Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka is Singapore’s oldest mosque. Founded in 1820 by Arab philanthropist Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied, it is a source of inspiration not only for every Muslim, but every Singaporean. In A Reverent Journey, we trace Syed Omar’s travels from Yemen to Palembang and finally to Singapore. Here, he built a surau in an early Malay settlement on the southern bank of the Singapore River that came to be known as Kampong Melaka. Sharing their stories in this book are the community of Muslims, the founder’s family, Singapore’s leaders and town planners, and heritage buffs. Just as importantly, the new generation of guardians and keepers of the trust share their vision on how they will ensure that this first wakaf house of prayer continues to fulfil the noble intentions of its illustrious founder.