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Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque Pettah-by McKay Savage-

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque also referred to as Samman Kottu Palli, Rathu Palliya, Red Masjid, or the Red Mosque is a revered mosque.

It is situated in Pettah on Second Cross Street. Being one of Colombo’s oldest mosques, the mosque is a well-liked tourist destination. It is a masterpiece of world architecture.

Its large minarets can be seen from practically every street and tower over the commotion of the busy neighborhood streets in Colombo’s bustling Pettah sector, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

It is stated that the Red Mosque has served as a beacon for sailors heading toward the port of Colombo, and upon first glance, one can readily picture such to be the case.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.

1. The mosque is among Colombo’s oldest mosques

Red Masjid-by Kaveen Weerarathna-

The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque’s construction began in 1908, and it was finished in 1909.

The local Indian Muslim community, centered in Pettah, commissioned the mosque to accommodate their mandatory five times daily prayers and Jummah on Fridays.

It resembles the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which was constructed in 1910.

Some contend that sailors approaching the port recognized the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque as the landmark of Colombo before other markers were constructed.

2. It is one of the architectural wonders of the world

One of the world’s architectural wonders is the Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid. It is a hybrid architectural style that mixes Gothic revival and Neo-classical features with local Indo-Islamic and Indian architectural characteristics.

Its large minarets can be seen from practically every street and tower over the commotion of the busy neighborhood streets in Colombo’s bustling Pettah sector, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

3. It is a remarkable two-story structure with red and white candy-striped siding

Dome of mosque-by Ayshaahmeddd-

The mosque is a striking two-story, candy-striped red and white structure with a clock tower that is evocative of Malaysia’s Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

Whether swirling, whirling, or alternating, the mosque’s distinctive red-and-white pattern is highly captivating.

Contrary to the conventional onion shape, the domes are constructed in pomegranate shapes, and the vibrant brick patterns are intended to evoke the same sentiment.

4. It served as a landmark for ships approaching Colombo’s harbor

Since it was constructed in 1908, it is stated that the Red Mosque has served as a beacon for sailors heading toward the port of Colombo before other markers were constructed.

Upon first glance, one can readily picture such to be the case.

5. The mosque is a popular tourist site in the city

Water pots-by Ayshaahmeddd-

Whether created by a skilled builder or a less-than-skilled one, Colombo Red Mosque’s peculiar architecture completely out of character for conventional Muslim mosques put it in a bad light.

Words cannot express how thrilling it is to witness the mosque’s tall domes and minarets from Pettah’s bustling bazaars, markets, and streets.

This holy structure was built with Indi-Saracenic design, although there are many Persian touches throughout, such as the minarets. 

 Pettah is unique, with its winding streets and shops stocked to the brim with every imaginable good but the sight of this beautiful structure standing above it all, though, is incomparable.

This oldest mosque is actually a fascinating tourist site when mixed with even odd color patterns of red and white in whirling form.

6. In 1975, the mosque’s capacity was extended to as much as 10,000

The building originally had enough for 1,500 worshipers, although at the time only about 500 people were attending prayers.

With the help of the Haji Omar Trust, the mosque bought a number of the nearby properties in 1975 and started construction on an addition to the mosque that would raise its capacity to 10,000.

7. What to wear to Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque

Both men and women are allowed entry here, but you must dress appropriately, cover your head, and adhere to local norms.

The unconventional red tone has won the name, ‘red mosque’, for this beauty. The front of the store includes western-style clothing, purses, lingerie, etc.

8. How To Reach Colombo Red Mosque

The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is situated in Pettah, a bustling neighborhood less than 4 kilometers from the center of Colombo.

Both a bus and a tuk-tuk can be used to go to the mosque with ease. If you’re traveling by bus, you must alight at Petta Central Bus Station and proceed 800 meters on foot down 2nd Cross Street.

If you board a tuk-tuk, they will deliver you right in front of the mosque. Observe that Fridays and times of prayer may be too busy for visits.

practical information

opening hours: Mon-Sun; 4 am-10 pm

Address: 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka

phone:

9. The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community

Through interactions with commerce ships run by Moor traders between Serendib (the Old Persian/Arabic name for Sri Lanka) and other ports in the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, Islam was introduced to Sri Lanka.

Colombo had traditionally been a friendly center for international trade that was heavily populated by Arabs.

They had to carry out their five-time daily routines that were required. Because of this, the construction of a mosque in Pettah was given to the Indian Muslim Community.

Works commenced in 1908, and the construction of the Colombo Red Mosque (Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque) was finished in just a year.

10. The mosque goes by several names

Red Mosque-by FarahN10-

It is known informally as the Samman Kottu Palli, Rathu Palliya, Red Masjid, or Kolomba Kotuwa Rathu Palliya.

The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is also known as  Kolomba Fort Red Mosque in Sinhala, Kolomba Kotuwa Rathu Palliya in roman, and Masjidul Jamiul Afar in Tamil. Also, its referred to as the Red Mosque.

The Colombo Red Mosque, also referred to as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is a true architectural marvel for the world, assuaging you with its odd color patterns and unique but stunning architecture.

It is ranked #3 Important Religious Institutions in Colombo. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of Colombo’s most iconic structures and the city’s most significant mosque.