It is also known as Haram Beit-Ullah (translated as “The Sacred House of Allah” or “The Forbidden House of Allah”). It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This mosque is not only the largest in both size and capacity, but also the most significant in the life of followers of Islam.
It is one of the main Muslim shrines; in its courtyard is the heart of the Islamic world - the Kaaba. It is to the courtyard of the Sacred Mosque that the hearts of believers strive throughout their lives. Turning in her direction, they read namaz five times a day. And everyone is obliged, having the opportunity, to make a pilgrimage to the Kaaba.
Over the centuries, the building was regularly rebuilt and reconstructed. The increasing number of pilgrims constantly required greater capacity. The last time major construction took place on its territory was in 1980 - then two minarets and another building of impressive size were added.
The number of minarets in the Al-Haram complex grew in proportion to the mosque itself, and by at the moment there are nine of them; they reach ninety-five meters in height. The area of the entire structure is now 309 thousand square meters. meters. There are four main entrances with gates and 44 secondary ones. Just imagine a building with 48 entrances, into which rivers of believers flow, bringing up to 700 thousand people to prayer.
Those who do not have enough space on the three floors of prayer rooms pray on the roof of the building, which has long been adapted for this purpose and decorated with marble slabs. In the basements there are also chapels, which open on the days of the greatest influx of visitors. The building is equipped with air conditioning, escalators, and modern video cameras. The complex has its own television and radio studios.
To illuminate it, two powerful power plants operate. Looking at how a dense stream of Muslims enter the courtyard of Al-Masjid Al-Haram to the sounds of the adhan, you involuntarily recall the words of the Almighty, transmitted by His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Holy Quran: « When the help of Allah arrives and victory comes, and when you see that people in crowds begin to accept the faith of Allah, then give praise to your Lord and ask Him for forgiveness, for He is the forgiving "(Surah An-Nasr, No. 1–3).
Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi)
This mosque is the second largest in the world, and it, like the largest mosque, is located in Saudi Arabia, only not in Mecca, but in Medina. The second largest, it is also the second holiest shrine of Islam. There was a mosque on this site during the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and subsequently he, Abu Bakr and Umar ( righteous caliphs) (may Allah be pleased with them) were buried here. The grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is located under a green dome. It is believed that he himself took part in the construction of the mosque. Here, the most beloved man of all who lived on earth, for Muslims, read his sermons. Here Islam experienced its first stages of development.
Built in the first year of the Hijra, the mosque was rebuilt many times, expanded, and at the moment its capacity is from 600 thousand people, and its territory is 400–500 square meters. meters. Meanwhile, it is believed that during the Hajj period it can accommodate up to a million people. One of its components is a platform 30 cm high - the Safa veranda, the place where the companions lived who left their homes and moved to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) until they acquired housing. It is believed that the number of Ashabs who lived on it is from 70 to 100 people.
One of the main decorations of the mosque are the columns, each of which has a name and reminds of events that she herself could tell about, if only the Almighty endowed her with the ability to make speeches. The architecture of the entire ensemble is classical. The main architectural features of all mosques in the world have been adopted from this mosque. In front of it is a classic rectangular square where believers pray, hold meetings, classes and legal disputes.
Shah Faisal
The Shah Faisal Mosque is located nearby in Islamabad, Pakistan. Since its construction was financed by Saudi Arabia, the mosque was named after the then King of Saudi Arabia Faisal, they expressed a desire to build a large mosque in Islamabad, when the city itself was just being founded, i.e. in fact, he was the initiator of its construction. For quite a long time, the Shah Faisal Mosque occupied only sixth place in the list of largest mosques. However, the capacity of its adjacent territory was taken into account, and this, in addition to the 100 thousand that accommodate its prayer hall and courtyard, another 200 thousand people - and this brought the mosque to third place on the list, if determined by the parameters of the largest capacity.
The area of the prayer hall of Shah Faisal Mosque is 0.48 hectares and the total area is 18.97 hectares. The height of the dome is 40 m. The minarets rise to the sky to a height of 88 m. In Saudi Arabia, its construction cost 130 million Saudi rials (approximately 120 million dollars). Some sources give it first place in the world, based on the size of the single prayer hall, located under one dome.
