Masjid Raja Alang, Beranang, Selangor
5.0 COMPARATIVE STUDIES
This chapter will cover the comparative study between Masjid
Raja Alang as the main research masjid, Masjid Sultan Alaeddin
which has the major similarities with the studied masjid. In
addition, this chapter will cover two other masjids having the
similarities with the researched masjid which are Masjid Jamek
Kuala Lumpur and Masjid Raja Muda Musa.
5.1 Introduction
This chapter will discuss on the originality of Masjid Raja
Alang in terms of its architectural style, architectural elements and
certain masjid features. Thus, a thorough analysis and clarification
is to be presented on this researched masjid with other three
masjids; Masjid Sultan Alaeddin, Masjid Raja Muda Musa and
Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur. These three masjids had been
standing for almost a century. Built with almost the same
architectural styles, these masjids also share similar form and
shape.
The comparative study is recorded in table form. Among
the comparisons discussed are the background of the masjids, its
space planning, structural system and other elements consisting of
the roof, minaret and mimbar. The objectives of this comparative
study are as follows:
Chapter 5, Comparative Studies
i) As one of the method to trace the identity of Masjid
Raja Alang in terms of its background, construction,
building elements and building features.
ii) To study the architectural style of Masjid Raja Alang,
especially in its relationship with the Mughal
architecture. This style had been merged with the
masjid architecture around Malay Peninsula area.
5.2 Masjid Sultan Alaeddin
This sub-chapter will give a brief introduction regarding the
history and architecture of Masjid Sultan Alaeddin which has the
major similarities with Masjid Raja Alang.
5.2.1 Introduction
Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Alam Shah is located in Kampung
Bandar at Mukim Bandar, Kuala Langat, Selangor. This masjid is
located nearby The Bandar Palace, which was once the living area
for Sultan Abdul Samad. The founder for this masjid was Sultan
Alaeddin Suleiman Shah Ibni Raja Muda Musa and it was built in
year 1918, right after the end of the First World War. This masjid
was completely built in 1925 and officially opened on the same
year. All the materials used for the construction of this masjid were
fully imported from England. It costs about RM1, 000.00 for the
construction, half expenditure was from Sultan Sulaiman himself
and the rest was from the donation of the local villagers.
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This masjid was upgraded on the year 1990 to repair all
the damaged structures. In 1997, the dome and some of the roofs
were added to cater the increase in number of jamaah. It was
primarily a white-painted masjid but then it was re-painted
greenish, then finally yellowish. Currently, the masjid can occupy
for 500 Jemaah in the main praying hall, at a time and for the
whole masjid area it could occupy for about 2,500 people; usually
for Friday prayer and Eid Fitr. It was once recognized as the
District Masjid, and also as a State Masjid when the capital city
for Selangor was in Jugra. (Zainudin & Noorhayati, 2012)
Masjid Sultan Alauddin was gazette as an Ancient
Monument and Historical Site under the Antiquities Act 1976 in
1980 and registered as a Warisan (Heritage) under the National
Heritage Act 2005 in 2008. Within its area are the other ancient
attractions such as the Royal Mausoleum, the Jugra Lighthouse
and the ruins of Istana Jugra. (Islamic Tourism Centre, 2016)
Generally, this masjid imposed the architecture from Middle East
in terms of structure, while the carvings inside this masjid were
originally made from stones, then they were replaced with wood
carvings from Indonesia. The current mimbar is the original one,
but it was re-designed by adding some detailed carvings with the
identity of Malay Archipelago. The ceilings were decorated with
various geometric patterns, kerawang and calligraphy arts.
The ablution area was originally a big pool built in 1970s
which now undergoes upgrading with piping system.
Communication instruments such as kentung and kertuk are still in
good condition. As time goes by, it was replaced with the speaker.
(Zainudin & Noorhayati, 2012)

5.2.2. Architecture
In terms of architecture, this masjid was influenced by the
Deli Kingdom in North Sumatera which also got its influence from
Mughal architecture style. The style could clearly be seen from the
domes and some of the small domes (catris) around it together
with the appearance of the towers at particular sides of the masjid.

