Kampung Laut Mosque, Kelantan

The Kampung Laut Mosque was originally built in

Kampung Laut in 1730 but it was relocated to Nilam Puri
when a flood damaged a majority of the mosque in 1967. It
is one of the oldest known mosques in Malaysia with an
estimated age of about 300 years. It's earlier functions
include it being a meeting point for the Sultan and later on
it became a meeting point for traders. In the late 80's it
was refurbished and it cost about RM 160, 000 which
includes replacing the wall and roof, building additional
towels, toilets and electricity.

Kampung Keling Mosque, Melaka

The original structure was built by Indian Muslim traders
in 1748 as a wooden building and in 1872, it was rebuilt
in brick. It is one of the more traditional mosques in
Melaka that still retains its traditional design. The
architectural style is a cross between Sumatran,
Chinese, Hindu and Malay style. The minaret, ablution
pool and the entrance arch was built together with the
main building. The name was based on the place where
Indian traders used to dwell, Kampung Keling.

7 PR IN C IPLES OF ISLA MIC A R C H ITEC TUR E

A R C H I T E C T U R E A S TA W H I D
Unity and Uniquity

The orientation of the Kampung Laut mosque adheres by the direction of the Kaaba, which is the North West. This
unites the faithful no matter which part of the world they are from.

S
9

U
8

R
1

A
8

Y
|

Y
I

N
S

S E L
L A M

V
I

A
C

N
A

|
R

0
H

3
I

0
T

ARHCHITECTURE OF IHTIRAM
Respect

The use of geometrical motifs as balustrades in the Kampung Laut mosque give a sense of harmony and purity to
the sacred architecture. Besides that, the conservation of the mosque is a symbol of respect when it got relocated
after it was damaged by the flood in 1966.

ARCHITECTURE WITH IKHLAS

Sincerity

The absence of human and imaginary idols in the Kampung Keling Mosque is a form of sincere design motivation.
The presence of an ablution pool is also to symbolize the expression of jannah by playing with light.

ARCHITECTURE AS A PURSUIT OF ILM

Knowledge

The use of Arabic calligraphy inscriptions on the entrance of the Kampung Keling mosque symbolizes the idea of
acquiring knowledge whilst celebrating the aesthetics of Islam all over the world.

S
9

U
8

R
1

A
8

Y
|

Y
I

N
S

S E L
L A M

V
I

A
C

N
A

|
R

0
H

3
I

0
T

ARHCHITECTURE OF IQTISAD
Balance

The lack of decorations on the external faades on the Kampung Laut mosque shows the idea of moderation and
balance. Besides that, the form of the building is balanced as it is reflected on both sides.

A R C H I T E C T U R E O F H AYA
Modesty

The lack of windows in the Kampung Laut mosque preserve the dignity of the worshippers through screenings.
Besides functioning as a form of shading it is also culturally significant. The entrance into the mosque is also
located deep inside the serambi emphasizing the idea of modesty in Islamic architecture as well.

ARCHITECTURE OF DIKR
Remembrance

The repetition of decorative elements on the fascia boards and balustrades mirrors the monotony of the
contemplative chanting of zikr.

S
9

U
8

R
1

A
8

Y
|

Y
I

N
S

S E L
L A M

V
I

A
C

N
A

|
R

0
H

3
I

0
T

ARHCHITECTURE OF URF
Diversifying Principle

The Kampung Keling Mosque in Melaka and the Kampung Laut Mosque in Kelantan both have the concept of Urf
in their design. In The Kampung Keling Mosque, the integration of Indian, Chinese and Melaka Malay elements
with the Islamic principles is pretty evident. In the Kampung Laut mosque, the construction methods is similar to
that of traditional Chinese architecture using the timber post and beam system.

S
9

U
8

R
1

A
8

Y
|

Y
I

N
S

S E L
L A M

V
I

A
C

N
A

|
R

0
H

3
I

0
T