The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is the state mosque of Selangor, Malaysia, and is located in the city of Shah Alam. It is the largest mosque in Malaysia and the second largest in Southeast Asia by capacity. Its most iconic feature is the massive blue and silver dome, accompanied by four towering minarets—one positioned at each corner of the mosque.

Architecturally, the mosque blends traditional Malay design with modernist influences. It can accommodate up to 24,000 worshipers at once, and on clear days, it is visible from various vantage points in Kuala Lumpur. The main dome, made primarily of aluminium, has a diameter of 51.2 meters (167 feet) and rises to a height of 106.7 meters (350 feet). Each of the four minarets stands at 142.3 meters (460 feet) tall.

Malay and Islamic architectural motifs are thoughtfully integrated throughout the mosque’s design. Exquisite Arabic calligraphy (khat) embellishes the inner curve of the dome and sections of the walls, executed by renowned Egyptian calligrapher Sheikh Abdel Moneim Mohamed Ali El Sharkawi. Intricately designed aluminium grilles accent doorways, windows, and walls, while blue stained glass softens incoming sunlight, casting a peaceful, bluish glow across the interior. The mosque’s high ceilings feature triangular panels of red balau and ramin timber arranged in a crisscross pattern.

The dome’s exterior is sheathed in vitreous enamel-baked triangular steel panels, forming a rosette of Qur’anic verses. Inside, the main prayer hall spans two levels, is fully carpeted with fine Belgian worsted wool, and air-conditioned—making it one of the world’s largest of its kind. The upper gallery is reserved for female worshipers, while the ground floor houses administrative offices, conference and lecture rooms, a library, and a reception area.

Adjacent to the mosque is the Garden of Islamic Arts—a 14-hectare landscaped park modeled after the Quranic vision of Paradise (Jannah). It features nine galleries showcasing Islamic calligraphy, sculptures, paintings, and architecture. The park occasionally hosts traditional Islamic performances.

The main prayer hall is located on the first floor, with the women’s prayer gallery positioned above. For climate control, cool air is distributed through 24-pole ducts, and additional ventilation is provided by helicopter-style stand fans. Warm air is extracted by 24 exhaust fans installed around the base of the dome.

Surrounding the mosque is a spacious courtyard with a concealed fountain system. When the fountain is turned off, the area serves as an overflow prayer space. The high ceilings, open verandas, and latticed doors surrounding the main hall promote natural ventilation.

Inside the prayer hall, aluminium grilles in geometric arabesque patterns adorn the doors, windows, and walls. The blue stained glass continues to filter sunlight, fostering a tranquil ambiance. Most of the mosque’s interior is finished in Langkawi white marble, while granite stones are used for the walls.

Lighting within the prayer hall includes elegant hanging chandeliers, complemented by small pinball-style lights that create the impression of a starlit sky. The qibla wall features a mimbar (pulpit) carved from Kelantanese wood, modeled after the Prophet Muhammad’s mimbar. The mihrab (prayer niche) is a modern design, formed from layered white marble arches, and decorated with a wooden panel carved in a geometric motif.