Can a mosque rise from the remnants of a flood? The Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base stands as a testament to resilience. It emerged from the devastating floods of 1970 that swept through Kuala Lumpur. The mosque’s story begins not with bricks and mortar, but with a shared dream. In 1973, on a badminton court under the night sky, residents of Cheras envisioned a grand mosque. This dream was temporarily deferred due to the construction of Madrasah Muhammadiah. For six years, the madrasah served as a Friday prayer space. But its capacity of 350 proved insufficient for the growing Muslim population. Worshippers often found themselves praying under the open sky, enduring the Malaysian heat.
The need for a larger mosque became undeniable. In 1981, a pivotal meeting at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Alam Shah brought together community representatives and the Director of the Islamic Religious Department. The Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base project was officially entrusted to the department. The chosen site was within the Zone 1 Public Housing Area, a poignant location considering the area’s history as a former mining site. The mosque’s name, Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base, honors a companion of Prophet Muhammad. Az-Zubair Ibnul Awwam, known for his discreet efforts in spreading Islam, symbolizes the mosque’s quiet rise from challenging circumstances.
After 13 years of planning and perseverance, construction began on April 22, 1985. Within a year, the mosque was completed and opened its doors on March 24, 1986. The Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base features two floors of prayer halls, separating men and women. The upper level accommodates 1,000 female worshippers, while the lower level holds 1,500 men. The mosque offers a range of facilities. These include a mortuary, a kindergarten, KAFA classrooms, and offices for the mosque’s administration. Three distinct donation boxes serve different purposes: mosque maintenance, aid for orphans during Eid al-Fitr, and Ramadan expenses. A small library and cooking facilities further enrich the mosque’s offerings. Two vans for funeral services, funded by community donations and JAKIM, underscore the mosque’s commitment to community welfare.
On March 1, 1988, the Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base was officially inaugurated by Sultan Iskandar, the then-Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base plays a vital role in the Cheras community. It serves as a center for daily prayers, Friday sermons, and a variety of religious activities. The mosque also hosts educational programs and community outreach initiatives. During Ramadan, special Tarawih prayers and communal Iftar gatherings strengthen bonds within the community. From its flood-stricken origins to its current standing, the Az-Zubair Mosque KL Air Base embodies community spirit. It serves as a beacon of faith, resilience, and unity in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.