[10] With the help of a contractor, Sino-Malayan Engineer, and comprehensive architectural designs created by the Malaysian-based Booty and Edward Chartered Architects,[5] the construction began on 4 February 1954.

[4] Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III provided the first concepts for the mosque designs, which draughtsman Haji Besar bin Sagap put down on paper.

Since Padang Besar (present day Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien) was utilised for large meetings, it was first proposed that this was the location of the mosque.

[16][17] Prominent people include Queen Elizabeth II in 1972,[18][c] Pierre Trudeau in 1983,[19] Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in the mid-1980s,[11] Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz in 1998, and Narendra Modi in 2024,[20] have all paid the mosque a visit.

[21] It was carried out in January 1994, and involved the installation of air conditioning and decorative glass with verses from the Al-Quran on the small windows of the domes, some of which displayed the Asma' Allah al-Husna.

[22] The mosque has hosted a number of important occasions in Brunei's history, such as the historic 31 December 1983, mass thanksgiving prayer on the declaration of Independence Day.

[17] The mosque's general architectural style is primarily influenced by the Mughal Empire,[d] with elements of Islam and Brunei accented throughout the structure's façade and interior.

[5] The mosque, which measures 225 by 86 feet (69 m × 26 m) and can hold 3,000 worshipers, features an area for ablution that is surrounded by kalat pillars that are evocative of historic Andalusian palaces.

Islamic art, including Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, floral motifs, trefoil arches, and Quranic passages, adorn the mosque's interior as visitors enter through its copper doors.

[5] The prayer hall is located beneath the 52 metres (171 ft)-tall golden dome and is decorated with handcrafted Axminster carpets from Saudi Arabia and Belgium.

[5] The mosque's other furnishings consisted of the S$200,000 Italian marble covering its floors and columns,[4] Shanghai granite, English chandeliers, and stained glass, are combined.

Mosaics that imitate the vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and motifs of Brunei's songket textiles, which are highly valued and essential to royal customs, are also used to decorate the mosque's water fountain and ablution area.