Beneath our feet lies a sanctuary. It is an oasis of calm in Singapore’s bustling Central Business District. This is Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali. It is Singapore’s only underground mosque. Its story is one of faith adapting to the changing landscape of a growing city.
Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali began in the 1950s. It started as a simple place of worship in two shophouses at 16 and 18 Market Street. Three Muslim men purchased these shophouses. They recognized the need for a mosque in the busy CBD area. Moulana Mohd Ali, who lived from 1878-1931, was a well-known defender of Islamic Khilafet. The Muslim League running the mosque adopted his name.
As the CBD expanded in the late 1970s and 1980s, things changed. UOB planned a major development around Market Street. They bought properties around the mosque. The mosque stood in the way of their plans.
Negotiations began in 1982. The shophouses were exchanged for a new location. This new location was in the basement of UOB Plaza One. It was four times larger than the original site. The underground mosque opened in 1995. It could accommodate 350 people then.
UOB Chairman Mr. Wee Cho Yaw and Senior Vice President Mr. Ling Swee Chan played vital roles. They ensured the negotiation succeeded. They understood the importance of the mosque for the Muslim community.
In 2014, Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali closed for renovations. It reopened in 2015 with a more spacious prayer hall. The mosque also gained air-conditioning. Today, it can accommodate 800 congregants.
Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali is more than just a place to pray. It is a focal point for the Indian Muslim community. The mosque hosts daily and Friday prayers. Religious lectures occur regularly. Special events are held too. These include celebrations of Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and Eid prayers.
The mosque stands as a testament to Singapore’s diverse religious landscape. It shows how faith can thrive even in the most modern settings. The underground location is a unique feature. There were hardly any mosques below ground level in Singapore then.
So, next time you are in the CBD, remember Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali. This mosque reminds us that even beneath the surface, faith finds a way. It offers peace to those seeking solace. It is a vital part of Singapore’s history.