The King of Saudi Arabia expressed his wish in 1966, and in 1969 there was a design competition. Construction of the mosque began in 1976 and was completed in 1985-86; its architecture combines the traditions of Muslim architecture and modernity of lines and approaches. On the one hand, it has everything that a classical mosque should have: minarets, a prayer hall with paintings and mosaics... And at the same time, it is not like any of them. The Shah Faisal Mosque evokes completely opposite associations, captivating the viewer and keeping him in amazement and admiration.
At the same time, it also looks like the tent of a nomad who stopped for the night in the lower reaches of the mountain, behind which the Himalayas immediately begin, and the traveler decided to rest before the global transition. Associations also arise with an alien spaceship that landed in a mountain valley on planet Earth.
And the four minarets, creating a visual square around the mosque, will remind an experienced traveler of the Istanbul mosque: this is the only thing that the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, according to whose design it was built, took from the traditions of his people and transferred to Pakistani soil. All sparkling, the Shah Faisal Mosque looks extremely unusual. Perhaps it would be true to say that it is not like anything else.
The materials used in its construction are marble and concrete. An incredible number of straight lines for a Muslim temple and... an unusual, incredibly beautiful golden ball chandelier. At night it looks even more enchanting, illuminated by lights and illumination.
While construction was underway, the unconventional design of the mosque caused displeasure and squabbles, but this subsequently subsided, giving way to admiration. The mosque is unusual and at the same time magnificent, and can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful mosques peace. Those praying there can sit not only in the prayer hall, but also on covered balconies and galleries, directly. On the balcony there is a women's hall
The construction of large mosques highlights the growing “demand” for places for collective prayer, all ancient mosques are faced with the need to increase their prayer space - how can this not please the faithful? Moreover, Muslim architecture gave the world beautiful and regular buildings - mosques, full of people and angels. Because where people gather for the sake of Allah, angels are invisibly present.
VIDEO ON THE TOPIC
Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca from the height of the Abraj al-Bayt clock
Umbrellas in the Prophet's Mosque (peace and blessings be upon him)
Azan in the Prophet's Mosque (peace and blessings be upon him)
Medina welcomes Russian pilgrims
For Muslims, a mosque is not only a place for prayer and worship, it is also a meeting place with God. In addition, mosques play an important role in the social and aesthetic life of a society. And the luxurious temple buildings only confirm the greatness of the Muslim religion. Amazingly beautiful and extraordinary in their architecture and history, these buildings have long become a favorite tourist attraction. And it doesn’t matter at all whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, a Buddhist or a Catholic - it is impossible not to admire these buildings. The most beautiful mosques in the world are in this article.
The very best
Every person has his own opinion, as the famous proverb says. So it is with the choice of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world - many ratings from various sources offer a variety of options. The first such structures appeared in the seventh century, and since then their number has only been growing. There are about 4 million mosques in the world, 140 of them are in New York, there are 70 in Beijing, 4 in Moscow, and 100 mosques in London. The world of the most beautiful and amazing mosques according to the rating of the Timeturk portal, for example, was topped by the mosque (Kazan). Although, according to Russian publications, she is not the most beautiful in Russia. In second place and third place are the buildings of Malaysia - the Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu and the Putra Mosque. Of the 50 similar structures in the rating, seven are located in Malaysia, 4 in India, 3 each in China and Pakistan.
The most beautiful mosque in the world
In the heart of every believer, the main and most beautiful will be the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. This, otherwise called the Forbidden Mosque, is the custodian of the main Muslim relic - the Kaaba or the Stone of Forgiveness (a 15-meter cube in the courtyard, inside of which there is a black stone). This structure can accommodate up to 2.5 million people during the Hajj, and is also the largest mosque in the world. And wherever believers are, it is to her that they turn, offering prayers. It was built in 638, and its sides are located strictly according to the cardinal points.
600 thousand - and the very best
This is exactly how much money was spent on the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Built in 2007 and named after the country's first president, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, it is one of the temple buildings where everyone is allowed, not just Muslims. Moreover, excursions are free for both Muslims and representatives of other faiths. And there is something to see - this is a prayer hall with 1096 columns of white marble, and panels decorated with precious stones, and flower mosaic. It can confidently be called the most beautiful mosque in the world inside. Luxurious gold chandeliers and the world's largest handmade carpet - you won't find anything like this anywhere else. Huge pools, illuminated at night, create mystical beauty and amaze with their splendor.