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5.2 Masjid Raja Muda Musa
5.3.1 Introduction
This masjid had been officially opened by Sultan Sir Alaeddin
Sulaiman Shah on the 1920s. This masjid had been named in
conjunction with the name of his own son, Sultan Musa
Ghitauddin Riayat Shah. This masjid is located in Semenyih,
Selangor, which it is just nearby to Masjid Raja Alang and was
built in a public land.
5.2.2 Architecture
It is believed that this masjid was primarily made of timber,
However, it had been upgraded fully into concrete right after some
of the roof had been in depletion. The construction cost RM60,
000.00 in total expenditure in 1963. As time goes by, the masjid
had undergone many extensions until eventually the masjid could
occupy 2,000 jamaah in a time.
In terms of architecture, there are no timber material left
on the masjid and it had been fully considered as a concrete masjid.
This masjid appears to have architectural influence from India and
the Middle East as the masjid consists of the semi-sphere dome.
This masjid basically has two minarets; one is higher level than
the other. The highest minaret is utilized for the adzhan purpose.
(Zainudin & Noorhayati, 2012)
Chapter 5, Comparative Studies
5.3 Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur
5.4.1 Introduction
Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest masjid along the Klang and
Gombak rivers. In year 1909, it had been completely constructed
and officiated by the reigning Sultan of Selangor. It was designed
by Arthur Benison Hubbock, an architectural assistant in the
Public Works and Survey Department, who was intrigued and
inspired by the Moghul architecture of India.
The Masjid Jamek cost RM32, 625.00 and the money was
raised by subscription from the Malaysian community and
Government funds. Its palm trees and the location on the banks of
the Klang and Gombak rivers provide a tranquil setting that
complements the Masjid Jamek's exquisite domed tower.
Masjid Jamek was the main mosque of Kuala Lumpur until The
National Mosque was built in 1965 near the railway station.
5.3.2 Architecture
There are three domes surround the prayer hall; the central dome
is 21.3m (70 feet) high and is flanked by two lower domes.
The biggest dome at the center was collapsed in the 1990s and later
rebuilt. At the corners are two red and white striped minarets. At
the corners are two red and white striped minarets 26.8m (88 feet)
high, identical in design with catris (umbrella-
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shaped cupolas, usually domed and open-sided) on the top. A large number of small catris top the entrances and corners of the masjid (Ben
Van Wijnen, 2016).

5.5 Comparative Studies between the Masjids

This sub-chapter will discuss the comparative study between all the three masjids in detail.

5.5.1 Background of the masjid

Table 5-1 The Comparisons between Masjid Sultan Alauddin, Masjid Raja Muda Musa, Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur and Masjid Raja Alang.

Name of Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Masjid Raja Muda Musa Masjid Jamek Masjid Raja Alang
Masjid

Figure 5-1 Masjid Sultan Alaeddin
Source: http://dri-
masjid.blogspot.my/2008/01/masji
d-alaeddin-atau-masjid-
bandar.html
Address Jalan Istana Kampung Bandar,
42700 Jugra, Kuala Langat,
Selangor
Year of Built Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman
Shah Ibni Almarhum Raja
Muda Musa officiate this masjid
in 1918.
Figure 5-2 The entrance of Masjid Figure 5-3 The exterior of Masjid Figure 5-4 The front view of
Raja Muda Musa Jamek Masjid Raja Alang
Pekan Semenyih, 43500 Jalan Melayu or India, 50350 Jalan Kampung Tanjung, 43700
Semenyih Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia Beranang, Hulu Langat,
Selangor
Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah It was built in 1907 by Arthur Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman
Ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Benison Hubback. Shah and some of his men
Musa officiate this masjid in primarily built the masjid by
1924. themselves in 1928.

