Masjid Jamek is one of the most popular and oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. It was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor in 1909 - two years after construction was completed. Since then, it functioned as the principal mosque in the city until Masjid Negara was constructed. Wondering what else is unique about this place? Let’s dive into the history of Kuala Lumpur's oldest most famous mosque - brought to you by the Islamic Tourism Centre.

Read also: 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in Malaysia

Table of Content

• History of Masjid Jamek
• Islamic Architecture
• Is Masjid Jamek Open to Non-Muslims?
• Dress Code
• Opening Hours
• Entrance Fee
• How to Get to Masjid Jamek KL
• Nearby Attractions in Kuala Lumpur
• Contact information

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur

History of Masjid Jamek

The Jamek Mosque, also known as Masjid Jamek in Malay, is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur and is still in use today. It was originally built by Muslim traders from India at the junction of the Klang River and the Gombak River during the British colonial period. Interestingly, this mosque holds a thousand and one unique stories. For example, prior to the construction of the mosque, the area functioned as KL's first Muslim cemetery. Many of the graves were unearthed during construction, while others were left in the graveyard. There may yet be a few historic headstones to be found.

In 2017, Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah renamed the mosque Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque after his ancestor, who was the fourth Sultan of Selangor, as the mosque was originally built on Selangor property.

The term "Jamek" itself is taken from the Arabic language and refers to a place where people gather for religious purposes.

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur

Islamic architecture seen within Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur

Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur

Islamic Architecture

The well-known Masjid Jamek is a sterling example of Islamic architecture during the British colonisation of Malaya around the turn of the 20th century. This structure was designed by British engineer Arthur Benison Hubback, which features Moghul influences that is akin to north Indian Islamic architecture. This structure also resembles the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which was erected by the same architect.

The mosque consists of two major towers, several minor towers, and three domes. The central dome, which stands at 21.3 metres, is positioned where the prayer hall is. Two red and white striped minarets with a height of 26.8 metres stand at the corners. The historical building effortlessly stands out among Kuala Lumpur's contemporary and lofty cityscape.

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur's architecture is unique and one of a kind!

Islamic architecture in full display at Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad

Located in the Mimbar area, you can see tiles that were originally from England which resemble a sajada or prayer rug used by Muslims. You might not notice it as it is covered with a sajada, so do ask the staff to show you the way to this small but highly significant attraction!

Try to spot this hidden attraction with the Jamek Mosque

Is Masjid Jamek Open to Non-Muslims?

Outside of prayer times, tourists are allowed to enter and explore the mosque. If you wish to learn more, you can approach the helpful staff who will be more than happy to assist you by providing valuable information about the mosque and Islam.

Masjid Jamek is open to non-muslim visitors too.

Dress Code

Non-Muslim visitors should proceed to the visitor information desk at the mosque before starting their tour. Women will be given a robe and scarf to cover themselves before stepping into the mosque. Men should wear long pants that cover the knees too, otherwise a robe can also be borrowed here.

Opening Hours 

The mosque is open daily from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Visitors may not enter the mosque during prayer times, and it is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Fridays.

Entrance Fee 

Admission is free for both locals and foreigners visitors.

How to Get to Masjid Jamek KL

You can easily take the Kelana Jaya Line LRT or the Sri Petaling Line LRT to the Masjid Jamek Station. The mosque is located only a few steps away from these train stations.

Nearby Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Apart from appreciating and learning about the Islamic, there are other interesting places for you to explore near the Jamek Mosque. For example, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Square, Chinatown, and The Central Market are famous attractions which can give you a glimpse of the Malaysian cultural heritage. You can have a taste of the local cuisines as well as going on a shopping spree for colourful souvenirs which reflect the country's vibrant multiracial way of life.

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk away from other major attractions.

Contact information

Address: Jalan Tun Perak, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact number: +603-2691 2829

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Jamek Mosque is one of the must-visit mosques in Malaysia that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Be ready to fall in love with the charm of Jamek Mosque and all the little details from the unfading exterior to its intimate interior.

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