Ever wonder why a mosque is named after a Prime Minister? That’s the story of Masjid Ar-Rahmah. This mosque stands as a testament to unity. It reflects the combined efforts of students and residents.
Masjid Ar-Rahmah is located at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. It is a place of worship with a unique history. It is named after Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. He was Malaysia’s first Prime Minister.
Back in the early 1960s, local students saw a need. Students and villagers needed a nearby mosque. They wanted a place for religious activities. Friday prayers were especially important. The nearest mosque was about 2.5 km away. Many students lacked transport. Public transport was limited too.
Tan Sri Hanafiah Ahmad led the Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam Universiti Malaya. He and others proposed building a mosque. They sent a letter to the Prime Minister. The community suggested a location. It was behind the Flat Uda in Kampung Kerinchi. But Tunku Abdul Rahman had another idea. He proposed Jalan Pantai Baru. This land belonged to the University of Malaya. It would serve both residents and students. Everyone agreed to Tunku Abdul Rahman’s suggestion.
Construction of Masjid Ar-Rahmah began in 1962. Tunku Abdul Rahman laid the foundation stone on November 6. The project cost about RM 400000. It was a large sum at the time. The mosque opened on August 23 1963. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail officiated the opening. Masjid Ar-Rahmah could accommodate 700 worshipers.
The students of PMIUM shed tears of joy. Masjid Ar-Rahmah symbolized their sacred efforts. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Prof Diraja Ungku Aziz agreed. The University of Malaya would manage Masjid Ar-Rahmah.
Masjid Ar-Rahmah became a symbol of unity. It united students from the University of Malaya. It also welcomed the local Muslim community. Students from nearby teacher training institutes also frequented it. Government and private sector employees came to pray. Especially for Friday prayers.
Masjid Ar-Rahmah was a stopover for travelers. People from all over the country visited. Parents also stopped by. They were bringing their children to the University of Malaya. Its location was strategic. It was next to the university’s main entrance. This made it accessible from the north and south.
Initially, it was known as Masjid Universiti Tanah Melayu. Later, it was renamed Masjid Ar-Rahman. Ar-Rahman means “The Most Gracious” in Islam. It is one of the names of Allah. The name also honored Tunku Abdul Rahman. He was the Prime Minister who played a vital role in its creation.
In 1988, Masjid Ar-Rahman was renovated. The Department of Federal Territory Islamic Affairs oversaw it. JAWI bore all renovation costs. After the renovation, JAWI took over the mosque’s administration.
Masjid Ar-Rahmah is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies collaboration. It represents the hopes of students and the vision of a leader. Today, it continues to serve the community. It is a place of prayer and reflection.