Did you know that Masjid Al Anshar Sambau’s name means The Helpers? It’s a fitting name for a mosque with such a rich history. Standing before Masjid Al Anshar Sambau today you can almost feel the echoes of its past.
Masjid Al Anshar Sambau isn’t just a place of worship it’s a testament to community spirit. In the 1970s Bedok was a new HDB estate. Many Muslim residents had relocated from areas like Changi and Telok Paku. These areas were affected by the development of Changi Airport. Others came from Geylang Serai Kampung Ubi and Eunos. These areas were being urbanized. The need for a mosque in this growing community was clear.
The story of Masjid Al Anshar Sambau began in 1974. A few community leaders met. They wanted a mosque built in the estate. They formed a Mosque Building Committee MBC. This was presented to MUIS the Muslim religious authority. MUIS approved the MBC. They even provided a $1000 grant to help get things started.
The MBC worked tirelessly. They held meetings. They raised funds. They even held a ceremony to officially appoint the committee members. There were twenty-three committee members and twenty-one fundraisers. Choosing a name for the mosque was an important decision. Several names were suggested. Finally in February 1975 they settled on Masjid Al Anshar.
Finding a suitable site took time. Eventually in 1977 a plot of land was bought. It was near the junction of Chai Chee Street and Bedok North Avenue 1. The design featured a huge dome. Construction began in 1977. It was a part of the Mosque Building Fund MBF program. The mosque opened in 1981. It took seven years to complete the building.
Masjid Al Anshar Sambau continued to serve the community. A madrasah or Islamic school opened in 1981. It provided Islamic education for children. The exterior was repainted blue in 2000. Then in 2012 the mosque was temporarily relocated. This was to allow for major renovations to its original site. It reopened in 2015. The renovated mosque is a stunning example of modern architecture. It seamlessly blends the old and the new. The design is both beautiful and functional. It serves the community in many ways.
Today Masjid Al Anshar Sambau stands as a symbol of perseverance. It’s a reminder of the power of community. It’s a beacon of faith and hope. It’s more than just a mosque. It’s a living testament to a vibrant community. A story written not only in stone and mortar but in the hearts of its people.