About Singapore

Many people marvel at the beauty of Singapore and her progressiveness. Most impressive to note is that she was formerly just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous settlement. Fast forward to today. Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city populated with high-rise buildings and landscape gardens. Brimming with a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is a dynamic city that’s rich in contrast and colour. In fact, you can even say that Singapore embodies the finest of both East and West. Malaysia at the time was comprised 13 states, including Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. In 1963 two federal territories were formed. Singapore later withdrew from the Federation in 1965.

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometres, making her one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region – hence the moniker “The Little Red Dot”.

Climate

As Singapore is located a mere 1.5 degrees north of the Equator, its weather is usually sunny with no distinct seasons. Rain falls almost daily throughout the year, usually in sudden, heavy showers that rarely last longer than an hour. However, most rainfall occurs during the northeast monsoon (November to January), occasionally featuring lengthy spells of continuous rain. Spectacular thunderstorms can occur throughout the year, any time during the day, so it's wise to carry an umbrella at all times. The temperature averages around: 30°C (84°F) daytime, 24°C (76°F) at night in December and January. 32°C (90°F) daytime, 26°C (81°F) at night for the rest of the year. http://www.singaporemalaysiatours.co.in

Singapore Culture

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled.The old streets of Chinatown can still be seen; the Muslim characteristics are still conspicuous in Arab Street; and Little India along Serangoon Road still has its distinct ambience.  Furthermore, there are marks of the British colonial influence in the Neo-Classical buildings all around the city.

Singapore language

English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are the official languages in Singapore, though English remains the most widely spoken since the various ethnic groups find it easier to communicate with each other in English. However the dialect popularity known as 'Singlish' (a fascinating mix of English with dialects of Singapore thrown in for good measure) is being widely used in Singapore. Interestingly the colloquial English spoken in Singapore borrows heavily on Malay words!  http://www.singaporemalaysiatours.co.in

Singapore food

Known as one of the global food capitals, Singapore is legendary for the sheer diversity, richness, and creativity of its culinary scene. One of the main drivers behind the spurt in Singapore tourism is its popularity in terms of food. Some of the Singaporean dishes that have acquired a cult status are Bak kut teh, Nasi lemak, Satay, Hokkien mee, Laksa, and Rojak. Singapore food does not disappoint on the seafood front either. One can sample a mind-boggling array of dishes rustled up with oysters, squids, clams, crabs, stingrays, and almost every living aquatic creature! In terms of cuisine, Singapore offers Indian, Chinese, French, Thai, Spanish, Indonesian, and Italian, and Fusion food to its locals and the large number of tourists that visit Singapore each year.You can find number of Indian restaurants in Little India area serving all regional Indian cusine.

Features

Al-Abrar Mosque is structured facing Mecca, over an area of about 448.7 sq. m. The entire building of the mosque has been kept in a simple manner. The architectural style of the monument is of Islamic style and is much similar to that of Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam.

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Before the mosque was a single storey building, the second storey to this monument was added to it during the renovations from 1986 to 1989. During this period of renovation, the prayer hall of the mosque was enlarged and an upper gallery was added to the enclosed courtyard. While the outer walls of the monument have been kept simple, the interior features include French windows which are topped with fanlights and colored glass.

The mihrab of mosque was also enlarged during the renovation and the inscription above it was taken from Surah Al-Fatehah of the Holy Koran.

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As of now, the renovations made to the mosque have increased the capacity of this place, which has risen to 900 people to its earlier 500 people. Contrasting to other neighboring masjids, which spring to life in the evening, this mosque remains relatively calm except for its occasional Tafsir Al-Quran, the Al-Quran interpretation courses.

History

Since the year 1822, the Chulias, Tamil Muslims from the coastal areas of South India were among the earliest immigrants of Singapore. These immigrants lived and earned their livelihood around the Singapore River and have their residence established in the Telok Ayer Street area. The earlier simple structure of the Al-Abrar Mosque was established in 1827, hence giving rise to its Tamil name, Kuchu Palli. The word ‘Kuchu’ means hut and the word ‘Palli’ means mosque. The mosque also has a malay name attached to it as Masjid Chulia or Chulia Mosque.

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The structure of the mosque that you can see at this place was structured between the years 1850 to 1855. The monument was structured on the land that was originally granted on lease for about 999 years to a trustee for the Tamil Muslim community, Hadjee Puckery Mohamed Khatib bin Shaik Mydinas. Later on 21st November 1910, the court appointed new trustees to look after the management of the mosque, namely K. Mohamed Eusope, Thambyappa Rarooter, S. Kanisah Maricayar, V. M. Kader Bux and J. Sultan Abdul Kader. These men were also appointed as trustees to the Nagore Durgha Shrine, which lies on the same street of the mosque.

The mosque under minor renovation during the 1980s and additional alterations were also made to it between the years 1986 to 1989. Haji Mohamed Yusoff Hameed, a volunteer as well as the secretary of the mosque since 1974, was the chief person behind the development of the mosque.

More information

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Al-Abrar Mosque

Al-Abrar Mosque is also known as the Masjid Chulia or Chulia Mosque, as it was built by the donations of the Chulias and the Tamil Muslims of Indian origin. The mosque was established in the year 1827 and is situated at 192 Telok Ayer Street, in the renowned Chinatown area of Singapore. The structure of the mosque that you can see today was constructed between the years 1850 to 1855 and was declared a National Monument on 19th November 1974.

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