Singapores impressive Abdul Gaffoor Mosque is located in the citys Little India locale and was created for the use of Indian Muslims. The buildings architecture is unmistakably derived from the traditions of the Islamic regions of the Indian subcontinent and bears a resemblance to Singapores Nagore Durgha Shrine. The Abdul Gaffoor Mosque is strikingly painted in dazzling white, outlined in green and cream hues. The buildings pediment is elaborately decorated with the use of stucco, with the image of a sun at its centre; this design is shown to radiate 25 beams of light, each representing an Islamic prophet.
Many distinctive architectural features may be seen at this important place of worship. The main prayer hall is elevated from the ground and is bordered by verandahs at its sides and entrance. The hall is directed towards Mecca and therefore is not aligned with the adjoining street. Panels displaying calligraphic inscriptions are a prominent feature at the mosque with one holding pride of place over the entrance. The cupola centrally located in the prayer hall is buttressed by four massive columns which create semicircular arches. This cupola is ornamented with round and square calligraphic inscriptions.
When seen from the outside, the cupola is seen as a hexagon shaped tower which appears to have three levels. Minarets may be seen at the corner points of the hexagon, topped by onion-shaped dome structures with a star and a crescent moon at the apex.
The mosque is located in the Kampong Kapor area where many Indian Muslims settled down in years past. Formerly there existed another mosque dating to 1846 on the site, known as Masjid Al-Abrar which was constructed in timber; this place of worship served the religious requirements of the Baweanese horse trainers and syces as well as Muslim merchants from South India.
The construction of the mosque one sees today was spearheaded by Shaik Abdul Gaffoor, a chief clerk in a legal establishment. Construction of the new mosque commenced in 1907, and was completed after Gaffoors death by his son.
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