A whisper of history hangs in the air. Welcome to Masjid Jamek Petaling. Or should I say Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque. Its official name changed in 2017. A fitting tribute to the fourth Sultan of Selangor who reigned from 1857 to 1898. But its story started long before then.
Masjid Jamek Petaling stands proudly where Kuala Lumpur’s history began. At the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Their muddy estuaries gave Kuala Lumpur its name. The mosque occupies land that was once Kuala Lumpur’s first Muslim cemetery. Many graves were moved during construction. Some old headstones remain hidden among the gardens. A poignant reminder of the past.
Designed in 1908 by A B Hubback the mosque opened on December 23 1909. The Public Works Department Assistant Architect created a masterpiece. The architectural style blends Arabesque and Mughal Eclectic elements. Three onion-shaped domes rise majestically. Elegant minarets soar 27 meters into the sky.
The cast iron spiral staircases inside the minarets are a testament to craftsmanship. They were made in England by the St Pancras Ironworks Co. Towkay Ang Seng the contractor who also built the nearby Sultan Abdul Samad building oversaw construction. The project cost $33 538 25 Straits Dollars. Funding came from the F M S Government the Sultan and Malay members of the State Council. Under the foundation stone of white Ipoh marble lies a treasure. Nine coins from 1908. Three sovereigns and six dollars.
Masjid Jamek Petaling served as Kuala Lumpur’s main mosque until the National Mosque opened in 1965. It wasn’t without trials. A Japanese air raid on September 26 1941 caused considerable damage and killed three worshippers. But the mosque endured. It underwent numerous renovations over the years.
Today Masjid Jamek Petaling stands as a symbol of resilience faith and architectural beauty. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The coconut palms in the compound evoke a rural atmosphere. The KL River of Life project enhanced its surroundings. New landscaping seating fountains and colored LED lighting were added. In 2014 a set of old steps leading to the river were rediscovered. They are now part of the mosque’s refurbished compound.
Step inside Masjid Jamek Petaling. Feel the history. Admire the beauty. Take a moment to appreciate its enduring legacy. It’s more than just a mosque. It’s a living testament to Kuala Lumpur’s rich and fascinating past.