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Surrounding The masjid is located nearby The masjid is surrounded with The masjid area is ringed by the The masjid is surrounded with
Langat River, in a suburban area village areas and also located river which is the emergence of village areas and also located
surrounded by plantation areas nearby some of the Chinese the Klang River and The nearby some of the Chinese
th
and village houses. shop-lots built around 20 Gombak River. It is located in shop-lots built around 20th
century. the heart of developed urban century.
area.
Findings All the masjid constructions were under the supervision of Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah, except Masjid Jamek.
The architectural influence is believed to come from Masjid Jamek Style, which was the first one built before the other three
masjids. The reason behind the styles might be favoured by Sultan Sulaiman Shah as he was the one whom built the three other
masjids which are Masjid Raja Alang, Masjid Raja Muda Musa and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin.
Building
Significance

Figure 5-5 Human-view of the Figure 5-6 Perspective of masjid Figure 5-7 intricate work of Figure 5-8 Exterior perspective of
masjid exterior. exterior architecture masjid
Source: Source:
https://akunizamhajizan.wordpress http://www.itc.gov.my/mosque/mas The masjid was originally
.com/category/building/page/2/ jid-jamek-kuala-lumpur/
The masjid has a decorated with vast amount
The masjid is having vast simple faade with The masjid had been of crenellations around
amount of crenellation minimum decoration designed with a high each of the tips of the
surrounding the roof peaks on either interior or the intricacy in terms of square structures. However,
functioning as one of the exterior. crenellation and in- after several extensions
royal decorations. detailed catris. took place, the only

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It is surrounded by high The form of the masjid The wall and domes crenellations left are on the
walls which continuously is primarily in a simple faades had been well middle-height minaret.
surrounding the main square with less preserved without the There were originally
building and also made it detailing. touch of any foreign middle-height towers
looks like a masjid with There is one minaret wall-paintings. attached to each corner of
high secured-fort. and the masjid is This building had a the masjid. However, the
There are middle height having three onion- clear style of Mughal towers at the rear side of the
towers in every corner of shaped domes. architecture. masjid had been removed.
the building. The Neo-Moorish The masjid is basically
There is only one minaret design of the onion having no minaret, but the
which located at the side shaped domes, spires, front tower is considered as
of the masjid entrance and domed shaped the same structure
the overall, the masjid has canopies, multiple functioning as the minaret.
eight half spherical-arched minarets and horse There are overall four
domes including a main shoe shaped arches domes including the main
dome at the middle top of hanging over dome which located at the
the masjid. decorated columns middle top of the masjid.
There are vast amount of could be viewed. There are vast amount of
catris decorated around There are three onion- catris decorated around the
the upper part of the shaped domes in middle domes.
masjid. overall of the masjid The masjid consists of
The masjid consists of and two minarets. hexagonal-shaped
hexagonal-shaped There are vast amount structure at the top of the
structure at the top of the of catris decorated main praying area which
main praying area which around the upper part carries the load of the
carries the load of the of the masjid. central dome.
central dome.

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Findings All the masjids were decorated widely with crenellations and catrises which the characteristics also exhibit the Moorish style;
except Masjid Raja Muda Musa.
The domes are the spectacular characteristics possessed by all the masjids. Uniquely, each of the masjids is having different
shapes and materials of domes.
Both Masjid Sultan Alaeddin and Masjid Raja Alang are having hexagonal-shaped structure with dome-topped; which it also
indicate a significant distinction of these two masjids from most of the masjids around Selangor area.

5.5.2 Space Planning

Name of the Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Masjid Raja Muda Musa Masjid Jamek Masjid Raja Alang
Masjid
Space
Planning

Diagram 5-1 Floor plan of Masjid Figure 5-2 Floor plan of Masjid Figure 5-3 Floor plan of Masjid Diagram 5-4 Floor plan of Masjid
Sultan Alaeddin. Raja Muda Musa Jamek Raja Alang
(source: Thesis paper)

Centralized plan.
Centralized plan. Centralized plan. The masjid is longitudinal
The floor plans show a
The floor plans show a The interior space is in plan.
longitudinal and larger, due Most of the praying area is symmetrical plan-layout of
symmetrical plan-layout of
to the more number of open space which the massing and space.
the massing and space.
Mihrab at the front as al-
Mihrab at the front as the columns and might be connected to the exterior of
caused by the lesser weight the masjid. qibla.
al-qibla.

