Masjid Al-Abrar

Masjid Al-Abrar, also known as the Chulia Mosque, was founded in 1827 on Telok Ayer Street in the heart of Chinatown. It is one of the oldest mosques in the city, and is part of the Jamae Chulia Waqaf, a Tamil Muslim foundation.

The early Tamil Muslim settlers built a simple thatched hut as their mosque, and it acquired the Tamil name of Kuchu Palli. It served as a space for daily prayers, religious teachings, and even for mediating community disputes. As the community expanded, a permanent structure was needed, and between 1850 and 1855, a brick and plaster mosque was built. This new structure, which can now accommodate approximately 800 worshippers, reflects elements of Indo-Islamic architecture, as seen in its distinctive minaret-like towers and narrow façade.

As with many other mosques, it is managed by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. Today, Al-Abrar Mosque remains a cornerstone for the Indian Muslim community, but it welcomes worshippers from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Beyond its religious significance, Al-Abrar’s historical value and contribution to Singapore's cultural heritage prompted the government to declare it a national monument in 1974. 



For more information
“Masjid Al-Abrar,” Wikipedia. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_Al-Abrar
“Al-Abrar Mosque,” RootsSG. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/al-abrar-mosque

தமிழில் வாசிக்க

Return to home page

About the Encyclopedia

The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.