The
National Mosque, with a capacity of 5000, is situated among five acres (13 hectares)
of beautiful gardens. Originally built in 1965, it was recently refurbished,
and now features marble floors, reflecting pools, fountains and a 73-meter high
minaret, sleek and stylish against the Kuala Lumpur skyline. An underground
passage leads to the boldly modern National Mosque located near the railway
station, along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Its bright blue jagged rooftop, designed
in the shape of an eighteen-pointed star, has the appearance of a partly opened
multi-fold umbrella-like roof which symbolizes the aspirations of an independent
nation. Its unique modern design embodies a contemporary expression of traditional
Islamic art calligraphy and ornamentation.