the blue mosque
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
(http://www.tourismmalaysi...) Malay: Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz is the state mosque of Selangor and possibly the most significant tourist attraction of Shah Alam. It is the country's largest mosque and also the second largest mosque in Southeast Asia after Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. Its most distinguishing feature is its large blue and silver dome. The mosque has four minarets, one erected at each of the corners. The mosque was commissioned by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz, when he declared Shah Alam as the new capital of Selangor on 14 February, 1974. Construction began in 1982 and finished on 11 March, 1988.The Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque owing to its blue dome. The building has the largest religious dome in the world measuring 51.2 m 167 ft in diameter and a height of 106.7 m 350 ft. The 4 minarets are the 2nd tallest in the world and also the the world's tallest group of minarets, they are placed at each of the four corners and are 142.3 m 460 ft tall.
Please observe religious conventions
Visitors to mosques are requested to dress respectfully and always remove their shoes prior to entering. Unless specifically invited by a Mosque official, non-Muslims should avoid entering during prayer times, so as not to disrupt people during periods of religious observance, especially on Friday afternoons.
The architectural design of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is a combination of Malay and Modernist style. The mosque has the capacity to accommodate 24,000 worshipers at any one time and is large enough that on clear day it can be seen from some vantage points in Kuala Lumpur. The main dome of the mosque measures 51.2 m 167 ft in diameter and 106.7 m 350 ft in height from the ground level. Elements of Malay and Islamic architecture are incorporated into the finishes of the building. Fine decorative khat Arabic calligraphy can be seen on the inner curve of the dome and parts of the walls. Aluminium grills of intricate design can be found on the doorways, windows and walls of the Mosque. The windows are fitted with blue stained glass in order to reduce the amount of light that can enter the hall. The resulting filtered illumination renders a bluish ambiance to the interior spaces evoking a sense of peace and serenity. The high ceiling has triangular panels of red balau and ramin timber wood that are set in criss crossing pattern.
The dome is constructed primarily of aluminium and the outer surface is clad with vitreous enamel-baked triangular steel panels decorated with a rosette of verses from the Qur'an. The main prayer hall is over two levels, is fully carpeted and air conditioned and is one of the largest such spaces in the world. The upper gallery of the prayer hall is reserved for the use of female worshipers. The second floor houses a gallery, the the ground floor contains the administrative office, conference rooms, library, reception and lecture rooms.
Garden of Islamic Arts
The Blue Mosque overlooks a landscaped park inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise Jannah Arabic: جÙÙØ©â. This 14 hectares of spiritual sanctuary houses nine galleries exhibiting a rich array of Islamic arts such as calligraphy, sculptures, paintings and architecture. The site is occasionally used for traditional Islamic performances.
Shah Alam Agricultural Park (Taman Pertanian)
This 1,295 hectare park opened to the public in 1986. It is well organised and managed and contains a tropical rain forest and extensive attractions. The agriculture park is one of the largest in the world and built around a centerpiece artificial lake. It provides several playgrounds for children and a jogging and biking path that goes around the lakes. Inside the park is a spice garden, an ornamental garden, an orchid garden, a cactus garden, bamboo garden and mushroom garden. Bicycles are available for rent at the park and a free bus service is provided to ferry visitors throughout. Visitors can rent horses for riding lessons, kayaks and boats. The park also has a "4 seasons" building in which the seasons are simulated one season at a time- Winter season; Dec-Feb, Spring;Mar-May, Summer; Jun-Aug, Autumn; Sep-Nov.