September-October . 2021 | @ Halal
Islamic Tourism
15
BY FATIHAH MANAF
FEDERAL TERRITORY Mosque , located near Government Office Complex along Jalan Duta , was built between the year 1998 to the year 2000 . Officiated by the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong , Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Almarhum Syed Putra Jamalulail on Oct 25 , 2000 , the mosque shows a perfect combination of Ottoman Empire and Malay architecture .
“ The Blue Mosque in Turkey influenced it ,” said the Grand Imam of the Federal Territory Mosque , Ustaz Muhyiddin Aziz .
Visitors who step into the mosque will have the chance to witness the spectacular designs of its interior , which features stunning geometric patterns and alluring calligraphy .
They can also observe a hint of traditional Malay arts through the carvings on its wooden doors .
The mosque has 22 domes with turquoiseglazed tiles and a vast area of approximately 33 acres . It also provides other facilities other than the praying areas such as halls and hostels .
Muhyiddin said the mosque ’ s big hall could accommodate up to 1000 people and is usually used for seminars , while the smaller hall is usually used for wedding ceremonies .
“ We also have hostels for visitors and guests such as Imams who come here during Ramadan . However , since the pandemic , we use this hostel as a temporary shelter for the victims of domestic violence .”
Despite being located in the centre of the busy city , the Federal Territory Mosque offers excellent scenery for visitors to enjoy . Dubbed as the Jewel of Kuala Lumpur , it is surrounded by a beautiful garden and pond .
Social and welfare unit drives the mosque tour programme
The grand Imam shared the Federal Territory ’ s mosque tourism programme is under the mosque ’ s social and welfare unit . The unit has come out with a schedule for volunteers to entertain the tourists . According to Muhyiddin , these volunteers come from different backgrounds .
He said : “ Some of them are freelancers and professionals , such as retired lawyers and engineers .
“ The volunteers have their own room to discuss and do the briefing .”
The mosque admin equipped the volunteers with basic relevant training and brought them to visit other mosques to learn about the different experiences of the mosques .
Tourists who visit the Federal Territory Mosque are provided with appropriate attire and a brief explanation regarding the mosque .
“ They can walk to the counter . We will bring them to the volunteers ’ room and show them the mosque ’ s corporate video .”
Muhyiddin said the programme ’ s main objective was to create a harmonious society
A fusion of Ottoman Empire and Malay architecture Retired professionals are among mosque tour volunteers
and provide a better understanding of Islam . Moving forward , he wished to expand their target group of visitors .
He said : “ Instead of waiting for people to come , we would like to invite them and expand our target market to the university students .
“ I also want to strengthen the volunteer training , collaborate with relevant agencies and maybe do networking with mosques in other countries .”
The mosque had recently developed its volunteer system . Muhyiddin also acknowledged the lack and limited promotion of the Federal Territory Mosque and hoped to have a 3D tour for the mosque in the future .
Ustaz Muhyiddin Aziz
We also have hostels for visitors and guests such as Imams who come here during Ramadan . However , since the pandemic , we use this hostel as a temporary shelter for the victims of domestic violence .” — Ustaz Muhyiddin Aziz