History

Sandakan District Mosque was built in 1985 and completed in 1989, it is the main mosque for the Sandakan district . The mosque was officially opened in 1990. 

Urban and Architectural

The mosque structure Is dominated by the tapered square pyramid that sits on the Islamic geometrical pattern layout plan, The Iwo-storeyed building houses the main prayer hall on the upper floor and general areas on the ground floor. The slender sculptured minaret and a customized water lank structure are also placed near to the mosque building.

The pyramidal structure is reminiscent of a vernacular mosque design of the region with its slanting roof form located above the main prayer hall. It is uniquely surmounted with a pointed modern interpretation of a dome finished in concrete with zigzag patterns made of glass mosaic and a copper crescent pinnacle, The whole bulling is harmoniously clad in a light grey finish which reflects its modernist approach together with the restraint use of the many traditional embellishments.

The mosque is accorded an expansive prayer area following an eight-sided distinguishable Islamic geometrical motif taken to be its base plan, Each side is equipped with staircases end on one side. An identifiable main entrance staircase is placed. The open vast area which is also a covered veranda area acts as an overspill praying area. The abundant natural lighting from across the space illuminates the vast column-free main prayer hall, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.

However, the natural light which filters through the glass wall is shaded by the metal louvres attached to its frame along with its side secondary top hung clerestory windows located near the base of the dome.To create continuity, the interior of the pyramid follows the exterior at the dome with the zigzag palters of its timber celling.

The mihrab features a more traditional design. The build-timber mihrab was made using timber framing and paneling with a polygonal orch. The mimbar, on the other hand, is akin to the previous elevated platform mimbar, but moulded in timber paneling. Along with the natural ventilation for cooling, the main prayer hall is aired with the use of freestanding fans, which are arranged adequately throughout the main prayer hall.

Description

Sandakan District Mosque is one of the mosques located in Sandakan, Sabah. It is under the administration of the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS). The Sandakan District Council was first built with the intention and purpose to provide facilities, especially for Muslims around Sandakan to carry out their acts of worship such as five -hour prayers, Friday prayers, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri prayers, Hari Raya Aidil Adha prayers.as well as other religious activities. With the construction of this mosque, it is also a good sign because the mosque is a place and unification of the Muslim community in all matters of life whether related to worldly or ukhrawi matters.

References

https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_Daerah_Sandakan

Aziz, A. A., 2016. MASJID - Selected Mosques and Musollas in Malaysia, ATSA Architects Sdn. Bhd.