In the early 1990s, Islam remained a relatively unfamiliar presence in Hanoi. In the aftermath of Vietnam’s centrally planned economy and amid the early days of reform and opening, the Muslim community was nearly invisible in the capital.

Then came a quiet yet deeply significant event: the reawakening of Hanoi’s first mosque to serve the international Muslim community - after years of closure.

The initiative was led by Mr. Khalid, a Malaysian national who worked in Hanoi from 1992 to 1995 as a manager for Malaysia Airlines.

At that time, Hanoi had no active local Muslim community. The few Muslims present were mainly foreign diplomats and embassy staff from countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt. For them, organizing the Friday prayer (Jumuah) was a real challenge.

As the number of international Muslims in the city grew, Khalid and his friends began searching for a stable prayer space.

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Mr. Cuong (far left), the first Vietnamese to join Friday prayers with Mr. Khalid. Photo: Provided by the subject

While walking down Hang Luoc Street one day, Khalid noticed an old building that resembled a mosque. Upon inquiry, he learned from local authorities that it had indeed once served as a mosque but had long since closed.

Undeterred, Khalid approached Hanoi’s religious affairs office with a proposal to revive the building as a place of worship for the growing Muslim community.

Since the Malaysian ambassador at the time was not Muslim, and Khalid himself was a private-sector employee rather than an official government representative, he persuaded the Iranian ambassador to formally sign the agreement to reopen the mosque.

Thanks to this cooperation, the first Islamic place of worship in Hanoi’s modern era was officially brought back to life.

When it came time to name the mosque, some proposed “Masjid Khalid” to honor his efforts and reference Khalid ibn al-Walid, a revered Muslim general. But Khalid humbly declined and instead suggested a simpler, more meaningful name: Al-Noor, meaning “The Light.”

A quiet but lasting legacy

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Khalid’s son in Hanoi during the 1990s. The family now resides in Australia. Photo: Provided by the subject

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Worshippers gather at Al-Noor Mosque for Ramadan in 2015. Photo: Provided by the subject

At the very first Jumuah prayer at Al-Noor Mosque, Khalid’s 11-year-old son had the honor of performing the first Azan (call to prayer). It was the first time in decades that a Muslim call to prayer echoed through the streets of Hanoi.

Soon afterward, a Vietnamese man in his 40s visited the mosque. Introducing himself as Muhammad, he explained that he was Muslim but knew very little about his religion. His arrival marked the beginning of another touching chapter.

According to Khalid’s son, Muhammad was warmly welcomed by the international Muslim community - especially by Khalid - who arranged for a teacher from Chau Doc (formerly part of An Giang province and home to a Cham Muslim community) to travel to Hanoi and help Muhammad relearn the basics of Islam.

Eventually, Muhammad became the mosque’s caretaker and official muezzin (prayer caller). He also learned Halal slaughtering methods and began selling Halal meat to serve the community.

Today, Al-Noor Mosque remains a sacred and welcoming space for Muslims in Hanoi. Few people know the story behind its revival - a tale of personal initiative, diplomatic agility, and above all, respect for faith and compassion among cultures.

The journey of Khalid, the boy who called the first Azan, and the man named Muhammad, are not merely personal memories. They are living proof that bridges between cultures can be built through faith, humility, and persistent hope.

Huu Truong Tariq