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Not having verandah, only of the load (dome) at the The main praying area had Verandah is at the front and
open courtyard along the top of the roof. been extended by adding the left side from the main
front and both sides from The renovations of the the front verandah. Extra praying area.
the entrance of the masjid. masjid including the verandah was added as The male ablution area is
The ablution area for male verandahs located at the well at the right side of the on the left side from the
is on the right side from the right, left and front side of main entrance to the prayer masjid entrance.
masjid entrance. the main praying area, as hall. The minaret is located at
There minaret is located well as the ablution area. Both the male and female the front part of the masjid.
west from the masjid ablution area located at the
entrance. right side of the masjid
from the main entrance.
Hubbacks principle was to
have the main space set
back from the building
faade. (Rosli Ali, 2006)
Findings The spatial layouts of the masjids are in rectangular shapes; which also means the spaces had been designed to optimize the
number of Jamaah in a time.
The square pattern of column arrangements in Masjid Raja Alang and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin are both applied in order to
support the upper inclined roof with dome-topped.
Prayer Hall

Figure 5-9 Main Prayer Hall Figure 5-10 The main prayer hall Figure 5-11 Praying hall in Figure 5-12 Main praying hall of
Source: Masjid Jamek Masjid Raja Alang
https://akunizamhajizan.wordpress
.com/category/building/page/2/

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The main praying hall is The praying hall is linear in The main praying hall The prayer hall is
centralized in plan, with spatial organization and has inside the masjid is centralized in plan, with a
enough natural ventilation small columns in between designed with enough good supply of natural
and lighting which came the space. Thus, the space natural lighting which lighting.
across the upper window is more efficient to could be received from The area is double-volume.
and the doors at each side optimize the jamaah in one both the upper and lower However, the access of
of the masjid. time. void which located under ventilation from the
The interior was once the domes. uppermost part of the
decorated with timber. The interior of the main masjid had been covered
The praying area is area is in polygon shape and blocked the natural
surrounded with flying- created by several load- ventilation to occur.
buttress-like columns the bearing columns at each of The praying area is
elements. This eventually the corners. surrounded with flying-
creates space between buttress-like columns the
space elements inside the elements. This eventually
masjid. creates space between
space elements inside the
masjid.
Findings Both Masjid Sultan Alaeddin and Masjid Raja Alang have the close similarities in terms of main praying hall layout, which is
the space between space features. However, this type of space could undermine the space efficacy for the main praying hall as
the small outer area located outside the main columns interfere with the jamaah lines. This is caused by the columns which are
having unusual large sizing.
The height difference of the ceiling could determine the different sense of scale. The higher ceiling such as in Masjid Raja Alang
and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin could ignite grandeur feeling even though the size of the masjid is in smaller scale whereby a bigger
space with lower ceiling could bring humbleness to the masjid interior such as in Masjid Jamek and Masjid Raja Muda Musa

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Ablution Area

Figure 5-13 The male ablution Figure 5-14 The male ablution Figure 5-15 The male ablution Figure 5-16 Male Ablution area of
area area area Masjid Raja Alang
Source:
The ablution area is The current male ablution http://www.itc.gov.my/mosque/mas There was a well which was
jid-jamek-kuala-lumpur/ used for toilet usage and for
believed to be situated at area is the extended version
the east from the main and it is circular in shape. ablution on the early stage
This ablution area is
praying area. of masjid usage.
located near to the toilet
However, it is still under and it is detached from the
The male toilet and ablution
construction. area was located at the west
prayer hall.
The original water source The ablution is design
side from the main praying

could not be defined, thus hall while for the female is

without shading device and
the old ablution area is located at the south-east
using the ceramic tiles
remained unknown. from the praying area.
finishes.

Findings The masjids are having open ablution areas; which exhibits the traditional way of taking ablution for the male.
All the ablution areas and toilets are detached to the main building, except in Masjid Raja Muda Musa.

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Corridors
(aisle)

Figure 5-17 Courtyard of Masjid
Sultan Alaeddin
Source: http://dri-
masjid.blogspot.my/2008/01/masji
d-alaeddin-atau-masjid-
bandar.html
This masjid did not have
any verandah. However, it
has open space or also
could be considered as
front courtyard lies in
between the walled gate
and the entrance of the
masjid.
Figure 5-18 The left side corridor
The corridors in this
masjid are the extended
spaces in the masjid.
The corridor space had
been surrounded with
balustrades and gated to
ensure safety from stray
animals.
Figure 5-19 Masjid Jamek side Figure 5-20 Side corridor
courtyard
The corridors in this masjid
This masjid has corridor is located in between the
which connect the main praying hall with the
original building with the extension parts surrounding
extended verandah at the the masjid, which is the
right side from its muslimah praying area, the
entrance. side and the front verandah.
There is also courtyard This corridor was originally
which seems redundant facing the exterior of the
in usage and might be masjid. However, after
used for other purpose in underwent vast

