The Many Mosques Of Brunei: A Comprehensive Overview

Brunei is home to more than 102 mosques, which are used for prayer as well as communal and religious events. The country's two state mosques are the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. The former, named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, is one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific and a famous tourist attraction. The latter was commissioned and paid for by the current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, as a religious gift to the country.

Brunei's two state mosques

Brunei has two state mosques, or Masjid Negara: the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. Both are located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, also known as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque or SOAS Mosque, was completed in 1958. It was commissioned by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and designed by Italian artist and architect Rudolfo Nolli. The mosque is one of the biggest and most striking in the Far East, with a gold dome that dominates the city's skyline. It is situated in the middle of a man-made lagoon, with a ceremonial stone barge. The interior features rugs from Saudi Arabia, Italian marble walls, and copper doors. The mosque is a popular tourist destination, and it is the most photographed icon in the country.

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, also known as the JAHB Mosque, was opened in 1994 to celebrate the Sultan's 48th birthday. It is located three kilometres outside the city centre and is the largest mosque in the country. The mosque has a modern aesthetic influenced by the architectural style of Turkey's Ottoman Empire. It features four large minarets that reach 58 meters in height, decorated in blue and white tiles and topped with golden domes. The interior is adorned with Italian marble, Persian carpets, mosaic walls, geometric patterns, and bright stained glass.

Brunei's main mosques

Brunei has two state mosques: the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. Both are located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, also known as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque or SOAS Mosque, is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who is credited with building it. It is one of the biggest and most striking mosques in the Far East, completed in 1958 at a cost of US$5 million. The mosque is recognisable by its gold-covered dome, which dominates the city's skyline. It is situated in the middle of a man-made lagoon with a ceremonial stone barge. The interior features rugs from Saudi Arabia, Italian marble walls, English chandeliers, and stained glass windows. The mosque is a popular tourist destination and has become the most photographed icon in the country.

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the second state mosque of Brunei. It was commissioned and paid for by the current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, as a waqf (religious gift) to the country. Construction began in 1988, and the mosque opened on July 14, 1994, in celebration of the Sultan's 48th birthday. The mosque is located three kilometres outside the city centre in a 20-acre parking lot enclosed by a decorative gate. The architectural style is influenced by Turkey's Ottoman Empire, with four large minarets reaching 58 meters in height, decorated in blue and white tiles, and topped with golden domes. The interior features Italian marble, Persian carpets, mosaic walls, geometric patterns, and bright stained glass.

Brunei's village mosques

Brunei has a rich collection of village mosques, which are an integral part of the country's cultural and religious fabric. These mosques are smaller than the main or national mosques and are usually located in the villages, with a capacity to accommodate around 1000 worshippers. They play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and are used for various religious and social events. Here is an exploration of Brunei's village mosques:

History and Architecture:

Examples of Village Mosques:

• Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque in Serusop: This mosque is an example of a village mosque, with its unique features and location. It showcases the fusion of traditional and vernacular architecture, utilising regional materials and ornamental aspects.
• Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Sengkurong: This mosque is another illustration of a village mosque, serving the religious needs of the local community. It is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
• Kampong Ayer Mosque: This mosque is easily accessible and visible from any point in the village of Kampong Ayer. It stands out with its white rooftop and golden dome against the backdrop of the blue sky and forest.
• Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Haji Mosque: Commonly known as DPMM Pengiran Haji Mosque, it is located by the Brunei River and is one of the least frequented by non-locals. The mosque's exterior is characterised by its bright white pillars, minarets topped by green domes, and yellow edges.
• Kampong Sungai Bunga Mosque: Located in the village of Kampong Sungai Bunga, this mosque is part of the network of village mosques that serve the spiritual needs of the local residents.

