As Malaysia is a Muslim country, mosques can be found everywhere. One of the most famous mosques in K.L. is Masjid Negara (the National Mosque). It was built in 1965, and can accommodate some 15,000 worshippers. This photo is of the Mihrab. It’s a semicircular niche in the wall at the front of the mosque and it indicates the direction of Mecca, which is the direction that worshippers face when praying. The Imam (the one who leads the prayers) stands close to the Mihrab, and everyone else congregates in rows behind him. As can be seen here, the Mihrab is usually quite intricately designed and decorated with Islamic motifs.
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The Mihrab
As Malaysia is a Muslim country, mosques can be found everywhere. One of the most famous mosques in K.L. is Masjid Negara (the National Mosque). It was built in 1965, and can accommodate some 15,000 worshippers. This photo is of the Mihrab. It’s a semicircular niche in the wall at the front of the mosque and it indicates the direction of Mecca, which is the direction that worshippers face when praying. The Imam (the one who leads the prayers) stands close to the Mihrab, and everyone else congregates in rows behind him. As can be seen here, the Mihrab is usually quite intricately designed and decorated with Islamic motifs.
Religious Hike
A devout hiking a flight of steps at the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) in Kuala Lumpur. There are special visiting hours for those who are not Muslim (these are typically between prayer times) and to visit those inappropriately dressed can borrow robes from the Mosque free of charge.
Visit a Mosque
Since Islam is so prevalent in SouthEast Asia, head to a mosque to experience the culture (and to check out the architecture). Our group had a great time soaking up some quiet in the mosque during our Kuala Lumpur trip.
