Singapore-Diary: Singapore's 71st Mosque Draw Malaysians Too

Bernama’s correspondent in Singapore Massita Ahmad shares her take from across the Causeway. SINGAPORE, May 23 (Bernama) -- Singapore’s newly launched Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands is not only a proud landmark for the Muslim community here but also for the Muslims who come from across the Causeway. Since its opening on 14 April, the Mosque that could cater a congregation of 4,500 has been drawing Muslims across the Causeway as well, both out of curiosity and the call of faith. One of the Malaysians who had been to the mosque, located about 13 kilometres from Johor Baharu, was a Kelantanese who only provided his first name Azrul. “I feel proud because this is the 71st mosque in the republic,” said Azrul who had the opportunity to perform the Friday’s prayers with his colleagues a week after it was launched. Azrul who is working with one of Malaysian promotion agency in Johor was on his way with his friends to the republic to attend the Travel Malaysia Singapore 2017 event when they decided to stop at the S$18 million (US$12 million) mosque . Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2014 National Day Rally had promised that the new mosque in Woodlands would be named after the island nation’s first President, Yusof Ishak. “As the Head of State, Yusof Ishak united all Singaporeans. He stood for enduring values, especially multiracialism. To honour his legacy, the mosque management will be organising activities to bring people of different faiths closer. “Glad to know many interesting Ramadan activities are being planned!” he wrote on his Facebook on the day of the launch with a smiley emoticon. The mosque was launched on April 14, the day when the Christians celebrated Good Friday and the Tamils celebrated their new year. “So three different groups of Singaporeans – Christians, Muslims and Tamils – all commemorated or celebrated different special events on the same day!,” Lee wrote further. A month after the launch, the management of the mosque had invited renowned independent preacher Ustaz Kazim Elias from across the Causeway for a “kuliah” (talk) on May 13 on the topic of “Keberkatan Bulan Ramadan” (the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan). To reach larger audience, the mosque management has its official Facebook page www.facebook.com/pg/masjidyusofishak whereby Ustaz Kazim “kuliah” was shown live on that platform. Almost all mosques in Singapore have their own well maintained Facebook page to update their scheduled activities for the community. The mosque was opened by Yusof's widow, Noor Aishah, 84, in a ceremony witnessed by 100 guests, including Prime Minister Lee. Yusof died in office in 1970 after serving as Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Governor) after Singapore gained self-government in 1959, and as its first president in 1965. His portrait is also featured on Singapore currency notes. In Singapore, bus 901 will take you to the Mosque and the nearest MRT Station is Woodlands. Based on Singapore General Household Survey 2015 report among residents aged 15 years and over, 14 per cent identified themselves as Muslims. Singapore’s resident population was 3.9 million as at end-June 2015. -- BERNAMA