An Islander's Perspective of Penang
Today in Penang, it is the Hari Raya Aidiladha (or Hari Raya Haji) holiday which is a religious festival celebrated by the Muslim community worldwide. Also known as Hari Raya Korban, it is a tradition here which usually involves the sacrifice of cows and sharing the meat with family, for relatives and friends, and for poor people.
The tower of Acheen Street Mosque comes into view as one walks along Cannon Street. The popular ‘A Boy Reaching Up’ mural of Ernest Zacharevic can also be spotted at the wall of the house on the right of the street.
Nagore Durgha Sheriff (or Nagore Dargha Sheriff) is a small mosque located at the intersection of King Street and Chulia Street. It was built in honor of a Muslim saint in the 1800s and is the oldest Indian Muslim shrine in Penang.
A view of Cannon Street decorated with red lanterns during Chinese New Year, with the minaret of Acheen Street Mosque standing at the background in George Town.
As the only mosque at the top of Penang Hill, the old Penang Hill Mosque (or Masjid Bukit Bendera) serves as the the ‘highest’ Muslim place of worship for the local community there.
Note: Today marks the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a festive holiday season celebrated by all Muslims here. Therefore, to all Muslims out there, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
