First Phase Reopening of Masjid Bencoolen

6 January 2023

Consecration Ceremony (Perwakafan)

1. Masjid Bencoolen which seats along the bustling Bencoolen Street opens its doors today for 300 congregants to perform the first Friday prayer led by Mufti of Singapore Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir. The session was also attended by Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli along with Muis senior management.

2. Prior to the prayer, Dr Nazirudin led the consecration ceremony signifying the start of prayer activities and other religious programmes in the refurbished mosque. This also marks the first phase reopening of the mosque which began works late in 2019 after progress was hampered due to pandemic restrictions. The full reopening of the mosque is scheduled to take place between March and April this year.

3. Originally built between 1825 and 1828, the mosque was rebuilt in 2004 and is well-known with workers and students frequenting the lively central district. Now, the mosque had undergone a major $4 million reconstruction and upgrading works to fulfil the demand for prayer space and religious activities. Masjid Bencoolen is now equipped with better facilities as well as improved accessibility for all congregants.

4. During his speech, Chairman of the Mosque Management Board of Masjid Bencoolen, Haji Mohamed Rafiq said:

“Today’s event is a huge milestone that charts a new chapter for Masjid Bencoolen. I feel privileged to be part of this efforts – this is only just the beginning, there will be greater things to come for Masjid Bencoolen and the community. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to mosque and community leaders, and most importantly, the generous donors and our jemaah (congregants) for your strong support throughout the upgrading process and for your presence to commemorate this joyous occasion”.

MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM SINGAPURA