The design and construction of Brunei's mosques

The design of these mosques is influenced by the country's monarchy, which fuses Malay cultural identity with Islamic governance. Lower-class municipal and village mosques are designed in the traditional Malay vernacular style, while national and principal mosques incorporate Arabic and South Asian elements with Malay symbolism. This design hierarchy reflects the status of the mosque, with higher-ranking mosques associated with the state and lower-ranking ones reflecting local environments.

The concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) architecture, which combines Islamic, Malay, and royal elements, has its roots in the designs from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's reign and continues to influence modern mosque construction in the country. Malay architectural styles in Brunei are governed by the interplay of Adat Istiadat Diraja (Royal Customs), Sharia (Islamic law), and Adat Istiadat Melayu (Malay Customs), with Islamic law dominating and shaping designs to embody Islamic values and Malay culture.

Before the 1950s, Brunei's mosques were primarily built with wood, bamboo, and palm leaves, featuring Malay vernacular architecture with wooden rooms on stilts and pyramidal roofs for ventilation. These early mosques lacked domes and minarets, which became common in the 1950s with the introduction of concrete, reflecting influences from Hindu and Buddhist architecture.

The reign of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (1950-1967) saw the emergence of contemporary mosque architecture in Brunei, combining Bruneian cultural expressions with Arabic and Indo-Islamic components. Many mosques from this era, such as the Setia Ali Mosque in Serasa, feature a unique blend of traditional and vernacular architecture, utilising regional materials and ornamental aspects while also incorporating foreign influences.

The two state mosques, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (also known as the SOAS Mosque) and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, are iconic symbols of Brunei. Completed in 1958, the SOAS Mosque is recognisable by its gold dome and man-made lagoon. The design of the mosque was influenced by Mughal architecture, with Italian marble walls, a gold leaf dome, and a mixture of materials from around the world, including English chandeliers and Saudi Arabian carpets. The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, completed in 1994, showcases a modern aesthetic influenced by the Ottoman Empire, featuring symmetrical design, Italian marble, Persian carpets, and geometric patterns.

Brunei's mosque architecture has evolved to showcase a fusion of modernity and tradition, retaining certain traditional aspects while incorporating contemporary materials and designs. The design and construction of the country's mosques reflect a dynamic interplay between the ancient and the modern, highlighting Brunei's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while embracing new influences.

The history of Brunei's mosques

The First Mosque

The nation's first mosque, Masjid Besar, was built by Sultan Sharif Ali in Kota Batu in the 16th century. This grand mosque featured gilding, half-relief, and a high hip-tiered roof with a pyramidal design influenced by Malay architecture. It was destroyed by the Spaniards during the Castilian War in 1578.

Pre-1950s Mosques

In the centuries that followed, mosques in Brunei were typically constructed using wood, bamboo, and palm leaves, showcasing Malay vernacular architecture with wooden rooms on stilts and pyramidal roofs for ventilation. These early mosques lacked domes and minarets, which became common in the 1950s with the introduction of concrete, reflecting influences from Hindu and Buddhist architecture.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's Legacy

The reign of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (1950-1967) marked a significant era for mosque architecture in Brunei. The Sultan himself designed the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which opened in 1958 and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific. This mosque combines Mughal architecture with Italian Renaissance influences and features a mix of imported materials, including Italian marble, English chandeliers, Shanghai granite, and Saudi Arabian carpets.

Contemporary Mosques

Brunei's contemporary mosques showcase a blend of modernity and tradition. Many incorporate traditional Malay architectural elements, such as the exposed interconnecting beam networks seen in the Utama Mohammed Salleh Mosque in Temburong and the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Tutong.

The rule of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (1967-present) has seen a greater incorporation of Arabic architectural features, particularly domes, in mosque designs. Examples include the Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque, which exhibits traditional Arabic architecture with its quadrangular hall, round drum, and dome.

Brunei's mosques stand as a testament to the country's fusion of Malay cultural identity with Islamic governance, serving both religious and cultural purposes. They are an integral part of the nation's landscape and play a crucial role in preserving its cultural and religious heritage.

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