Officially opened in 1986, Masjid Darul Aman stands before us. It replaced the Aminah Mosque. That mosque was demolished for redevelopment.
Masjid Darul Aman is a landmark in Geylang. It is also significant in Singapore’s architectural history. This mosque won an award from the Singapore Institute of Architects in 1987. It was also shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This international prize recognizes buildings serving Muslims.
Consider Masjid Darul Aman’s design. Architect Mohammad Asaduz Zaman used a Nusantara model. This style features a three-tiered tajug roof. This roof is a pyramidal hip. It recalls early mosques in the region. Examples include the Kampung Laut Mosque in Kelantan. Also, the Agung Demak Mosque in Central Java.
The original Sultan Mosque once stood here. It had a similar roof. Another was the Maarof Mosque at Jeddah Street. These details connect Masjid Darul Aman to Singapore’s past.
When Indonesian President Suharto visited Singapore in 1987, he prayed here. He promoted similar mosque designs in Indonesia.
Look closely. Masjid Darul Aman uses modern materials. Reinforced concrete and steel form its structure. Timber appears sparingly. It highlights traditional craftsmanship. See the carvings at the mihrab.
The architect used a rhombus motif throughout. It appears in screens and fences. This design element comes from the steel roof truss. He saw his work as a “design breakthrough”. He combined traditional forms and modern techniques. A local historian calls it a sophisticated re-interpretation.
After 18 years, Masjid Darul Aman received a facelift in 2005. It cost SGD$3 million. The upgrades included larger prayer areas. It now accommodates 4,000 people. There are eight multi-purpose classrooms. They feature modern facilities. The environment supports mass prayers. Better audio-visual systems enhance lectures.
Notice the traditional Malay design. The roof beams are exposed. This mimics Malay houses of the past. The prayer halls are in the central building. Smaller buildings connect via link ways. This provides good ventilation. It creates a spacious atmosphere.
Consider the logo of Masjid Darul Aman. It uses Islamic art. The spelling of “DARUL AMAN” in Jawi has five lines. These symbolize the five pillars of Islam. They also represent the five daily prayers. The lines form the shape of the mosque’s roof. The Arabic characters signify peace during prayer. Ustaz Tarmidzi Haji Eksan designed the logo.
Masjid Darul Aman stands as a testament to tradition. It blends it with modern innovation.