed a tourism subcommittee and mobilised the committee members to welcome and engage with the visitors .
“ We prepare jubah ( robes ) and headscarves for the non-Muslims , pamphlets on the mosque and Islam , as well as souvenirs . Our mosque is also disabled-friendly as it has a wheelchair ramp ,” said the chairman .
Promoting unity and universality
He then shared the renovation and extension plan for the mosque that had started last year but had to pause due to the pandemic .
He stated : “ We have this plan to make this
Dato ’ Dr Haji Fadzli Cheah Abdullah
We prepare jubah ( robes ) and headscarves for the non-Muslims , pamphlets on the mosque and Islam , as well as souvenirs . Our mosque is also disabled-friendly as it has a wheelchair ramp .”
— Dr Haji Fadzli
mosque not just as a place for prayer but a place for many cultural activities .
“ For instance , we have been having the Chinese New Year celebration . The Mooncake Festival is coming , but unfortunately , this year we cannot do it . We have the Mooncake Festival , we have the Lantern Procession , which we can ’ t do .
“ Also as a unity centre , we want to get people , all races , to come here and celebrate together with us and provide them with a
better understanding of Islam . Not we try to convert them , but we want people to understand what Islam is .
“ We have an art gallery to depict the history of the mosque and the history of Islam in our new building .
“ We are also thinking of having religious school and Chinese Muslim nursery ,” shared the chairman , who is also a neurosurgeon by profession .
Haji Fadzli also revealed that the mosque had attracted several tourists , including the locals .
“ There were tourists from Hong Kong , the United States , Australia , Taiwan , Japan and Europe ,” said the chairman , noting an incident where a tourist group from Japan asked the bilal to show them how Muslims perform their prayer .
In promoting the mosque as a tourist destination , Haji Fadzli said the mosque worked closely with the State tourism department and travel & tour companies .