Al-Abrar Mosque

Al-Abrar Mosque was built in 1827 as a thatched hut by the Indian Muslim congregation. The worshippers of the mosque were mostly the Chulias, Tamil Muslims from the Coromandel Coast of South India whom were amongst Singapore’s earliest immigrants. The mosque is also known as Kuchu Palli which translates as “small mosque” in Tamil, probably due to its simple and modest structure. In Malay, the mosque was also known as Masjid Chulia or Chulia Mosque.

The present building was erected between 1850 and 1855, and was declared a National Monument on 19th November 1974. The land lease of the mosque was for 999 years, held originally by Hadjee Puckery Mohamed Khatib Bin Shaik Mydin as a trustee for the Muslim community. In 1910, new trustees were appointed to look after the mosque, namely K. Mohamed Eusope, Thambyappa Rarooter, S. Kanisah Maricayar, V. M. Kader Bux and J. Sultan Abdul Kader – these men were also trustees for the Nagore Durgha Shrine on the same street and Jamae Mosque at South Bridge Road. It is now currently under the care of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).

What is unique about this building is that it aligns and fit right in the urban planning grid, set in the row of shophouses. From thatch to brick, the mosque underwent a series of major renovations between 1986 - 1989 with further expansion that now enabled the mosque to enjoy a capacity of up to 900 worshippers at any one time – five times the original number.

It is interesting that although it went through several renovations, the simple structure and architectural design of the mosque today still remains true to its beginning days. Mainly identifiable by the two large minarets topped by a crescent moon and star in the central bay. The design of the mosque that borrows elements from the Indo-Islamic architectural style sets it apart from other shophouses in the vicinity. On top of that, the use of European Neo-classical features adds a touch of eclecticism to the mosque.

Visited/Taken on 17 September 2016