Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Brunei-Muara
Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, located in Bandar Seri Begawan, is the largest mosque in Brunei and one of the country's two state mosques. Named after the 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, it was built as a gift by the Sultan to mark his Silver Jubilee. The mosque sits on an 8.1-hectare site and features 29 golden domes representing the 29 Bruneian Sultans, along with four towering minarets each 58 meters high. Its interiors are adorned with luxurious imported materials such as Persian carpets, Italian marble, Philippine hardwood, and gold-plated tiles. The male prayer hall can accommodate up to 3,500 worshipers beneath a grand dome with a magnificent Austrian crystal chandelier, while the female prayer hall on the first floor holds 1,000 worshipers. Architectural motifs incorporate traditional Malay elements symbolizing Bruneian identity, including the air muleh pattern and intricate Quranic calligraphy. The mosque also provides facilities such as separate ablution areas, a library with over 22,000 Islamic-related titles, a multipurpose hall, and VIP suites. It is a significant religious, cultural, and tourist landmark, frequently visited by dignitaries and tourists alike.
Plan your trip to Brunei with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the mosque. The best time to visit is outside of prayer times, especially avoiding Thursdays and the hours before Friday prayers when the mosque is busiest. Guided tours may be available, and it is recommended to check the mosque's opening hours in advance. Entry is free, but donations are welcomed. Visitors should also explore the nearby Kampong Kiarong Islamic Cemetery for additional historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque has 29 golden domes, each representing one of the 29 Bruneian Sultans.
- •The marble stairs have 29 steps honoring the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
- •Five water fountains symbolize the five daily prayers and the five pillars of Islam.
- •The mosque's grand chandelier is gold-plated and made from Austrian strass crystal.
- •Materials for the mosque were imported globally, including Persian carpets and Italian marble.
History
Construction of the mosque began in 1988 as a royal gift for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's Silver Jubilee and was officially opened on 14 July 1994, coinciding with the Sultan's 48th birthday.
Initially called the Kiarong Mosque, it was later renamed to honor the Sultan.
The mosque has since hosted numerous prominent visitors including Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II.
Over the years, it has become a central religious site and a symbol of Brunei's Islamic heritage and royal patronage.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall1994
The 5,600-square-meter male prayer hall features a large golden dome and can accommodate up to 3,500 worshipers. It is adorned with a gold-plated Austrian crystal chandelier and Italian marble floors, with 48 window arches decorated with Quranic calligraphy.
Female Prayer Hall1994
Located on the first floor, this hall can hold up to 1,000 female worshipers and features its own chandelier centered beneath the dome, providing a separate and respectful space for women.
Minarets and Golden Domes1994
The mosque has four minarets each standing 58 meters tall and 29 golden domes symbolizing the 29 Sultans of Brunei. The minarets' walls display traditional air muleh patterns reflecting Malay identity.
Library of State Mufti Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz
The mosque's library contains over 22,000 copies of more than 5,000 Islamic titles, including theses, manuscripts, encyclopedias, and journals. It is open to the public during specific hours for educational purposes.
Ablution Areas
The mosque features both automatic and manual ablution facilities with sensors imported from the United States, ensuring hygienic and efficient preparation for prayers.
