Masjid Lama Jerangsang, Pahang - 1920

“When you cease to dream you cease to live...” - Malcolm Forbes

(Masjid Lama Jerangsang)

GPS: 4.002260, 102.088250
04°00′08.10″N 102°05′17.70″E

Following the directions given, we drove along Benta-Jerantut main road to Kampung Jeransang and found the small junction leading to Taman Hutan Lipur Ulu Jerangsang. From the junction we could see a small bridge and across the bridge was the green coloured Masjid Kg Jeransang situated at the foot of a hill. Masjid Lama Jeransang is located on top of a hill behind the new mosque.

(The junction to Taman Eko Rimba Jerangsang)

(A short distance to Masjid Kampung Jerangsang)

(Two merbau trees forming a natural archway)

(The newer mosque)

We parked outside the new mosque and were looking for the entrance to the old mosque when a friendly resident showed us a gate up the hill beside the old graveyard. We had to cross old graves to reach to the old mosque on top of the hill. From far Masjid Lama Kampong Jerangsang still stands strong despite having been ignored for decades.

(The new mosque at the foot of the hill)

(A big cemetery lot around the mosque)

(Fenced area for old graves)

After a steep slow climb, we meandered carefully in between old graves to reach the old dilapidated mosque. This broken-down Masjid Lama Jeransang is said to be built around 1920’s by the residents of Kampong Jerangsang. The selection of the location is quite strategic, as it is in the highest spot in Kampung Jerangsang, in the absence of a loudspeaker system during that period, the call of Azan can be heard afar.

(Masjid Lama Jerangsang perched on top of the hill)

(Capturing the moment with a historical mosque)

(Taking in the view from below)

(Inspecting the ancient tombstones)

(A steep climb to the top)

During our visit, we noticed the area around the old mosque had been cleared. The building was exposed to the weather and aging has damaged the building structure. The main wooden pillars were still firmly in place to support the heavy two-tiered zinc roofing. The wood supporting the walls was still intact even though almost the entire wall of the mosque had termite infestation. Overall, the condition of the frame and shape of the building is still sturdy. The old mosque has become the nesting place for swallows and bats as well as a resting place for wondering cows and goats.

(Taking pictures of the historical mosque)

(The pulpit facing the valley)

(No trace of the wooden mimbar)

(The building structure is tilting to one side)

Only the stone base of the mimbar was found on the floor of the Mihrab area of the Mosque. Based on the mimbar remains, Friday prayers and Hari Raya prayers were most likely performed here during its period. The small prayer hall can accommodate from 40 to 50 congregation.

(The old mosque looks sturdy from far)

(A large timber supports the roof from collapsing)

(The four main pillars still standing strong)

(The stone base of the mimbar and a grave)

In the early days, as there was no electricity, we believe that the residents used kerosene lamps to light the mosque during night prayers. 

(The view of the valley from the top)

(Old graves scattering the hillslopes)

(A strategic site for a mosque)

It is sad to see a once beautiful mosque, now waiting for its time to collapse to the ground.

(Leaving behind a thousand and one memories)

(Left alone, as lonely as a cloud...)