Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah

For the Muslim community in Taman Melewar, Batu Caves, and the wider Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah stands as more than just a place of worship; it is a vital community hub. Over the years, this surau has seen remarkable growth, evolving from a modest prayer space to a significantly larger facility, capable of accommodating a substantial number of worshippers. This expansion reflects the increasing population in the surrounding areas and the growing needs of the local Muslim community.

The journey of Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah is a testament to the dedication of its community and the support it has received. Its development is not just about physical expansion but also about strengthening its role as a spiritual and communal center. In a bustling city like Kuala Lumpur, accessible and well-equipped places of worship are crucial for fostering community spirit, providing religious education, and facilitating daily prayers.

This article aims to provide a clear and informative overview of Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah, highlighting its location, the services it offers, and its notable features. For locals in Kuala Lumpur, especially those in Taman Melewar and Batu Caves, understanding the evolution and current offerings of this surau can help in appreciating its importance as a cherished institution within their neighbourhood. Its continued growth signifies its enduring relevance and commitment to serving the spiritual and social needs of its congregants.

Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah is conveniently located in the well-established area of Taman Melewar, within Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur. Its address is:

Jalan Batu Geliga 3, Taman Melewar, Batu Caves, Wilayah Persekutuan, Taman Melewar, 68100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This location on Jalan Batu Geliga 3 places the surau within a residential neighbourhood, making it easily accessible for the local Muslim community in Taman Melewar and the surrounding vicinities of Batu Caves. Being in a residential area, it serves as a central point for daily prayers and community gatherings for those living nearby.

For those who drive, parking availability within Taman Melewar is typically along residential streets. While there might be designated spots around the surau, street parking in residential areas can sometimes be limited during peak prayer times, especially for congregational prayers like Friday prayers (Jumaat). It is advisable to arrive earlier to secure a suitable parking space.

Public transportation options to Taman Melewar would include local bus services that serve the Batu Caves area. Depending on the specific bus routes, there may be stops within a reasonable walking distance to Jalan Batu Geliga 3. For those using ride-sharing services, the address is straightforward to input, ensuring direct access to the surau. The surau’s embedded location within the community underscores its role as a local and accessible place of worship.

As a surau (prayer house) in a vibrant community like Taman Melewar, Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah primarily focuses on facilitating religious duties and fostering community engagement. Based on the nature of suraus in Kuala Lumpur and the provided information, the following services can typically be expected:

• Daily Congregational Prayers (Solat Berjemaah): The surau serves as a central location for the five daily prayers in congregation, providing a convenient and accessible place for locals to fulfill their religious obligations.

• Friday Prayers (Solat Jumaat): Given its expansion to accommodate many worshippers, it is highly probable that Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah holds Friday congregational prayers, which are obligatory for Muslim men. This indicates it functions similarly to a small mosque for this purpose.

• Religious Classes and Lectures (Kuliah and Tazkirah): Surau and mosques often host regular religious classes for various age groups, including Quranic recitation classes, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) lessons, and spiritual talks (tazkirah). These educational programs are crucial for the spiritual development of the community.

• Community Gatherings and Events: Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah likely serves as a venue for various community events, especially during Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These events could include special prayers, communal meals, and other social activities that strengthen community bonds.

• Iftar (Breaking Fast) during Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, many surau and mosques organize communal iftar sessions, providing a place for the community to break their fast together, fostering unity and solidarity.

• Funerary Rites (Janazah): While not explicitly stated, larger surau often provide facilities or support for conducting funeral prayers (Solat Jenazah) for deceased members of the community.

The core function of the surau is to facilitate worship and provide religious education, serving as a pillar for the spiritual and social well-being of the Taman Melewar Muslim community.

Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah in Taman Melewar boasts several significant features and highlights that underscore its importance to the local community:

• Significant Expansion Over Time: A key highlight is its remarkable growth from an initial area of about 1,000 square feet to almost 4,000 square feet. This expansion allows the surau to accommodate a much larger congregation, directly addressing the needs of the increasing population in Taman Melewar and the surrounding areas. This physical growth is a testament to community support and effective management.

• Increased Capacity for Worshippers: The enlarged area means the surau can now host a greater number of worshippers at a time, reducing overcrowding, especially during busy daily prayers and Friday congregational prayers. This enhanced capacity improves the comfort and spiritual experience for its congregants.

• Official Upgrade and Recognition: The surau was upgraded in 2014 after receiving approval from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS). This official recognition and upgrade signify adherence to religious administrative standards and validate its role as a significant religious institution in the area. This formal approval likely brought about structural improvements and enhanced its standing.

• Air-conditioned Prayer Hall: A notable comfort feature highlighted by a customer review is the "Aircond prayer hall on the first floor." This provides a more comfortable environment for worshippers, especially in Kuala Lumpur's warm and humid climate, allowing for greater focus and devotion during prayers.