the future development. renovations, it had been

covered and hidden from
the outside of the building.
Findings Corridors of masjids are usually used for purpose other than praying such as sitting, sharing knowledge and reading. However,
a big-sized corridor such as in Masjid Jamek and the courtyard of Masjid Sultan Alaeddin could be utilized for masjid events or
beneficial programmes for the outsiders.
Thus, the existence of the extra spaces such as corridors and courtyards are important to enable multipurpose usage of the masjid
as a centre of ibadah in variety form
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Mihrab

Figure 5-21 Horse-shoe arch Figure 5-22 The mihrab Figure 5-23 The mihrab Figure 5-24 The mihrab in Masjid
mihrab Raja Alang
Source: The mihrab is decorated This mihrab which is
https://akunizamhajizan.wordpress The current mihrab in
.com/category/building/page/2/ wooden arch and the shape is practically designed for one
Masjid Raja Alang is
in pentagon. person with a horse shoe
The mihrab is having constructed seven (7) years
The usage of it seems less design that located in the
horseshoe shape and after the mihrab
effective as the mimbar had middle of prayer hall.
decorated with timber demolished. Nowadays, the
been placed between the Besides, this mihrab is
cladding. The inner-side mihrab has not being fully
mihrab and the jamaah. provided with the chandelier
of the mihrab is oblique in utilised.
for the lighting purpose.
shape and the outer-side is According to Azmir
in rectangular shape. (2016), this is due to the
current saf prayer is not
continuously connected
because of two (2) columns
in between the saf. Thus,
imam has to start the saf
right between the columns
so that the first saf could
start right before the
columns.

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Findings The mihrab for all the masjids are having different styles.
Masjid Raja Alang consists of the simplest style, which is rectangular in shape, as the mihrab itself is having circulation towards
the meeting room at the left side of the mihrab.
All the three mihrab are not fully functional for the imams as the current imam are mostly having better comfort spot leading
the jamaah at few steps behind.
The real function of the mihrab itself seems redundant for all the masjids because most of the safs start from the first jamaah
line.

5.5.3 Structural System

Name of the Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Masjid Raja Muda Musa Masjid Jamek Masjid Raja Alang
Masjid
Column

Figure 5-25 Flying-buttress Figure 5-26 Simple rectangular Figure 5-27 The column at Masjid Figure 5-28 Loadbearing column
columns column Jamek at the corridor.
Source: http://dri-
The original structural
masjid.blogspot.my/2008/01/masji The columns are normal
d-alaeddin-atau-masjid-
The columns located in the
system at the main prayer
bandar.html rectangular-shaped, located
main prayer hall are
hall and the ablution area
linearly nearby to the walls
The column is a load- arranged in three polygon
are similar, square in shape.
of the masjid in order to
bearing structure which shapes.
It follows the local
support the beam at the top,
supports the upper part of These polygonal-arranged
principle and philosophy of
together with the ridge of
the building. The columns are vital to the
Meru style for one central
the roof.
additional columns which domes structures above the
column is flanked by three
building.
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are similar as flying- The racks to store Quran (3) columns having the
buttress structure also and books were embedded central column higher than
important to support the in the columns. the three columns.
dome structure at the top- The joint system is mortise
most part of the masjid. and tenon, a joint system
that holds two (2) timber
planks and being nailed.
Thus, there were only four
(4) central columns and 12
supporting columns at the
early construction of the
masjid.
Findings Incredibly, both Masjid Raja Alang and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin are having the same type of column in the main praying hall.
Those are load-bearing columns with flying-buttress like structure. These columns are essential to support the above roofing
which also could carry the load of the dome above.
This type of construction is a rare case in around Malay Peninsula, because of the masjids are having post-and-beam system.
Thus, the type of construction could be considered to be built by only specific individual.
Arches

Figure5-29 The arches Figure 5-30 The arches Figure 5-31 The arches Figure 5-32 The horse-shoe arch
Source:
http://www.itc.gov.my/mosque/mas
jid-sultan-alauddin/

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Findings The arches for Masjid Jamek is of the far different between all the masjids and having a clear Mughal style. This could probably
influence by different master builders.
The arches of Masjid Raja Alang and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin are the most similar in shape, meanwhile Masjid Raja Muda Musa
is having almost the same as both of the masjids, but the arch is sharper.

