The Sultan Iskandar Mosque goes beyond its religious function to promote intercultural understanding, education, and tourism
The Sultan Iskandar Mosque is a prominent landmark in Bandar Dato’ Onn, Johor Bahru, officially inaugurated on 8 April 2016 by the Regent and Crown Prince of Johor, Duli Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
It was named after the 24th Sultan of Johor, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Ismail Al-Khalidi.
The mosque is managed by Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad (Waqaf An-Nur), a special body appointed by the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) to oversee its operations and development.
Located on a 3.6 acres site, the mosque stands out for its environmentally friendly attributes and cultural significance, attracting visitors from various regions.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
The mosque’s architectural design, inspired by Turkish architecture, is a unique feature that sets it apart. The front section, adorned with four minarets and a large dome, is a striking homage to traditional Turkish architectural styles.
Its prayer hall has the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 4,600 people. Meanwhile, the mosque’s posterior section is multifunctional, including a hall for community activities, lecture rooms, and a wedding venue.
Waqaf An-Nur Head of the Spirituality & Religion Department Syazwan Hafidz Ahmad highlighted the greenery surrounding the mosque premises: “It’s a green area with no developments, preserving the natural landscape, which underlines its urban planning considerations.”
“The green spaces around the mosque function as natural cooling systems, offering shade and evaporative cooling. This also improves air quality and lowers ambient temperatures in the vicinity.”
Situated on a hilltop, the Sultan Iskandar Mosque enjoys a constant breeze, which enhances its naturally chilly and comfortable environment. Moreover, the mosque also harnesses solar energy to reduce its environmental impact and lower electricity expenses.
The lake adjacent to the mosque also serves as a recreational area for the local community. People from the town and beyond use this area for leisure activities, family gatherings, and other events.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Sultan Iskandar Mosque holds the record for hosting the largest congregational morning prayer in Malaysia on 20 January 2024, with 12,000 Muslims in attendance.
“No other mosque in Malaysia has previously documented such a large crowd for morning prayers,” said Syazwan. This achievement is a testament to the mosque’s influence and the strong sense of community engagement it fosters.
Additionally, the spacious parking area, with nearly 300 slots and dedicated spaces for people with disabilities, enhances visitor accessibility. This accessibility is directly tied to the mosque’s sustainable practices, as the well-planned infrastructure ensures a smooth flow of visitors during peak times.
“Its gotong-royong event involves not only Muslims but also non-Muslim associations,” shared Syazwan, emphasising the mosque’s inclusivity and community cohesion.
MOSQUE TOURISM EXPERIENCE
The Sultan Iskandar Mosque is recognised as a tourism mosque, dedicated to sharing the beauty of Islam and promoting understanding.
“To ensure the visitors enjoy a great experience while having a tour in the Sultan Iskandar Mosque, we have trained and appointed the professional Mosque Tour Guide among the volunteers to assist and to give guided tours to the visitors and tourists around the mosque,” shared Syazwan.
Due to its exceptional mosque tourism experience, the Sultan Iskandar Mosque received the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) on
6 November 2019. This recognition marked it as the first mosque in Malaysia, alongside Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur, to achieve such recognition. Additionally, it became the second tourist destination in Johor acknowledged by MyTQA, following Johor Premium Outlet. On 13 July 2023, the mosque was once again recognised with the Gold Award for Culture & Heritage Tourism by MOTAC.
ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE
Within the Islamic Information Centre (IIC) on the mosque grounds, visitors from abroad (Japan, Korea, China, Indonesia) and locals, including schools, can explore Islamic culture and values. This cross-cultural engagement includes educational programmes that promote mutual understanding and appreciation.
Through its various activities and programmes, the mosque effectively presents Islamic principles, customs, and cultural practices to visitors. This educates and enriches the cultural experience of those who visit, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.
Looking ahead, the mosque plans several sustainability projects, such as developing a Quranic garden near its entrance. This garden will feature plants referenced in the Quran, further boosting its attraction for tourists and reinforcing the mosque’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Overall, the mosque is equipped with facilities and services that respond to the needs of Muslim visitors, such as prayer facilities, educational programmes about Islamic culture, and initiatives that promote Islamic values
and traditions. At the same time, it is also designed and managed to attract and accommodate tourists of all religious beliefs by serving as a cultural exchange, education, and tourism hub.
The Sultan Iskandar Mosque goes beyond its religious function to promote intercultural understanding, education, and tourism, making it a valuable local and global asset. – RnR
