Mosque Week - Sabah State Mosque

This is the final instalment of myMosque Week series, i hope everyone that came to view them enjoyed some of the photos and wishing you all selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maybe I'll be back next year with another series when i am able to visit the other notable mosques present in Malaysia. Till then, enjoy this photo essay on the Sabah State Mosque.

Geometric design of the fences surrounding the mosque, view from Wisma Muis.

The Sabah State Mosque (1975) is a study in geometry and Islamic building style, simple yet intricate. It's bare concrete struture gives its a rock hard strength signifying the solidy of the Muslim faith while the subtle and intricate decor speaks of refinement and a high standard of geometric art forms, both qualities that are highly regarded in the faith. It is situated along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman within walking distance to the Sabah State Museum and Sutera Harbour Resort and Gold Course. The aurrounding area consists of mostly squatter housing and offices of the Sulaman area. Also the SANZEC school is adjacent to the mosque.

The main dome is honeycombed in design and rests at one end of the building.

The mosque is the state mosque for Sabah while its newer counterpart is more spacious and artistic, the mosque remains a central focus of the religion in the state with most major religious events centering within its walls. The architecture is pure geometry, consisting of a huge gold and grey honeycombed design for the dome while the area surrounding the minaret is in the form of a hexagonal walled area consisting of the abulation pool. The supports are in the shape of a cut off conical ramparts topped with golden miniature domes. Golden khat writings with holy verses ringed the outer walls.

The concrete ballustrades are of a cut off conical make capped with golden miniature domes, islamic verses encircles each pillar.

The outer lying areas are surrounded by a garden and wide open spaces for parking, it would have been better of more greenery was planted since it does look quite barren at times but mosques are not usually known for sculptured gardens so this is not the exception. The central minaret dominates any view of the mosque, rising high into the sky. It is a purely concrete construction with three ringed levels capped with a golden cone top.

One of the entrances leading to the abulation pool and prayer halls, the minaret prominently takes the center stage.

The minaret is multi levelled with three circular floors capped by a golden conical top.

The central minaret is made of sturdy concrete lending it an aura of strength, its off central position also ensures it prominance.

The marble stepping stones leading to the minaret.

The hexagonal form is heavily incorporated in the mosque's design. The central forum is thus designed with the minaret in the middle, encircling it is the abulation pool where the faithfuls wash their extremities before prayers. The site is marbled with stepping stones leading to the minaret for maintenance of the PA systems of for the mufti's use. Decorative lighting are also present in hexagonal shaped circular ornaments.

View of the main prayer hall.

Stone steps leads into the main prayer halls which is situated on the first level, the lower levels are mostly administrative offices as well as lecture rooms for religious studies. The prayer halls can accomodate 150,000 worshippers with another separated alcove for female worshippers to pray in. Atop is the dome with a giant glass chandelier in the center.

Bottom view of the chandelier below the mosque's dome.

The interior design is once again geometric, intricate lattice works with the hexagonal theme are evident all around and khat writting is prominently displayed throughout. Standing there is quite an imposing view with the dome rising high above. Carpets are strewn around to worshipers. Once again visitors have to abide by a dress code before being allowed in.