Top 10 Largest Mosques in the World

Although most of the largest mosques are located in major Islamic countries, many newly built mosques are also found in different countries around the world. These beautiful mosques not only offer a serene environment for prayers, but also showcase some ultimate Islam inspired architecture. Here is the list of top ten largest mosques in the world.

10. Baitul Mukarram

Standing at the 9th place is the Baitul Mukarram mosque of Bangladesh. This beautiful establishment is located right in the heart of the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka; built in the early 1960s. With a capacity of over 30,000 worshippers, this huge mosque holds a respectable position, but during the holy Islamic month, the mosque often gets crowded. Therefore, the Bangladeshi government decided to extend the mosque in order to extend its capacity to at least hold 40,000 people.

9. Sheikh Zayed Mosque

This Abu Dhabi based mosque is known for its exquisite interiors and eye-catchy exteriors. The mosque is stretched over 22,000 m sq. of area that offers space for 40,000 worshipers. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque holds the 8th rank amongst the top ten mosques in the world, and even today, this is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi. In the Islamic month of Ramadan in 2007, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque was officially opened.

8. Jama Masjid

The Indian Capital Delhi is home to the Masjid.e.Jahan-Numa or Jama Masjid. This mosque dates back to the Mughal dynasty time, when the famous Mughal Sultan Shan Jahan proposed the idea to build this huge mosque in India. Jama Masjid boasts a huge arena, with a capacity of accommodating up to 85,000 worshippers. The mosque is nestled on a busy street of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. The construction of the mosque was completed in 1656 AD. Some of the unique features of this huge mosque are its ancient red-stone architecture and unique Mughal inspired designs. Even today, this is the most recognized mosque in Old Delhi and in the entire nation of India.

7. Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi Mosque was another royal mosques built by Mughal emperors, being known as the Royal Mosque among tourists. Famous Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, had built this mosque in Lahore back in the 1600s and during that time, it was the largest mosque in the area. The mosque can accommodate a total of 100,000 worshipers at once.

This beautiful mosque is known for its exquisite beauty, magnificent architecture, royal grandeur, and unique artwork. Therefore, the Badshahi Mosque is a popular tourist attraction in Lahore.

6. The HASSAN II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most visited mosques and a major tourist attraction in Casablanca, Morocco. The mosque features a highest minaret, and is the tallest in the world, making it more popular and a unique site. The mosque is stretched over 90,000 m sq. and it can accommodate more than 25,000 worshipers internally and another 80,000 more worshippers in the adjoining grounds.

Although this is an Islamic prayer facility, the architectural style and designs reflect ancient designs of France. Famous French designer Michel Pinseau designed and Bouygues built this mosque in Casablanca. Today, it is the largest mosque in Morocco, overlooking the scenic Atlantic Ocean.

5. Istiqlal Mosque

Indonesia’s Jakarta city boasts a beautifully large mosque, known as the Istiqlal Mosque or Masjid Istiqlal. Since the mosque is 95,000 m sq, the huge arena can accommodate more than 120,000 devotees at any one time. Because the mosque was built in the honour of the country’s independence, the mosque was named as Istiglal (which means Independence). As one of the oldest and largest mosques in South East Asia, the Istiqlal Mosque is widely visited by Muslim pilgrims and visitors.

 

4. Faisal Mosque

Unlike other top five mosques, this mosque was built in the late 20th century, inaugurated in 1986. This Pakistan based mosque is one among the best mosques in the entire nation, designed by a famous Turkish designer. Therefore, the architectural style and design of this mosque showcases a hint of Turkish architecture.

This huge mosque can accommodate over 300,000 worshipers at a time (stretched over 54,000 sq ft) and today is regarded as the national mosque in Pakistan.

3. Imam Reza shrine

This beautiful mosque is situated within the city of Mashhad in Iran. Looking at just the dimensions, this mosque is still the largest in the world, with an area of 267,079 m sq., allowing space for 700,000 people at once. The mosque’s huge arena is home to a library, prayer hall, a museum, a cemetery, and four seminaries, a dining hall, and the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences. The mosque’s unique architecture style boasts the ancient styles of Islamic architecture.

2. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi

This mosque was designed by the great Islamic prophet Muhammad. Even after centuries, this mosque is still intact and in its original condition. Muslims often regard this mosque as the Prophet’s Mosque (or Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Arabic). The unique architecture of the mosque includes dome shaped roof, which is the most significant feature of this ancient building. The entire arena is stretched over 400,500 m sq and boasts a capacity of over 1,000,000 people at once.

For those interested in learning more about the Islamic religion can join the spiritual community run by this mosque. According to the Islamic society, the Al-Masjid al- Nabawi is considered as the second holiest place after the Masjid al-Haram. Also, this site was the final resting place of the famous Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

1. Masjid al-Haram

Standing atop the list is the beautiful mosque of Masjid al-Haram. This popular mosque is nestled in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and with an area of 4,008,020 square meters, the mosque boasts a capacity to accommodate up to 4 million worshippers.

During the famous Hajj period, many Muslim devotees come here to offer prayers and worship at this grand and oldest mosque in the world. This holy masjid is also considered as a celestial place by the Islamic Community. Apart from its religious significance, the Masjid al-Haram is also known for its unique Islamic architecture.

This mosque offers both outdoor and indoor spaces for visitors to offer prayers, read the holy Koran, and meditate within a serene setting. This mosque is considered as the holiest Islamic shrine on earth.