“A Community for the Mosque, A Mosque for the Community.” That’s not just a motto, but a living reality here at Masjid An-Nur. We stand before a beacon of faith and community, Masjid An-Nur, also known as the Blue Mosque of Singapore.
Built in 1980, Masjid An-Nur serves as a vital center for Islamic matters and Arabic language learning. Back then Woodlands was made up of villages. The Muslim community lacked a central mosque. They relied on small suraus or had to travel to Johor Bahru for larger congregations. This need spurred the community to build their own mosque.
In 1964, their dream gained official approval. Finally in 1980, the Woodlands Muslim community celebrated the opening of Masjid An-Nur. Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Abdul Rahim Ishak, officiated the opening. The mosque cost about $2.1 million including furnishings. It was a far cry from the initial vision of a modest kampong mosque.
The growing population led to an upgrade. The facilities needed to support the increasing demands. From 2011 to 2013, Masjid An-Nur underwent major renovations. Daily operations continued in a temporary mosque nearby. In 2013, the community rejoiced at the reopening of the upgraded Masjid An-Nur. The mosque gained a new floor and elevator facilities. Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, reopened the mosque on May 31, 2013. The upgrade cost $7.2 million excluding furnishings.
Today, Masjid An-Nur can accommodate up to 6,000 worshippers. The mosque maintained its iconic blue facades and tall minaret. New features like ramps, a lift, and accessible toilets cater to the elderly. Refurbished classrooms enhance pre-school and madrasah classes.
Masjid An-Nur earned Distinction Awards from MUIS in 2008 and 2009. These awards recognized its community and youth-friendly initiatives. The mosque’s outreach programs connect with diverse groups. It partners with Malay/Muslim institutions, non-Muslim organizations, and government agencies. Masjid An-Nur also supports kidney donation campaigns. Congregants are the essence of the mosque’s light. The mosque continues to attract people from all walks of life. With strong community support, Masjid An-Nur gives back generously. This partnership strengthens bonds year after year.