The cleanest parts of the earth around the world, mosques worth your visit
U.A.E - Morocco - Malaysia - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Turkey -
Mosques stand out as the most sacred places in the world, where Muslims gather to perform prayers, fostering a deep sense of faith and submission to God.
There are many mosques worldwide, some famous and well-known to everyone, and others known only within their own countries.
If you want to learn about the world's famous mosques, here's an article showcasing the most notable ones worth visiting.
1: Masjid al-Haram
Masjid al-Haram has been the greatest and most famous destination in the history of Islamic mosques for centuries.
It is the largest mosque in the world and the holiest site on earth for Muslims. At its centre lies the Kaaba, the first house established for humanity to worship Allah according to Islamic belief.
The mosque has been developed over various eras, from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the Rashidun Caliphs, the Umayyad, Abbasid, Mamluk Sultanate, Ottoman Empire, and modern Saudi state.
The mosque can accommodate 4 million worshippers, who gather to perform Hajj or Umrah and experience the pure meaning of submission to Allah.
2: Al Masjid and Nabawi
If your visit to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah isn't over, you will go to the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is Medina.
This mosque is the second-holiest site after the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
It was built beside the Prophet's house a year after his migration and has undergone several expansions over the centuries. Mentioned in the Quran, it is one of the three mosques to which travellers should set out, as the Prophet Muhammad said: "Do not set out on a journey except to three mosques: Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Prayers in this mosque are rewarded more than in other mosques, equivalent to 1,000 prayers elsewhere.
3: Masjid Quba
Masjid Quba is one of the first and oldest mosques in the world, dating back to the 7th century.
It holds significant religious and spiritual importance as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stayed there for 3–4 days with his companion Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq during their migration.
The mosque attracts millions of visitors from various countries and cultures due to its architectural value and distinctive design.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever purifies himself in his house and then goes to Masjid Quba and prays therein will have the reward of an 'Umrah."
4: Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is not as large as commonly perceived; it refers to the rectangular walled area in the southeast of Jerusalem, known as the Old City.
It holds the title of the first Qibla and is among the holiest mosques in Islam, after the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
Its unique religious and architectural value in Palestine, along with its name meaning "the farthest," reflects its distant geographical location but close proximity to hearts.
The mosque has undergone various changes over the centuries, maintaining its current form despite ongoing challenges.
5: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
There is no need to search extensively for the most beautiful mosque with outstanding architectural design, as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has received admiration from visitors worldwide. The mosque features 82 gleaming white domes, intricately decorated floors, and 1,096 columns adorned with amethyst and jasper.
It also holds the record for the largest handwoven carpet in the world.
The mosque spans 412,22 square metres, accommodating approximately 40,000 worshippers.
It offers various services, including sermons, exhibitions, public activities, and community initiatives.
6: The Blue Mosque
A visit to Istanbul is incomplete without seeing the Blue Mosque, one of the city's most famous and significant landmarks.
Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed, the mosque can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers.
Its exterior is characterised by stunning blue hues that have a calming effect. The mosque's design resembles that of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, with six minarets and eight large domes.
The interior columns and ceilings feature exquisite Islamic architectural details, creating a unique experience for visitors who can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and unmatched Islamic rituals.
7: Hassan II Mosque
Located in Casablanca, Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in the city and the second-largest in Africa.
The mosque serves as a religious and cultural complex and a significant landmark for tourists.
Built on the sea, it is the first religious architecture constructed on water, inspired by the Quranic verse "and His throne was upon the water" (Hud, verse 7).
The mosque's unique architectural design combines traditional Moroccan architecture with modern engineering. Its prayer hall covers 20,000 square metres and can accommodate over 25,000 worshippers, with an additional 80,000 in the outer courtyard.
Despite various renovations over the years, the mosque remains a prominent symbol of Morocco.
8: Masjid Kristal
Although relatively recently constructed, Masjid Kristal holds significant importance within Malaysia. Located in the Islamic Heritage Park in Kuala Terengganu, on the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, the mosque is one of the largest in the country and Southeast Asia.
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin commissioned its construction in 2006, and it took about two years to complete, resulting in its current form as a piece of crystal in 2008.
The mosque attracts numerous visitors worldwide who come to pray in this crystalline structure, creating a magical scene that captivates everyone's hearts.
9: Shohada Mosque
Also known as the "Mosque of the Master of Martyrs," it is one of the famous mosques in Medina. The mosque is located a 10-minute drive from the Prophet's Mosque. It is considered a significant historical landmark by Muslims because many who fought alongside the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Battle of Uhud are buried there, including the esteemed companion Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib.
The mosque can accommodate more than 15,000 worshippers and offers numerous administrative and social services, as well as assistance such as:
- Ablution stations for pilgrims with special facilities for individuals with disabilities.
10: Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque:
The Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque is the largest mosque in Qatar and one of the largest religious destinations in the world.
Named after Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, it was officially inaugurated in 2011.
The mosque is located in the Al-Jubailat area, north of central Doha, and is built on an area of 175,000 square meters, accommodating more than 30,000 worshippers.
The mosque is distinguished by its elegant exterior design, featuring 28 large domes, 65 smaller domes, a mihrab, and three main doors.
Additionally, it includes three libraries, separate prayer and ablution halls for men and women, and special rooms for Quran memorization.