Al-Firdaus Mosque in Choa Chu Kang to close in early 2030s when new Tengah mosque is ready

SINGAPORE – After serving the Muslim community in Choa Chu Kang for more than 60 years, Al-Firdaus Mosque will close its doors when a

new mosque

in Tengah is completed in the early 2030s.

But its name will live on in the Tengah mosque, which will adopt it to honour the 63-year-old mosque’s historical significance to the community.

Located in Jalan Ibadat – within a large land parcel intended for longer-term redevelopment – the mosque’s usual patrons include regular personnel from the Home Team Academy, which is located opposite, and workers residing in nearby dormitories.

The mosque, built in 1962, currently operates under a temporary occupation licence. The land it sits on will be returned to the state when the mosque ceases operations.

Making the announcement on Nov 28 at the mosque after Friday prayers, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said the mosque has played an important role in nurturing the community’s religious life.

“I understand that many congregants will miss it dearly as it has been a place where (the) community has come together to build bonds,” he said.

Keeping the name Al-Firdaus for the new Tengah mosque to be built in Forest Drive will preserve the mosque’s legacy, said Associate Professor Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim announcing the closure of the Al-Firdaus Mosque on Nov 28.

ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

He added that when completed in the early 2030s, the new mosque will be able to serve Muslims across Tengah, Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang because of its expanded capacity and resources. These are towns that have seen new housing developments spring up in recent years.

Design development for the Tengah mosque, announced earlier in 2025, is slated to start in 2027. Meanwhile, Al-Firdaus Mosque will continue to operate until development plans are firmed up and the new mosque is ready to open.

Mr Rawi Ahmed, 70, the mosque’s vice-chairman, said that during the transition period, efforts will be made to ensure “business as usual”. These include investing in improved facilities and maintaining the prayer hall in the best condition possible.

Calling the mosque more than just a house of worship, he said it is where many friendships have been forged in a big “kampung” spirit.

“For many families, it is where their children took their first step in Islamic education. It is where we have celebrated important Muslim events… This sacred role will not change during the transition as Masjid Al-Firdaus makes way for future development in this area,” he said.

He added that he is grateful to Prof Faishal for accepting the suggestion to preserve the name, heritage and legacy of Al-Firdaus at the new mosque in Tengah.

In line with plans for the new mosque to be built in Tampines North, Prof Faishal said a collaborative approach will be used in the design and development of the new Tengah mosque.

A committee comprising representatives from three mosque management boards – Al-Khair, Al-Firdaus and Ar-Raudhah – will oversee this development.

Prof Faishal said: “I’m confident that the committee will bring their decades of wisdom and expertise to ensure that the needs of the community in the area will be considered in every aspect of the new mosque planning and design.”

Mr Faizal Abdul Rahim, 49, executive chairman of Al-Khair Mosque, said the focus will be on designing and optimising spaces in the new mosque to cater to diverse community needs.

He said that as the committee moves into the early planning stages, it welcomes feedback from the community.

“Our work will begin with engaging stakeholders, including MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) and the residents, to better understand the needs on the ground,” he said, adding that their input will be an essential part of the planning process.

The last mosque to be closed was Masjid Kampong Holland in 2014. Built in 1974, the mosque made way for the redevelopment of Holland Village as a mixed-use project with retail, commercial and residential elements, as well as public spaces and pedestrian walkways.

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