The most beautiful of the oldest mosques
Built in the 8th century by ruler Al-Walid in 6 years, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is considered the largest and most beautiful mosque of antiquity. Its architecture has a noticeable Roman influence. And it’s not surprising, because nearby is the temple of Roman legionnaires.
The Prophet's Mosque in Medina, founded by the Prophet Muhammad himself and built in 622, also competes for primacy in this category.
Crystal Mosque - a miracle of miracles
One of the most beautiful mosques in the world is located in Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. Located on Won Man Island, it is made of concrete and steel frame, and covered with frosted and mirrored glass. During the day it glows in the rays of the sun, and at night it plays with all colors thanks to complex lighting. This mosque was built in 2008 by order of the Sultan Trengganu Mizan Zain al-Abidin, its highest part is at an altitude of 42 meters.
The most beautiful in Russia
IN modern Russia Most publications consider the “Heart of Chechnya” mosque, built in 2008 in Grozny, to be the most beautiful. It was built by architects from Turkey. Its 63-meter-high minarets, central domes and Ottoman-style park are considered by many to be the most beautiful piece of Muslim architecture in Europe. This modern mosque with its own television and radio studio can accommodate up to 10 thousand believers.
Another magnificent example is the St. Petersburg one, which opened in 1913 and coincided with the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty. Samarkand and Cairo architecture with ceramics of an unusual blue hue, 48-meter minarets and 39-meter domes, it has long been considered the largest in Europe.
10 most beautiful mosques in the world: ranking of online surveys
Most online resources offer the following ten most beautiful buildings in this category:
During World War II, it was the mosque in Paris that became a refuge for Jews and saved hundreds of lives.
In 2001, Pope Paul II visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, prayed there and even kissed the Koran.
The famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople became a cathedral in 1935, and before that it was the Hagia Sophia mosque.
And today, ostrich eggs, which are hung between the lamps, protect from spiders and cobwebs.
There is a sacred spring near the Haram Beit Ullah mosque in Saudi Arabia. According to legend, when it runs out of water, Judgment Day will come on earth and the world will end.
Let's sum it up
For every believer, their temple will always remain the most beautiful and dear. Having looked at the wonders of architecture and decoration of Islamic temple buildings, many of which are rightfully included in the UNESCO list of architectural heritage, I would like to believe that the differences architectural styles will not prevent people of different beliefs from maintaining tolerance, tolerance and acceptance of beliefs different from their own. The path to God is different for everyone and requires not only mental effort, but also, as we see, physical and material investments. The greatness of religious buildings of different faiths in modern world must unite society in the name of maintaining peace and unity.
Mosques are not only places to calm the soul and heart of any Muslim, but also architectural monuments of unparalleled beauty. Mosques play a very important role in the life of Muslims: religious, social, cultural. In this article we invite you to see the TOP 10 largest mosques in the world, which amaze the imagination and allow you to discover something new for yourself from the life of the Muslim people.
Capacity 25 thousand people
10th place in our ranking is occupied by the Delhi Cathedral Mosque or Jami Masjid. Jami Masjid is the most important and largest mosque in India. Its construction began in 1650 during the reign of Shah Jahan I, the ruler of the Mughal Empire. The final completion of the work was recorded in 1656. Over 5,000 people worked on the construction of the mosque. The courtyard of the mosque can accommodate up to 25 thousand Muslim believers.
9 Capacity 40 thousand people
In 9th place is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi (UAE). This is one of the youngest buildings for believers. The construction of the snow-white beauty lasted 11 years. It is known throughout the world not only for its impressive size, but also for its incomparable beauty. The mosque amazes with its uranium: semi-precious stones, multi-colored marble. This mosque is also famous for the fact that it contains the world's largest carpet and the largest and most luxurious chandelier. The territory of the mosque can simultaneously accommodate 40 thousand people.
