Masjid Al-Istiqamah
The Al-Istiqamah Mosque (Malay: Masjid Al-Istiqamah) is a mosque in Serangoon, Singapore which was completed in 1999. It is located at Serangoon North Estate, at the corner of Yio Chu Kang Road and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, with the front entrance at Serangoon North Avenue 2.[1]
Etymology
As one of the mosque built under the Mosque Building & Mendaki Fund scheme headed by MUIS,[1][2] it is named after virtuous qualities as a continuation from the first one – Masjid Al-Khair (The Good). Initially, MUIS had suggested the name "As-Sobr" (The Patient) for this mosque but after consultation with a few local Islamic scholars, the name "Al-Istiqamah" (the Constant) was chosen.
Architecture
Architect firm James Yip and Partners designed the mosque.[1]
The three-storeyed mosque[1] with a combination of designs from the Nusantara, Middle East and Mauritius can cater to a maximum of 3,300 worshippers at any one time.[3] Its convertible concept enables the optimisation of space and multiple functionalities of the rooms.[3]
The building is divided into two general areas, viz. the i'tikaf section occupying the 'front' portion, and the multi-purpose section making up the 'rear'. The i'tikaf area which is roofed by solid timber can accommodate about 480, 330 and 270 worshippers on levels one, two and three respectively.
History
Masjid Al Istiqamah is the second mosque to be built under Phase 3 of the Mosque Building & Mendaki Fund scheme headed by MUIS.[2]
The plot for the mosque building was bought on 12 August 1992 with the fund raising arm of the JPM (Mosque Building Committee) formed in June 1995.[2] The estimated amount needed was S$700,000 for the basic requirements in the initial stage of building. So few people came forward to volunteer their services that an advertisement had to be put out in the Berita Harian newspaper.
The cost of building the mosque is estimated at around $5 million and expected to be completed in 1999.[1][2]
Construction of the mosque began in September 1997.[1] On 11 June 1999, Masjid Al-Istiqamah was declared waqf (vested property) and began its operation as a full-fledged mosque.[4] The purchase of land and construction of the mosque cost an estimated $7 million in total.[4]
On 17 June 2000, Masjid Al-Istiqamah held an opening ceremony which was attended by Mohamad Maidin Packer Mohd, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency.[5]
Operations
Ever since it began operation, Masjid Al-Istiqamah has never locked its gates. Its open policy allows for 24/7 accessibility for the public to its main prayer hall and amenities, a rarity for the typical new generation mosque with valuable assets to look after.
In September 2000, with the official appointment of its Mosque Manager, it became the first mosque in Singapore to have its office administration 'fully accommodated' for the congregation with its opening hours from 8:30 to 22:30 including Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Its office closes only on the first two days of Shawwal, for obvious reasons.
Chairmen of Masjid Al-Istiqamah Management Board
- Hashim Ismail (1999–2003)
- Mohammad Suhaimi Mohsen (2003–2007)
- Mohamed Sa'at Bin Matari (2007–2018)
- Juraiman Bin Rahim (2018–Present), Mosque Executive Chairman
Transportation
The mosque is accessible from Hougang MRT station.
References
- "Kerja pembinaan al-Istiqamah bermula bulan ini". Berita Harian (in Malay). 10 September 1997. p. 2. Retrieved 20 April 2023 – via NewspaperSG.
- "Al-Istiqamah perlu lagi $100,000". Berita Harian (in Malay). 13 June 1997. p. 17. Retrieved 20 April 2023 – via NewspaperSG.
- "Masjid al-Istiqamah guna ruang secara kreatif". Berita Harian. 6 March 1999. p. 2.
- "Masjid Al-Istiqamah diwakafkan semalam". Berita Harian. 12 June 1999. p. 12.
- "Bentuk pusat latihan pengurusan". Berita Minggu. 18 June 2000. p. 2.