• Rapid Growth Reflecting Community Needs: The surau's rapid growth since its 2014 upgrade is a direct reflection of the increasing population in its vicinity. This indicates that the surau is actively evolving to meet the evolving demands of its growing community, ensuring it remains relevant and capable of serving its purpose effectively.

• Community-Centric Development: The expansion and improvements demonstrate a strong community-centric approach, where the surau's development is aligned with the needs and support of its local congregation. This continuous improvement fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among its members.

As a religious institution, Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its purpose is to serve the spiritual and community needs of Muslims. However, it does provide value to its congregants and the wider community through various initiatives and programs, which could be considered forms of "offers" in a non-commercial context. These generally include:

• Free Religious Classes and Lectures: The surau often provides complimentary access to religious knowledge through regular classes (kuliah), seminars, and talks (tazkirah) delivered by local imams or invited scholars. These educational opportunities are invaluable for spiritual growth and understanding of Islam.

• Community Welfare Programs: Mosques and surau frequently organize welfare initiatives for the needy within their community, such as distributing aid to the poor, organizing charity drives, or providing assistance during difficult times. These programs are often supported by community donations and are a core part of Islamic social responsibility.

• Communal Iftar and Suhoor during Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, the surau often organizes free communal iftar (breaking fast) and sometimes suhoor (pre-dawn meal) sessions. These events are open to the community, fostering unity and providing a welcoming environment for everyone to partake in the blessings of Ramadan.

• Youth and Children's Programs: Many surau run specific programs for children and youth, such as Quranic classes (Kelas Fardhu Ain/KAFA), youth camps, and educational activities designed to instill Islamic values and knowledge from a young age. These are often offered at minimal or no cost to encourage participation.

• Facilities for Community Use: The surau's prayer halls and facilities, including its air-conditioned spaces, are essentially "offered" for the free use of the community for prayers and sanctioned religious activities.

Information about these programs would typically be announced through notices at the surau, its community notice boards, or through local WhatsApp groups and social media channels used by the Taman Melewar community. Those interested in participating or contributing are encouraged to visit the surau or contact its management for details.

For individuals wishing to connect with Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah in Taman Melewar, whether for inquiries about prayer times, religious classes, or community events, here is their address:

Address: Jalan Batu Geliga 3, Taman Melewar, Batu Caves, Wilayah Persekutuan, Taman Melewar, 68100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

While a specific public phone number for the surau's administration is not readily available, it is common for local religious institutions to have a direct line for their management committee or imam. The best way to get in touch for specific details or to speak with the management would often be to:

• Visit the surau during prayer times and speak with the imam or committee members.

• Look for contact details on notice boards within the surau compound.

• Inquire within the local Taman Melewar community, as residents often have direct contact information for their neighbourhood surau officials.

Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah in Taman Melewar, Batu Caves, is exceptionally suitable for locals in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, particularly those residing in its immediate vicinity. Its evolution and current features make it a cornerstone of the Muslim community in the area.

Firstly, its remarkable growth and expansion from a humble 1,000 square feet to almost 4,000 square feet directly addresses the increasing population of Taman Melewar. This expansion means the surau can now comfortably accommodate a larger number of worshippers, reducing overcrowding and ensuring that more individuals can perform their daily and congregational prayers with ease and comfort. This adaptability to community growth is crucial for maintaining its relevance as a primary place of worship.

Secondly, the official upgrade in 2014 with approval from JAIS signifies that Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah meets established standards for religious institutions. This formal recognition assures locals of its legitimacy and its commitment to providing proper facilities and religious guidance. The continuous improvement and adherence to such standards reflect a dedicated management and community.

Furthermore, the inclusion of comfort features like the air-conditioned prayer hall enhances the worshipping experience, especially in Kuala Lumpur’s tropical climate. This thoughtful amenity allows congregants to focus more on their devotion without being hindered by discomfort.

Beyond prayers, surau like At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah are inherently community-centric. They serve as hubs for religious education, social gatherings, and welfare initiatives. For families in Taman Melewar, it offers a convenient place for children to attend Quranic classes, for adults to learn more about Islam, and for everyone to connect with fellow community members, fostering stronger bonds and a sense of belonging. In a sprawling city like Kuala Lumpur, having such a localized and well-equipped spiritual centre is invaluable for maintaining cultural and religious identity.

In essence, Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah is more than just a building; it is a thriving, expanding, and essential component of the Taman Melewar community, perfectly suited to cater to the spiritual, educational, and social needs of its local residents.

Surau At-Tarbiah Al-Islamiah

Jalan Batu Geliga 3, Taman Melewar, Batu Caves, Wilayah Persekutuan, Taman Melewar, 68100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia