On the island of Bukom, lies Singapore’s southernmost mosque open to more than 300 workers during the congregational Friday prayer.
In the 1950s, there was another mosque on the western part of the island, opposite Pulau Ular according to Juhari Sakom, 49, who was born and raised on the island.
He adds that the island was a strategic place. “It was a transit point for islanders from Pulau Sudong or Pulau Seking, either for work or even a place to pray especially during the congregational Friday prayer,” he said. That mosque has been demolished and he is unsure when.
Shell staff and other workers make their way to Pulau Bukom mosque for the weekly congregational prayer on Friday. Currently, the mosque – five minutes walk from the jetty – is the only functioning mosque on Singapore’s offshore islands.
Every Friday at about noon, Juhari and his friend, Mohamed Arsad Salim, 59, would arrive early at the Bukom mosque from their respective work areas dressed in their safety overalls. They both work for petroleum giant Shell. Currently, the mosque – five minutes walk from the jetty – is the only functioning mosque on Singapore’s offshore islands.
It was a transit point for islanders from Pulau Sudong or Pulau Seking, either for work or even a place to pray especially during the congregational Friday prayer.
Juhari Sakom, works for Shell and was born on Pulau Bukom
Both Arsad (left) and Juhari (right) are members of the Pulau Bukom Mosque association and they volunteer their time ensuring the smooth operation of the mosque. Mohamed Arsad was appointed president of the association in the 1980s when one former president had to work at Pulau Seraya. Though the presidency has changed hands a few times till today, he has helmed it for 10 years and remains the only person qualified by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to lead the Friday prayer.
Arsad, who leads the sermon and prayer, would change into traditional attire while re-reading his notes at the minbar, similar to a pulpit where he will deliver the sermon later. Usually, he receives the sermon from MUIS by Wednesday evening. He takes time to study the text first to deliver his sermon well.
As president and having worked on the island for over forty years, he is glad that there is a place for congregational prayers and also where people can come together to feel the gotong-royong (mutual help) spirit. During the fasting month, porridge will be distributed to everyone for breaking fast.
The mosque can cater close to 300 workers people during the congregational Friday prayer. It serves the Muslim staff from Shell and also other nationalities such as Indonesians, Bangladeshis and visitors from the Gulf countries. A live transmission of the sermon is available so that others outside of the main prayer hall can view Mohamed Arsad deliver the sermon.
Once the prayer ends, Mohamed Arsad shakes hands with as many of the attendees as possible to say good bye and give thanks.
Meanwhile for Juhari, he wears his socks and later his shoes before making his way back to his work station for the rest of the day. In the changing room at the mosque, Mohamed Arsad changes back to his safety overalls and declares his task done – till next week.
He adds that unlike mosques on the main island, they do not have that many activities. “Once work is over, many will want to head home straight,” he said.
Once work is over, many will want to head home straight.
Mohamed Arsad, President of Pulau Bukom Mosque Association
Cover photo courtesy of Abdullah Lasiman.