Doesn’t its minaret, a welcoming sight, beckon you closer? Here before us stands Masjid Khalid Bin Walindra. It embodies the essence of Islam. It contributes to Singapore’s unique culture and heritage.
Masjid Khalid carries a rich history. It turned 100 years old in 2017. The mosque was first built in 1917. It sits on wakaf land. Haji Abdul Khalid bin Haji Mohamed Tyeb bequeathed the land. He was a businessman and philanthropist.
Masjid Khalid can hold a congregation of up to 2500 people. It is a well-known mosque. About 800 Muslims visit each day. They break fast during Ramadan here. Its congregation continues to grow. The mosque has undergone several restorations. A major renovation occurred in 1996. Its original structure and splendour remain intact.
A group of kandar sellers established Masjid Khalid’s magnificent history. They sold Malay food on the land. They convinced Haji Abdul Khalid to set up a mosque. With their help, the mosque slowly developed. It became what we now know as Masjid Khalid.
After the war, the Muslimin Trust Fund Association took over management. In 1968, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore began administration.
Masjid Khalid’s first official imam was Syeikh Osman Bin Syaikh Omar AlGanus. He was an Arab from Palembang, Indonesia. People knew him as Abah Osman Ganos. He was also the head qadi of the area. He officiated Muslim marriages around Joo Chiat and Onan Road. Husin Maktub, the mosque’s bilal, later became imam. He followed Abah Osman.
Masjid Khalid is famous for its briyani. Abah Osman Ganos started this practice. Men gather to cook and clean. They prepare briyani for various occasions. This includes the annual President Star Charity Briyani Cookout. This made the mosque famous for its food. It shows warmth and kindness through sharing. Five or six times a year, Masjid Khalid hosts many non-Muslims. This is in collaboration with the People’s Association. It introduces Islam and Islamic culture. When these visits occur, Dum Briyani is specially prepared. Haji Allaudin Bin Mohamed, the mosque’s chairman, prepares it.
Masjid Khalid proves its role in nation-building. It reaches out to people from all walks of life. It does this through outreach activities. These activities involve other religious and non-profit organizations. These include churches, temples, and schools. Its partnerships include the Heart of God Church. It also works with Geylang Temple and clan associations in Geylang. The mosque has fostered a strong bond. This bond is with its residents and neighbors. Many are non-Muslims. They are invited to its functions. Masjid Khalid promotes racial and religious harmony. During Chinese New Year, the committee visits shops and houses. They bring gifts and oranges. This tradition has continued for decades.
These bonds are cherished. They serve as a platform for a stronger bond. The mosque looks forward to more active outreach programmes. These programmes involve all communities. They collaborate on projects that go beyond the minarets.
Haji Alla’udin Bin Mohamed is the current chairman of Masjid Khalid. He hosts the 100th-anniversary celebrations. He said past leaders and Imams planted the seeds. He is a beneficiary of their hard work. He thanks board members, staff, volunteers and partners. They make Masjid Khalid what it is today.