Masjid Bencoolen celebrates 200 years of faith, heritage and service to the community

1. Masjid Bencoolen celebrated its 200th anniversary today, marking two centuries of faith, heritage and service to Singapore's Muslim community. Established in 1825, the mosque has been a place of worship, community gathering and belonging for generations of Muslims. The bicentennial celebration honoured the people who have shaped its history and highlighted the importance of preserving its legacy for future generations.

2. The celebration, held at Orchard Hotel, was graced by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Zaqy Mohamad. It brought together about 500 mosque leaders, volunteers, donors and members of the community, alongside the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) President, Mr Mohamed Sa'at Abdul Rahman and MUIS Chief Executive, Mr Kadir Maideen. 

Two centuries of faith and community service

3. Masjid Bencoolen traces its roots to Singapore's early Indian Muslim community, whose traders, labourers and settlers established the mosque as a place of worship and an anchor for the community in 1825. Over the past two centuries, the mosque has witnessed Singapore's transformation while continuing to serve generations of worshippers and their families.

4. Beyond its role as a place of worship, Masjid Bencoolen has brought people together through religious education, community activities and outreach. In one example of this commitment, the mosque's Chairman, a trained mediator with the Community Mediation Centre, goes the extra mile by offering weekly mediation services at the mosque, providing residents with accessible, on-the-ground support. The mosque also hosts bi-monthly Racial Harmony Gatherings that bring together students from surrounding Institutions of Higher Learning(“IHLs”), including SOTA, LaSalle and SMU, fostering dialogue and understanding across different backgrounds. Its enduring presence reflects the contributions of generations of mosque leaders, volunteers and worshippers who have helped sustain the institution and strengthen its bonds with the wider community.

Honouring generations of stewardship

5. Among those who have contributed to the mosque's legacy is Mr Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, who arrived in Singapore from Chennai as a young boy and found a sense of community and belonging at Masjid Bencoolen. He later gave back to the institution that had welcomed him, serving as Honorary Chairman of its Mosque Management Board and continuing his contributions as Vice-Chairman. His journey reflects the enduring spirit of service and stewardship that has sustained the mosque across generations.

6. In his address, Mr Zaqy highlighted Amanah, an Islamic concept of trust, stewardship and responsibility, as a defining value in Masjid Bencoolen's history. He described the mosque's legacy as Amanah is not a static inheritance, it is a living obligation, one that must be received, honoured and passed on from generation to generation.He encouraged the mosque and its community to continue nurturing younger generations, strengthening bonds across communities and ensuring that Masjid Bencoolen remains a welcoming institution for the next 200 years and beyond.

Preserving the mosque's history for future generations

7. As part of the bicentennial celebration, a commemorative coffee table book, “Masjid Bencoolen 200 Years - Celebrating Two Centuries of Faith and Service,” since 1825, was launched to document the mosque's 200-year journey. The publication chronicles the mosque's formative years from 1825, tracing how it evolved from its earliest beginnings into the brick landmark it is today, and how successive upgrades have allowed it to better serve the needs of the community across generations. It brings together the people, stories and milestones that have shaped the mosque, preserving the contributions of past generations for future generations to appreciate. Readers can look forward to rare archival photographs and historical accounts that offer a window into chapters of the mosque's history not previously documented, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Singapore's religious and community heritage.

8. As Masjid Bencoolen enters its third century, its bicentennial serves as both a celebration of its rich history and a reminder of the responsibility to carry its legacy forward. Looking ahead, the mosque is committed to engaging younger generations through programmes, including leadership development retreats for aspiring youth volunteers, as well as community work with less fortunate families that foster the spirit of giving. The mosque will continue to play an important role in nurturing faith, strengthening community bonds and providing a welcoming space for all, ensuring that the values and traditions that have sustained Masjid Bencoolen for 200 years remain alive and meaningful for generations to come.
   
   Chairman’s Quote: “One of our key priorities is nurturing the next generation of mosque leaders and volunteers. Our vision is to see more youth come onboard, not just as participants, but as stewards of Masjid Bencoolen's legacy for the next 200 years.”