Zahir Mosque
Kedah
Zahir Mosque, located in Alor Setar, Kedah, is the state mosque and one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia, completed in 1912. It was built on the site of the graves of Kedah warriors who died defending the state during the Siamese invasion in 1821. The mosque's design was inspired by the Azizi Mosque of Langkat Sultanate in North Sumatra, featuring five large domes symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam. Its spacious prayer hall is surrounded by verandas and four smaller domes, showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture. The mosque serves as a cultural and religious center, hosting the state's annual Qur'an-reading competition. Positioned near significant landmarks such as the Balai Nobat and Istana Pelamin, Zahir Mosque is both a spiritual hub and a key architectural landmark in Kedah, reflecting the region's heritage and Islamic tradition.
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Tip: The best time to visit Zahir Mosque is during cooler morning hours or late afternoons to avoid midday heat. Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully as it is an active place of worship. It is advisable to check the mosque's opening hours in advance and be mindful of prayer times when access may be restricted. While entry is free, donations are appreciated. The mosque is centrally located, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions like Balai Nobat and the Sultan Abdul Halim Gallery.
Interesting facts
- •Zahir Mosque is considered one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, completed in 1912.
- •It was built on the burial site of Kedah warriors who died during the 1821 Siamese invasion.
- •The mosque features five large domes symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam.
- •Its design was inspired by the Azizi Mosque in Langkat, North Sumatra.
- •The mosque hosts Kedah's annual Qur'an-reading competition.
History
Construction of the Zahir Mosque began on March 11, 1912, initiated by Tunku Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah.
It was built on a site originally used as a burial ground for Kedah warriors who perished defending the state against the Siamese invasion in 1821, with over 1,400 martyrs interred there.
The mosque was officially inaugurated on October 15, 1915, by Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
Its architectural inspiration came from the Azizi Mosque in North Sumatra, and it features five main domes representing the Five Pillars of Islam.
The mosque replaced an older wooden mosque that could only accommodate 600 worshippers.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall1912-1915
The central prayer hall measures 62 by 62 feet and is surrounded by a veranda with four smaller domes at each corner. It is the main area for worship and religious gatherings, showcasing intricate Islamic architectural details.
Five Main Domes1912-1915
The mosque is distinguished by its five prominent domes, which symbolize the Five Pillars of Islam, an important concept in Muslim faith and practice.
Location and Surroundings
Situated near the Balai Nobat and Istana Pelamin, the mosque is part of a historical and cultural precinct in Alor Setar, close to other tourist attractions such as the Sultan Abdul Halim Gallery and Menara Alor Setar.
Contact
Phone: 04-733 3288
