Yusof Ishak Mosque, named after Singapore's first president, was officially opened on 14 April in Woodlands. The opening ceremony was officiated by the late president's widow, Madam Noor Aishah in presence of community leaders of all races. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim and other delegates were also present in the event.
Ayub Johari, the Mosque chairman, while giving a speech, said that mosque was special because it will play a fundamental part in spreading the ethos of multiculturalism and multiracialism in the society.
"This is what it means to be living in multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore. It is something special, it is something meaningful and it is something we must all cherish," said the leader, reported The Straits Times.
IBTimes Singapore has listed all features of the new mosque that makes it stand out.
1. Yusof Ishak Mosque is the 26th mosque to be built under the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund programme and costs $18 million.
2. The prayer space, which was consecrated by Singapore's Mufti Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, and is able to accommodate 4,500 people.
3. The mosque also has facilities to cater to the needs of the elderly.
4. It also has a multi-purpose hall, a conference room, a sizeable auditorium, seminar rooms for teaching purposes and a roof terrace.
5. However, what is unique about the mosque is its architecture. It doesn't have those huge pillars or dome instead has a very contemporary look. Channel news Asia reported that it has "the feel of a Malay house".
6. The design of the mosque was inspired by President Yusof's official and private residences. Moreover, it blends traditional mosque characteristics with the heritage of the "Malay world", the Nusantara.
