Joe and I visited Masjid Negara, the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It is the main place of worship in KL for the Malay Muslim population. Muslims make up >60% of Malaysians, around 17 million people. This mosque can accommodate 15,000 people for prayer and welcomes non-Muslims at other times. There are many mosques around Malaysia and although you may not see a mosque nearby, you are likely to hear the call to prayer which happens 5 times a day from loud speakers at the top of towers at all mosques.
To visit a mosque, you must time your visit not to coincide with prayer time. We lucked out and entered the mosque just before the midday call to prayer. We left our shoes at the bottom of the stairs as requested and then I put the purple visitor's gown on. This gown is required clothing for all women (and men in shorts). A tundung or hijab (headscarf) is also required apparel for all women. Fortunately, I had brought a head scarf with me so did not need to borrow one.
Below are some of the pictures of our visit:
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| prayer room |
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| prayer room |
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| steph in full muslim garb |
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| donation container |
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| National Mosque |
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| visitors in purple |
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| muslim women & men eating separately |
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| mausoleum at mosque |
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| Joe with muslim woman |
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