8 Al Saleh Mosque Capacity 44 thousand people
In 8th place is the “National Miracle” of Yemen - the Al-Saleh Mosque. The opening of the main attraction of Yemen took place in November 2008. The construction of the mosque was largely financed by the country's President Ali Abdullah Saleh. On the territory of the mosque there is a modern 3-story building in which there is a school where they study the Koran and large library. It is also worth noting that the mosque is equipped modern system air conditioning, a sound system, and a very sophisticated lighting scheme that allows the mosque to be illuminated in a special way throughout the night. The capacity of the main hall is 44 thousand believers.
7 Badshahi Mosque Capacity 60 thousand people
In 7th place is the Badshahi Mosque. It is located in Pakistan, in the beautiful city of Lahore. It was erected in the 17th century. And in the 18th century, the mosque was practically destroyed, and in this state it stood until the mid-19th century. During this time, it was used as a defensive structure, as a warehouse, a barracks, and even as a stable. The opportunity to begin the restoration of the once beautiful mosque only appeared in 1947, the year when Pakistan was recognized as an independent state. The territory of the mosque can accommodate up to 60 thousand people.
6 Mausoleum of Imam Reza Capacity 100 thousand people
6th place is occupied by one of the most important shrines - the mausoleum of Imam Reza. It is located in Iran, in the city of Mashhad. On the territory of the shrine there is the tomb of the imam, mosques, minarets, a museum and a library. Iran's main attraction attracts 15-20 million visitors every year. And this is not surprising, because... The mausoleum is a masterpiece of Iranian art. The construction of the complex began in the 14th century, during the reign of the Timurid dynasty. Construction was completed in the 19th century. The area of the complex occupies approximately 331 thousand square meters. meters. The mausoleum can accommodate 100 thousand people.
5 Capacity 105 thousand people
5th place belongs to the great mosque of Hassan II. This mosque is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the beautiful city of Morocco - Casablanca. Construction of the mosque lasted 13 years. The opening took place in August 1993. About 20,000 thousand people of various fields worked on this structure: from simple artisans to artists, engineers and builders. This is one of the most beautiful and grandiose structures of mankind. The Hassan II Mosque amazes with its beauty, grandeur, wealth, scale, as well as technological innovations. Anyone can enter this temple of beauty and grandeur. The large area can accommodate more than 105 thousand people. The area of the temple is about 9 hectares.
4 Independence Mosque Capacity 120 thousand people
4th place goes to the Independence Mosque or Istiqlal. This mosque was built in honor of Indonesia's independence from the Netherlands. "Istiqlal" means "dependence" in Arabic. Geographically, it is located in Jakarta, and is the largest in Southeast Asia. Construction of the mosque began in 1961 and lasted until 1978. At the moment, the Istiqlal Mosque is central place spiritual, cultural and scientific life countries where various events, seminars, and conferences are often held. The territory of the temple can accommodate about 120 thousand visitors at a time. The area of the mosque is 10 hectares.
3 Faisal Mosque Capacity 300 thousand people
3rd place belongs to the Faisal Mosque, located in the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. This monastery got its name in honor of King Faisal. It was King Faisal who contributed to its construction. The mosque is located in a picturesque area: nearby are the Margolla Hills and the Himalayas. It is worth noting the architecture of the Fesala Mosque, because it does not look like traditional Islamic mosques. Its shape resembles the tent of a Bedouin nomad. Initially, the design solution did not cause delight, and only after construction was completed, people who criticized this object admitted that they were wrong. The territory of the mosque is located on 5,000 square meters and can accommodate approximately 300 thousand people.
2 Prophet's Mosque Capacity 1 million people
Medina takes 2nd place. It is located in Saudi Arabia. This is the mosque of the prophet Muhammad, or Masjid an-Nabawi. Construction of the temple began in 622, and the Prophet Muhammad himself took part in its construction. After his death, he was buried under the Green Dome. Medina plays an important social role in the life of Muslims. This is a place of public and educational purpose, because it is here that the country’s everyday, financial and political problems are solved. The territory of the temple covers 400 thousand square meters and accommodates about 600 thousand Muslims in normal times, and 1 million believers during pilgrimages.
