TUMPAT — A deep interest in wooden architecture led Mohd Arpi Arifin, 45, to build a mosque in Kampung Belukar, Wakaf Bharu here centering on the architecture of Istana Balai Besar and Kelantan Malay houses.
He said his experience serving at Istana Balai Besar for five years was what inspired him to stay close to the original architecture of the land of Cik Siti Wan Kembang in building the mosque.
“Mosques have a pivotal place in the lives of Muslims besides helping to strengthen the bond between residents.
“Therefore, I hope that with Masjid Iktikaf Ibadul Rahman, we can strengthen the brotherhood of the residents, as well as highlight its (mosque) architectural features,” he told Bernama.
Mohd Arpi, a father of five, said he chose the name of the mosque based on verses in the Al-Quran in Surah Al-Furqan verses 63 to 74 in which ‘Ibad’ means servants and ‘Ar-Rahman’ means Allah the Most Beneficent.
“I hope that all activities in the mosque will serve to generate fine and caring souls and at the same time can have a positive impact on the family, community and country,” he said.
Elaborating further, Mohd Arpi said the mosque was built with 80 per cent ‘seraya kitam’ and ‘seraya merah’ wood and 20 per cent with Cengal and Merbau wood which were sourced from Kelantan and Terengganu.
“The choice of wood is very important and only matured wood that has been dried naturally should be used to ensure the quality and durability of the mosque.
“I began collecting the wood since 2018, and thank God it only took two years to complete the building,” he said, adding that the mosque began operating early this year.
He said among the aesthetic values of Kelantanese Malay art that were maintained in the construction of the mosque included the sky point and ornate windows.
“These aesthetic values are strong characters in the architecture of traditional houses in Kelantan. These can also be seen in old houses for example the windbreaks to facilitate ventilation and also decorations found on the roof, that resemble duck tails.
“It is not easy to do this traditional art and only certain skilled craftsmen can produce it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Noor Sofea Qistina Abdul Rahman, 31, who was at the mosque to view its architecture, said she did not want to miss the opportunity to visit the mosque after learning about it on social media.
She said the construction of the mosque is very unique, especially with its unique wood-carved art, and preserving Kelantan art for future generations.
“Being at the mosque rekindled memories of being in a village house in the old days. It was serene and peaceful to worship there,” she added.
— BERNAMA
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