History of Mosque
1950s
Place of Worship in CBD
Moulana Mohamed Ali Mosque had its origins in Singapore at 16 and 18 Market Street, a pair of double storey shophouses comprising an area of 1,660 sq. ft. These were purchased in 1953 and 1955 by three far-sighted gentlemen, Mohamed Javad Namazie, Haji Mohamed Khan and M. M. Abdul Wahab. The three of them understood the need to have a place of worship in the central business district (CBD). Moulana Mohd Ali ("MMA") who lived from 1878-1931 was a well- known defender of Islamic Khilafet and it was his name that was adopted by the Muslim League which ran the mosque.

1970s
In the Face of Urbanisation
In the late 1970s, the CBD was expanding rapidly – roads were being widened and new modern skyscrapers were being built where shophouses once stood. The then trustees of the mosque were faced with the reality of a probable road widening of Market Street which would see the mosque property being acquired. Against this backdrop, United Overseas Bank Limited ("UOB") had a massive development plan but could not proceed because the mosque was right in the middle of that plan. UOB had bought several properties around the mosque for the intended development.

Extensive negotiation then took place with UOB who tried to find a suitable alternative site for the mosque in the heart of the business district without success as locality, orientation and government approvals were essential.

1980s
Finding Alternative Sites
As a result, in June 1982, the mosque had to stop operations at the Market Street units. An agreement was entered into to exchange the two Market Street shophouses for the present mosque location which comprises an area of approximately 6500 square feet in the first basement, four times larger than the existing site.

UOB took a long time to develop the site owing to economic conditions prevailing in the 1980's. UOB Chairman, Mr Wee Cho Yaw and Senior Vice President, Mr Ling Swee Chan, were instrumental in ensuring the negotiation bore fruit.

1990s
Unique Underground Mosque
UOB had offered the 3rd level basement. This is a unique feature of the mosque as there were hardly any mosque below ground level in Singapore then.

Bigger with Better, Modern Amenities
The trustees were also aware of the importance of retaining a mosque in the heart of the business district. This new mosque location is four times bigger than the two Market Street shophouses. It is modern, air-conditioned, and though not opulent, is fairly respectably furnished.

The site for the mosque was handed over to the Mosque Management Board (MMB) in September/October 1992. The MMB then started raising funds for mosque furniture and fittings. The entire project cost about $880,000, inclusive of architects' and engineers' fees. Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis) was very instrumental from the start of the negotiation, helping both in terms of financial and administrative support.

A New Dawn Begins
Sited at the basement of an office building right smack in the Central Business District, this mosque is a picture of contrast to the hustle and bustle above. Completed in 1994, it had a capacity for 350 people and the usually peaceful abode of tranquillity is transformed into a sea of worshippers clad in long-sleeved shirts and business ties during Friday prayers.

The mosque was officially opened at the new premise by the Minister for Community Development and Minister-In-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, on 31 March 1996/11 Zulkaedah 1416H.

Regular Activities
Besides office workers, the mosque is also a popular focal point for the Indian/Muslim community in Singapore. Among the various activities held at the mosque include the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday or Maulud Nabi, Eidul Fitri and Eidul Adha prayers, iftar (breaking fast) and Terawih prayers during Ramadan, Maulud Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani and Shaikh Abdul Qadir Maanikkapoori (Shaikhul Hameed), as well as weekly Ratib on every Thursday after Maghrib prayers. Activities are confined to daily and Friday prayers and religious lectures on an ad-hoc basis.
 
2014
Expansion to Meet Increasing Demand
On 10 October 2014, after Isyak prayers, the mosque was temporarily closed for six months for its first major addition and alteration (A&A) works. The mosque was officially opened with a $1.3 million upgrade by the Minister-In-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Mr Yaacob Ibrahim on Friday ,10 April 2015/20 Jamadilakhir 1436 with a more spacious prayer hall, and upgraded facilities – toilets, ablution and larger prayer space for women.

The Mosque has not undergone any renovation since its completion in year 1994. With this current upgrading, the entire mosque was refurnished and the ancillary areas rezoned to reduce the circulation space and to make the entire mosque more space efficient. The main prayer hall is now able to accommodate a larger congregation than before. The capacity currently stands at 650.