Back in the early 19th century, Ipoh was one of the oldest towns in Malaysia known for its booming tin mining industry. Its blossoming success has attracted many immigrants - including the population group of South Indian Muslims. Their presence has left a huge impact on the customs, food, and culture of the local communities and it was then that the “Mamak” culture grew in popularity - a term widely used to describe the confluence of Indian and Malay mores in Malaysia. As offering prayers is one of the compulsory duties that must be carried out by Muslims, it was then essential for the South Indian Muslims to establish a place for gathering and performing their ritual obligations.

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Historical Masjid India Muslim Ipoh: Perak Mosque, Malaysia

According to history, several minor disputes between the local Malay Muslims and the South Indian Muslims have led to the construction of this mosque. The cause of the disputes was likely due to the differences in the way the praying rituals are performed as both follow differing schools of fiqh: Shafiʽi and Hanafi.

This simple yet elegant mosque is known to the locals as the Town Padang Mosque. The name describes its location which is opposite Ipoh Padang – a public playing field next to the St. Michael’s Institution.

The Historical Masjid India Muslim Ipoh, Perak

History of Masjid India Muslim Ipoh

Masjid India Muslim Ipoh was constructed in 1905 by Indian workmen brought in as labor by a wealthy Indian Muslim tycoon by the name of Shaik Adam Mohammad Ghaus. He was the founder of Kinta Ice Works and Kinta Aerated Water Factory, and was believed to be the sole supplier of ice in the town at that time.

Built at a cost of RM500,000, the mosque was completed in 1908 with a design that was heavily influenced by the Diwan-i-Khas at the Red Fort in Delhi which is a reflection of “Chitya Indian” or Moghul-style architecture. The rectangle-shaped building has a flat terraced roof and verandas on its sides. One of the more distinct features are the scallop cusped arches that are built all around the mosque.

There are two pointed minarets and a single pyramidal dome that caps the prayer hall.

The scallop cusped arches are just one of the many unique features of the mosque.

A separate square entrance gateway leads into the mosque compound. The overall mosque is painted white with strokes of green lining.

Stepping into the mosque reveals an interior that is embellished with beautiful Arabesque based geometric and floral Islamic design tiles that can be seen decorating the walls and pillars.

Floral Islamic design can be seen on the tiles around the mosque

The floors are covered with bright red carpet lined with white and yellow markers.

Architecture of Masjid India Muslim Ipoh

The frontal area of the prayer hall houses the mihrab or a chamber niche that is directed towards Mecca - which is the center direction for prayer. A wooden pulpit or mimbar is placed on the right where the leader of prayer delivers his sermon. As the mosque caters to the Indian Muslim devotees, the sermon is conducted in Tamil. A tall, grandfather clock on the left side of the mihrab tells the time through the round, wall mounted clock built at the top. 

Not to be missed is the gigantic chandelier hooked to the sculptured plaster ceiling. 

Another interesting feature within the mosque is the green, spiral staircase with gold-painted wrought iron railing.

At the left corner, visitors can find a medium-sized table and a cabinet that are used to display plaques and commemorative items received by the mosque. The natural sunlight brightens the mosque during the day through its long, square-trimmed framed window.

The place for ablution is typically built at the back. The same rules apply at Masjid India Muslim Ipoh where the semi-circular walls with mounted water taps are located at the very end just outside of the prayer hall.

Interiors of Masjid India Muslim Ipoh

A dedicated area for ablution located at the back of the mosque

Heritage Site in Malaysia

Masjid India Muslim Ipoh or the Shaik Adam’s Mosque has been listed as one of Malaysia’s heritage site under the National Heritage Act, 2005. Today, it still stands strong serving the minor Indian Muslim community in Malaysia, specifically of the Hanafi fiqh teachings.

Is Ipoh your next destination in Malaysia? Make sure to add the historical Masjid India Muslim to your must-visit list!

Contact Information

Address: Jalan Seenivasagam, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan

Contact No: +605-254 1978 | Facebook

Email: masjidindiaipoh786@gmail.com