Roof

Figure 5-33 The pitch roof Figure 5-34 The pitch roof Figure 5-35 flat roof design Figure 5-36 Pitch-roof design
Source:
http://artmelayu.blogspot.my/2007/ The roof is slightly This masjid is designed The masjid was once
09/masjid-alaeddin-di-jugra-
alaedin-mosque.html inclined towards with onion-shaped domes. having the same roof
downwards, starting The whole masjid is features as Masjid Sultan
The masjid is having two
from the main dome. covered with parapet wall Alaeddin. However, after
levels of pitch roofs which
The slight inclination surrounded by gutter to several renovations, the
end at the crenallations
causes the roof to be ensure smooth water rain character had been partly
which surround the whole
unseen from human movement. diminished.
wall structure.
view.
Findings Masjid Raja Alang and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin are originally having very close similarities in terms of the masjid form.
The similar roof design between Masjid Raja Alang and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin had been diminished because of the vast
renovation in the structure of Masjid Raja Alang.
Even though both of the masjids were similar in terms of form and detailing, the similarities had been faded upon the renovation
which had been done without considering the preservation of original structure.

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Windows

Figure 5-37 The backside of the Figure 5-38 Triple Jalousie Figure 5-39 Screen Lattice Fixed Figure 5-40 The backside of
masjid. window Window masjid
Source:
https://akunizamhajizan.wordpress The windows in this At the al-qibla wall, this In every part of the walls,
.com/category/building/page/2/
masjid are designed with masjid is design with the windows are located side
The masjid was designed normal rectangular fixed window. by side to maximize the
with vast amount of latticed-glass materials. natural daylight
horse-shoe type windows penetration through the
in every side of the building.
building to enable However, the windows
maximum amount of located at the uppermost
day-lighting. structure had been
covered with plastic
panels to avoid
penetration of wainwater
to the interior space.
Findings Both Masjid Raja Alang and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin were primarily design with thought to enable the buildings function well
with the surrounding context as well to maximize the usage span. Unfortunately, with renovation which had been decided
without thorough studies, the passive design that supposed to function in the buildings could not be fully benefited. This case
also lead to increasing electrical usage in order for the building occupants to achieve thermal comfort.

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5.5.4 Other Elements

Name of the Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Masjid Raja Muda Musa Masjid Jamek Masjid Raja Alang
Masjid
Stair

Figure 5-41 Spiral staircase Figure 5-42 Spiral staircase inside Figure 5-43 The spiral staircase Figure 5-44 Linear staircase
located in minaret minaret inside building nearby the entrance

The staircase is spiral and The staircase is made of The staircase to the The staircase is linear,
made of concrete. concrete and seems minaret is designed using which it is located nearby
The path is made for redundant in use. steel material. the main entrance of the
occupancy of a person at masjid.
a time.

Findings Different types of staircase materials might be affected by the construction cost of the masjid itself.
Masjid Raja Alang is the only one masjid compared to the other three, having linear-typed staircase; most probably because of
the lower height of the minaret.

Domes

Figure 5-45 The meru roofs Figure 5-47 Mughal style dome
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Masjid Raja Alang, Beranang, Selangor Chapter 5, Comparative Studies

Source: http://e- Figure 5-46 Half-spherical dome Figure 5-48 Domes of Masjid Raja
masjid.jais.gov.my/index.php/profa shape This masjid have 3 big Alang
il/show/id/194
dome designed with There are two (2) half
There are basically total
There are main domes onion-shaped on the top spherical-shaped domes
of three domes.
located at the top of the of the prayer hall. which believed to have
The middle dome is the
Meru roof, together with The central dome is the influence of Dutch
biggest one and it is
the top of the minarets about 21.3 meter high style whereas the three (3)
supported by Meru roof
located at the entrance of and surrounded with the hexagonal segmented
designed in the main
the masjid with the other two domes. domes are influence from
praying area.
minaret nearby the In 1990s, the central Neo-Classical style.
entrance of the masjid. dome was collapsed and The dome is now gold in
later it was rebuilt again. colour, painted about two
(2) years ago gives a new
character to the masjid.
Another two domes were
located at the top of the
Meru roof and the minaret
which located at the front
part of the masjid.

