Masjid Jami’ Al-Munawar Kelawai, Penang - 1890

“Life doesn’t require that we be the best, only that we try our best...” - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

(Masjid Jami’ Al-)Munawar Kelawai

GPS: 5.430598, 100.316393
05°25′50.15″N 100°18′59.01″E

Masjid Jamek Al-Munawar Kelawai was built around 1890 due to the increasing number of worshippers in the Kelawai area. The mosque is a concrete building and has the same design as the Old Jamek Mosque in Lorong Burmah. 

(The mosque signage)

(Parking at an abandoned house)

(The view from the parking lot)

(The mosque minaret)

The word Kelawai is taken from two Malay words, namely 'Kuala' and 'Awal'. Later the pronunciation becomes 'Kualawai' and slowly turns into 'Kelawai'. This area used to be known as a fisherman's residence because it is not far from the beach. Several disused fishing boats are still on display on the beach at Burnet Drove. This mosque has been renovated several times, the last one in 2012 which made it even bigger, beautiful and comfortable.

(The main prayer hall)

(The mihrab area)

(Ablution kolah)

Another story states that Jalan Kelawei is named after the Malay settlement that once existed on the road and that the term 'Kelawai' actually refers to the root of Myxopyrum nervosum, also known as 'pokok kelawai' in Malay. The Malay fishing village, on the other hand, was called 'Tanjong Kelawai', which gradually developed into the current street name, Jalan Kelawei.

(Narrow compound of the mosque)

(Reminder for obligatory zakat)