largest mosques in the world
Mosques are a place of worship for Muslims. The first mosque was built in the 7th century, and ever since then, they have been an integral part of Islam culture.
One of the largest mosques in the world is Masjid al-Haram, located in Mecca. With a capacity to hold more than 2 million people, it is one of the most sacred sites for Muslims. Another large mosque in the world is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, which can hold 1.6 million people and is situated on Muhammad’s burial site—thus making it one of Islam’s holiest places as well. There are many other mosques that have grown over time with new architectural styles that match their location or religion/culture: For instance, there are numerous mosques throughout Africa designed in Arab architecture; at least two Hindu temples converted into mosques, and even a few Buddhist temples built for Chinese migrants.
Mosques are one of the most important landmarks in any Muslim city. They serve as places for Muslims to come together and pray five times a day, and they also provide an educational center for Islamic studies. Mosques vary in size all over the world, but some mosques can be considered larger than others because of their capacity to hold more worshippers or due to their architectural beauty. These ten largest mosques are found across the globe and have become famous not only for being large buildings but also because they have shaped how people see Islam around the world!
Top 10 Largest Mosques in the World 2024
Here are the Top 10 Largest Mosques in the World 2024:
- Al-Masjid al-Nabawi
- Imam Reza Shrine
- Istiqlal Mosque
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- Faisal Mosque
- Jama Masjid
- Badshahi Mosque
- Hassan II Mosque
- Masjid al-Haram
- Taj-ul-Masajid
10. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet) is a mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was the first major Islamic project undertaken by Muhammad: according to tradition, he personally hired laborers and carried some of the rocks himself.
The site was originally outside but inside when Muhammad’s followers grew into a large number of Muslims. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is one of the largest mosques in the world and covers an area of 20,000 square meters (22 acres).
9. Imam Reza Shrine
Imam Reza Shrine is a Shi’ite shrine located in Mashhad, Iran. It contains the tomb of Imam Reza (Jafar as-Sadiq), the eighth Shia Imam and one of Shiite Islam’s most important figures. The second largest mosque in the world by area, it surrounds an old citadel that was built over two centuries ago during Qajar dynasty with four gates facing each side directions to allow access to this large complex from any point within city limits.
The original inner building dates back to 18th century while some 20 additional mosques were added later on its southern part at various times until the present day making these buildings among oldest examples of Islamic architecture in Persia or Central Asia region.
8. Istiqlal Mosque
This mosque was built in 1975. It is located in Jakarta, Indonesia, and can accommodate up to 200 thousand worshippers at once. The building has a grand exterior with two 40-meter minarets on its left side and one 27-meter minaret on the right side of the main entrance.
The Istiqlal Mosque also features an impressive courtyard that can hold up to 20 thousand worshipers during prayer times which makes it third-largest by area after Al Aqsa Mosque (1100)m² followed by Hassan II Mosque (16000 m²).
If you’re looking for beautiful mosques around the world this should be your first stop!
7. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It was built by President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in order to serve as a focal point for Muslims who live on the Arabian Peninsula and provide guidance for Muslim visitors from around the world.
It is one of the largest mosques in terms of capacity (30-40 thousand worshippers) but not necessarily in size – it has only 16000m². The mosque can be reached by public transport or taxi service at any time during day or night hours!
The inside looks like an oasis filled with plants and trees that offer much-needed shade from intense sun rays, making you feel cool even if the outside temperature goes up to 50 degrees Celsius. Beautiful interior decoration features a range of Islamic designs and arches, stunning chandeliers, detailed marble work on outer walls that date back from the Ottoman era.
In 2017 it became one of the best mosques to visit according to Trip Advisor (ranked at #11) due to its popularity among tourists worldwide during Ramadan month – when thousands come every day mainly seeking spiritual cleansing through prayer or just enjoying a festive atmosphere found nowhere else!
6. Faisal Mosque
- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
- Area size (sq meters): 18.500
- Number of people that can pray simultaneously: 27,000
Faisal Mosque is considered the largest mosque in Pakistan and the sixth largest in the world 2024 with its massive capacity for simultaneous prayers at 80,800 people! It was built by presidential decree during the Islamization process initiated under General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s military dictatorship.
The main hall has a five thousand square meter carpeted area on which three hundred fifty pillars have been placed to support twelve domes that are topped with gold plated finials. At night time Faisal Mosque looks breathtakingly beautiful when illuminated against dark sky – an iconic landmark visible from different parts of the mosque.
5. Jama Masjid
Built-in 1656, Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and Asia. The mosque can accommodate more than 100,000 people at once.
It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to serve as a symbolic representation of Islam’s dominance over Hinduism. This enormous structure has three gates on its eastern side; one each for cars, pedestrians, and animals.
Its courtyard contains eight large towers that are used as minarets or speakers from which announcements were made to call Muslims to prayer (Adhan). There are also two huge domes shaped like Persian tents–one around the main hall where prayers take place and another above the entrance gate (Pishta q).
There is a platform called the “Prayer Hall of Women” located on one side where women are permitted to pray. The mosque houses an archive that contains valuable manuscripts and texts from various Muslim cultures.
It also has four large gates attached to it, which symbolize openness and accessibility for all Muslims.
4. Badshahi Mosque
The Badshahi Mosque is located in Lahore, Pakistan, and was built between 1674 and 1683. It can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers for prayer at one time.
– The mosque is an expression of Mughal design that combines red sandstone with marble from various parts of India to create unity out of diversity.
– The Badshahi Mosque is also one of the largest in terms of area, with a courtyard that can house over 25000 people at any time.
The mosque houses an archive that contains valuable manuscripts and texts from various Muslim cultures.
3. Hassan II Mosque
The largest mosque in Africa 2024, the Hassan II Mosque is located at Agdal in Rabat, Morocco.
- The building measures 198 by 243 meters and can accommodate around 38000 worshippers for prayer simultaneously.
- It was constructed to commemorate King Hassan II of Morocco but still remains accessible to all Muslims; with one central court that can hold up to 12000 people.
- The mosque contains a minaret that is the tallest building in Morocco and also one of the 20 tallest buildings on Earth. The structure’s reflection off the Atlantic Ocean makes it visible from quite afar, which has led locals to nickname this fantastic monument ‘the Pink Mosque.
2. Masjid al-Haram
One of the largest mosques in the world, Masjid al-Haram holds a central position as Islam’s most sacred site.
It is located at Mecca and celebrates its rites from sunrise to sunset every day of the year; with pilgrims pouring into this holy building for prayer, food, or just rest.
The structure was built on the site of a pagan temple and is an important symbol in reminding Muslims of Mecca’s historic importance. It can accommodate up to 110,000 worshipers at any given time.
1. Taj-ul-Masajid
The largest mosque in the world 2024, Taj-ul-Masajid is a place of worship for over three million Muslims.
The building’s gilded minarets and domes are some of its most impressive features while it also boasts intricate interior design catering to Muslim needs.
It can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers at any given time; with an array of beautifully built fountains that allow people to cleanse themselves before prayer.