Findings All of the masjids are having domes; which actually imitate the foreign architectural styles, instead of having local styles.
Each of the domes is different in shapes and materials. This matter might be affected by the local materials available in the
surrounding area, the total construction expenditure or the preferred method of construction chosen by the architect himself.

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Masjid Raja Alang, Beranang, Selangor
Minaret
Figure 5-49 The minarets of
Masjid Sultan Alaeddin
Source: http://e-
It is located at the right side
masjid.jais.gov.my/index.php/profa
il/show/id/194
The minaret is located at
the west side from the main
praying hall and attached to
It has six side of wall with
the main building of the
masjid.
It is having two levels of
balconies.
It has six sides of wall.
Figure 5-50 The minarets Figure 5-51 The minarets
The minarets were
from the masjid entrance constructed using brick.
and also considered as
It is having two levels of
attached to the part of the
balconies.
main building.
It has six sides of wall.
The roof is design using
only one balcony.
pitched roof and finished
with exposed tiles.
Chapter 5, Comparative Studies
Figure 5-52 The minaret of
Masjid Raja Alang
The minaret is located at
the frontage of masjid,
which it could also be
considered as part of the
structure attached to the
masjid main building.
The minaret is different
from most of the minarets
around Selangor because of
its medium height.
Uniquely, it has multiple
functions; to cater the load
of the mezzanine level
which was once a place for
athan (call for prayer), as
well as to support the
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Masjid Raja Alang, Beranang, Selangor Chapter 5, Comparative Studies

second highest semi-

spherical dome.

Findings The minarets are all carrying domes at the top of them.
Masjid Sultan Alaeddin and Masjid Jamek are having almost similar characteristics in terms of height and the minaret characteristics
such as the shapes and balconies. This close proximity might be caused by the architects influence to the following architecture
style.
Masjid Raja Alang is the only one having no distinctive minaret but the one with the middle height attached to the front of the
masjid. This type of minaret is in different kind rather than all the compared masjids.

Mimbar

Figure 5-53 Mimbar of Masjid
Sultan Alaeddin
Source:
https://akunizamhajizan.wordpress
.com/category/building/page/2/
The mimbar is having a
royal appearance whereby
it is decorated with gold-
painted colour and the
Figure 5-54 The golden mimbar Figure 5-55 Simple minaret of Figure 5-56 Mihrab of Masjid
Masjid Jamek Raja Alang.
The mihrab is having three
This mimbar is located in The mimbar in this masjid
steps and the decoration
front of the mihrab. has three (3) steps before its
looks grandeur with some
gold ornamentation. This mihrab is made up of landing, where the
timber and having simple microphone and the rehal
The golden ornamentation
detailings in each of the (a book or script
shows sense of grandeur
surfaces. placement) are ready for
and applied special

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Masjid Raja Alang, Beranang, Selangor Chapter 5, Comparative Studies

height is a little bit higher characteristic to the the imam. The three steps
than a normal mimbar. appearance of the mimbar. are influence from Parsi.
It was a very special Originally, the steps going
mimbar as it had been used up are facing the qiblat.
by the only one Sultan who Due to several reasons and
has the willingness to unwanted occasion
deliver Friday sermon; happened, the mimbar has
Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman turned 180 degrees, for its
Shah. steps going up are facing
the Jemaah until now. The
pulpit post has been altered
to lower the height of the
mimbar. Thus, the mimbar
can be inserted to the
mihrab.

Findings The mimbars are having almost the same height with the same number of steps (3 steps) except the mimbar in Masjid Sultan
Alaeddin.
Special-designed mimbar which was adorned with gold colour is indicating royal identity.
The higher position of mimbar deck for Masjid Sultan Alaeddin indicates difference of individual in status, as the Masjid had
been used by Sultan Alaeddin himself for Friday sermons.

176