A Mosque or Masjid is a holy place of worship for the followers of Islamic religion. There are various mosques around the world, where Muslims come to pray together. These mosques not only hold significance because of the place they have in people’s hearts, but also because of their beautiful Islamic architecture and culture. Their wonderful crescents, minarets and domes create such marvelous structures that not only Muslims, but also people from other religions would be amazed to have a sight of them. Check out which of these holy mosques reflect the beauty to its best.
Masjid al Haram, Saudi Arabia
Also called the Grand Mosque, Masjid al Haram is based in Mecca surrounding Kaaba Shareef, which is considered the holiest place for Muslims all over the world. They offer all their prayers while keeping their direction turned toward Kaaba Shareef. This mosque is spread over an area of more than 350,000 square meters. People can pray either indoors or outdoors. There is a capacity to accommodate up to four million worshippers within its premises. If you are thinking it is enough, then check out the place during the time of Hajj when people from over the world flock to this mosque in huge numbers. You would not even find the place to roam around. The $10.6 billion project to extend the mosque and increase its capacity is on its way.
Masjid Nawabi, Saudi Arabia
Located in the city of Medina, this mosque is also known as the Mosque of the Prophet. It is the second holiest and largest mosque in the world after Masjid al Haram. The original mosque that was created adjacent to the house of Prophet Muhammad was an open-air structure. The new mosque still has the tomb of Prophet Muhammad located in an attractive green dome.
Al Aqsa Mosque, Palestine
Located in the city of Jerusalem, this is one of the most sacred mosques in the Islamic religion. The site on which the mosque sits is known as al-Haram ash-Sharif that means the Noble Sanctuary. It is considered the holiest site in Judaism and holds the belief that Prophet Muhammad was transported from the mosque in Mecca to this mosque during a night tour. For another 17 months after the emigration, Prophet Muhammad is thought to have offered prayers in this mosque. Al Aqsa Mosque has been reconstructed and renovated multiple times that has led to many additions to its original structure. This rectangular mosque can hold around 5,000 people at a time.
Faisal Masjid, Pakistan
This is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in South Asia. The structure of this mosque stands on an elevated land area. The backdrop of this mosque is Margalla Hills. Located at a beautiful place, Faisal Masjid also has a wonderful architecture inspired by a desert Beduoin’s tent. Its structure is like a concrete shell with eight sides. Its lovely minarets are inspired by the Turkish architecture, while its design also gives a reflection of Kaaba in Mecca. It is considered as the national mosque of Pakistan.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei
This royal mosque in the Asia Pacific region is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the entire region. Many tourists from across the world come to witness its wonderful mix of Mughal and Italian architectural styles. It is a reflection of the modernity in Islamic religion. The mosque’s pure gold-covered dome is a big attraction for people visiting to Brunei. A main minaret makes the mosque visible from the entire city of Bandar Seri Begawan where the mosque is located.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey
Located in Istanbul, this mosque is famous for its blue interiors that also give it the name, Blue Mosque. Innumerable tourists come to see the Islamic architecture of this mosque, which further flaunts Byzantine elements. This mosque’s six minarets became a matter of conflict, as most of the mosques have four minarets. This issue was resolved later when another minaret was added to the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Ubudiah Mosque, Malaysia
Located in the Kuala Kangsar town, this royal mosque is the beauty of Malaysia. With its shining golden dome and mesmerizing minarets, this mosque can even attract you from a distance. Built in 1917, the construction of Ubudiah Mosque took place to fulfill the vow of Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah. He had recovered from an illness and this mosque was symbolic of his thanksgiving. However, the construction of the mosque was also not an easy task. The work was interrupted often and there was damage to some construction materials too. The beauty of this mosque was still ensured to be unique so the gift from Sultan would look marvelous.