Sallim Mattar Mosque

Sep 4

“I think Singaporeans are very future-minded, career-minded, and forward-thinking, and that is their priority in life. It's always a rat race. So, I feel there's an even greater need for people like you and me to learn about the historical context of buildings and places in Singapore to help preserve them.”

- Mr. Haady Mattar, a member of the Arab Network Association & the Under Youth Collective

Mr. Haady Mattar

Majulah Singapura! This Malay phrase, literally translated as “Onward Singapore!”, is not only the title of Singapore’s national anthem but also the official national motto. While it perfectly encapsulates the country’s continuous drive for growth and future-oriented perspective, it also raises concerns about potentially deepening the disconnect between the past and the present. It’s great that we are moving towards a better, more developed future, but what about our history?

In response, Mr. Haady Mattar—a member of the Arab Association Network and descendant of the Mattar family—states how we all (Singaporeans and expats alike) need a “trigger” to reflect on heritage and culture. Especially when Singapore is a hub for international influence and markets, it’s inevitable to get distracted by the diffusion of diverse cultures and slowly weaken the link between one’s identity and one’s historical background. Yet, amid rapid modernization, the resilience and persistence of the Sallim Mattar Mosque offer Singaporeans some hope of a continued connection to the past. Even 91 years after its establishment, the mosque still holds a strong association with Mr. Sallim Mattar, the greatest benefactor of the religious institution and the great-great-grandfather of Mr. Haady Mattar. The space not only attracts religious devotees but is also frequented by families and friends from diverse backgrounds who seek opportunities to mingle with different ethnic groups.

However, the mosque itself hasn’t fully been divorced from Singapore’s rapid modernization. Since the early 1930s, the mosque has gone through several upgrades. The national government mandates these upgrades for safety and hygiene reasons, but the byproduct of reduced nostalgia can evoke bittersweet feelings among attendees, especially among older generations.

While childhood bedtime stories told by grandparents and family traditions passed down orally can be robustly maintained by the elderly, the current generation is often unaware that they must inherit the older generations’ roles. Soon, the responsibility of continuing this legacy will be theirs. Of course, with the rise of the internet and technology, digital archives are rapidly developing. However, we should also cherish and seek out first-hand anecdotes within our community, as they often make communal memories more personal and integrated in our everyday lives as a natural “trigger.”