Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1). 

There was an irresistible pull to go inside, a call I couldn’t ignore. My two friends were not keen, but they didn’t stop me. There was also the element of whether I would be allowed to visit, the doubt running through my mind. Yet I braved myself, and, despite being clueless about the procedures, I walked into the compound of Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah just as the evening prayer had ended (VARANASI GANGES, CHENNAI DISCOVERY & KATAGARAMA SACRED TRAILS). 

I asked a person leaving the mosque for guidance, and he pointed me inside. At the counter, the attendant kindly informed me that I should return during the designated times for tourists and visitors. As I walked back to my friends and waited, I found myself checking my watch repeatedly, my excitement growing with each passing minute. The mosque standing majestically, and an indescribable aura seemed to glow from it, stirring emotions within me that I couldn’t quite explain. The profound sense of reverence and anticipation was overwhelming, filling me with a deep and unexpected emotional resonance.

The Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque, also known as Masjid Negeri Pahang (Sultan Ahmad 1), is a prominent and architecturally stunning mosque in Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, Malaysia. Completed in 1993 and named after Sultan Ahmad Shah, the first Sultan of Pahang, this mosque serves as the state mosque and a central place of worship for the local Muslim community.

 

Its grand design features a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural elements, with a striking blue dome and intricate calligraphy adorning its walls. The mosque’s architecture is significant for its harmonious fusion of classical and contemporary styles, symbolizing the unity of tradition and progress. The mosque can accommodate thousands of worshippers, making it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in the region.

 

When the time arrived, I walked in and was given a jubah. A humble young guy accompanied me inside, sharing much information about the mosque and ensuring I abided by the regulations for tourists. He was curious about my reasons for visiting the mosque and my religion. I told him, "God is God, no matter which religion," and mentioned that I am a Hindu. I also shared that as I passed by, I felt a strong calling to visit the mosque, which made him smile.

As I explored the mosque, I was deeply moved by its beauty and tranquility. Once I had seen the entire mosque, I thanked the young guide profusely, feeling he exemplified a true person of God. His humbleness and kindness touched me profoundly, and I couldn’t thank him enough. Walking out of the mosque, I smiled to myself, truly feeling that it was a divine calling that led me there, filling me with an incredible sense of peace and fulfilment.