As the train speeds across Yishun, one cannot help but be entranced by the architecture of the mosque, with a striking tower (better known as a minaret) that sets itself apart from the other buildings in the vicinity. For Masjid Darul Makmur, religion is only one part of its purpose, as there is a community within its walls.
Masjid Darul Makmur was established in Yishun in the 1980s. From the persistence of a group of about 102 Muslims in the area, a committee was established with other Muslims from neighbouring areas to support the building of the mosque that now overlooks Yishun Avenue 2. (Photo by NUR LIYANA BTE ROZAINI)
At approximately 1.30pm, the children of Masjid Darul Makmur are released from kindergarten class and head back home. The children are gathered in groups before bidding goodbye to their fellow peers. (PHOTO: DARIUS BOEY)
A child, who is enrolled in the mosque’s daycare centre, is still getting used to the shoelace-tying routine. He requires help from an adult in learning the process. (PHOTO: DARIUS BOEY)
As part of the mosque’s volunteer group, kindergarten helper Nooryana Safari helps out on weekdays at the mosque, with cleaning up after the kindergarten kids’ meals being the majority of her chores (PHOTO: LIYANA BTE ROZAINI)
The act of removing footwear before entering a mosque is generally to show respect, but the worry is not in the shoes themselves. To avoid staining holy grounds with ‘impurities’ it is practically easier to take them off than to wash them. Modern mosques also lay their floors with carpets, making it a messier affair to enter with shoes. (Photo by LAW ZHENG YUAN)
As the caretakers of the mosque, Abdullah and Ismail work together to carry the big empty pot that they had just cleaned into the storage area. The pot is usually used during the month of Ramadan for porridge making but it makes an appearance a few months early for spring cleaning. (Photo by NUR SYAFIQAH BINTE MUSA)
Before entering the prayer room for his prayers, Muslims like Mr Wan Firdaus are required to perform “wudhu” or ablution; the act of washing one’s self and ensuring that they are clean. (PHOTO: DARIUS BOEY)
As the students head for home after their afternoon religious class, Nur Fatilah cleans up and maintains a conducive learning environment for upcoming classes. She is a teacher’s aide and conducts religious class in the afternoon for students ranging from ages 12 to 19. (Photo by NUR SYAFIQAH BINTE MUSA)