1 Capacity 2 million people
So, in first place among the largest mosques in the world is the Forbidden Mosque or Al-Haram Mosque. Just like the Medina Mosque, it is located in Saudi Arabia. This is the very first and most ancient temple, built for believers to serve the Almighty. According to legend, the first builders of this relic were heavenly angels. Since its founding in 638, the mosque has changed its design more than once. appearance, was constantly being completed and rebuilt. At the moment this is the most majestic building that houses main value Muslims - Kaab, minarets, special rooms for prayers and ablutions. In addition to all the listed values of the mosque, various technological amenities are located on its territory, such as escalators, air conditioners, and sophisticated electric lighting. Territory religious complex is located on 357 thousand square kilometers and can accommodate more than 700 thousand people. If we also use the surrounding areas of the temple, the capacity of believers will increase to 2 million.
A mosque can be found in almost every corner of the globe. Most of these incredible places of worship defy typical expectations of what a mosque should look like. Unconventional minarets, new architectural designs and building experiments add variety to mosques and also demonstrate the enormous potential for creativity in mosque design.
“Beauty surrounds us,” said the Persian poet and Sufi mystic Rumi in the 13th century. Look at these extraordinary Muslim holy places around the world and see once again the accuracy of his words. We present to your attention a series of the most amazing mosques in the world.
1. Mosque named after Mashkhur Zhusup (Kazakhstan)
The mosque building was built in the shape of an eight-pointed star measuring 48x48 meters, the height of the minarets is 63 meters, the height of the dome with a crescent is 54 meters. The dome of the mosque is heavenly in color and is made in the shape of a shanyrak. Architecturally, the mosque looks like an open heart, open to peace and goodness.
2. Crystal Mosque (Malaysia)
The official opening took place on 8 February 2008 by the thirteenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan of Terengganu Mizan Zainal Abidin. The prayer building can accommodate up to one and a half thousand people at a time. The building is made of reinforced concrete and covered with mirror glass. The mosque has a changing illumination of seven colors.
3. Faisal Mosque (Pakistan)
One of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is famous in the Islamic world for its size, with an area of 5,000 square meters, it can accommodate 300,000 worshipers.
4. Shakirin Mosque (Türkiye)
It is the most modern mosque in Turkey.
5. Dzhenno cathedral mosque(Mali)
The largest adobe building in the world, built in 1906. The mosque is located in the city of Djenne, Mali in the floodplain of the Bani River. As part of the "Old Town of Djenne" site, the mosque was included in the list in 1988 World Heritage UNESCO.
6. Kul Sharif Mosque (Russia)
One of the main attractions of the Republic of Tatarstan is the Kul Sharif mosque - a recreation of the legendary multi-minaret mosque of the capitalKazan Khanate, center for religious education and development of sciences in the Middle Volga region XVI century.
7. Putra Mosque (Malaysia)
The Putra Mosque was built from 1997 to 1999 in the new administrative center of Malaysia, in the city of Putrajaya and is located on the shores of the artificial Lake Putrayawa next to the residence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
8. Ubudiya Mosque (Malaysia)
Built in 1917 during the reign of Sultan Idris Shah, the mosque is located next to the Mausoleum on Bukit Chandan. Its construction was ordered by order of the Sultan, who vowed that he would build a mosque of extraordinary beauty as a sign of recovery from illness.
9. Baitunnur Mosque (Canada)
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The largest mosque in Canada, it can accommodate approximately 3,000 worshipers at a time.
10. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque (Brunei)
The Royal Mosque, located in Bandar Seri Begawan, in the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei. The mosque can be classified as one of the most spectacular mosques in the Asia-Pacific region and a major attraction in Brunei.
Continuing the information coverage about the mosques of the world, in this post I decided to provide information about the 20 largest mosques in the world, which our guys posted on the Salamworld website, citing an article from Wondrous magazine. It should be immediately emphasized that the rating of mosques was compiled taking into account the size of the entire complex, as well as the capacity of the prayer halls. In addition, having visited, by the will of the Almighty, mosques and Muslim places in more than 100 countries from Indonesia and Malaysia to Europe, Turkey, Iran and Arab countries, I know firsthand that there are greater mosques than those included in this rating. Nevertheless, I decided to give this rating as one of the options.
1. The largest mosque in the world is the Meccan Forbidden Mosque (المسجد الحرام), which is main shrine Muslim world. The Kaaba is located in the courtyard of the mosque. The mosque was built in 638. From 2007 to 2012, by decision of the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a new large-scale reconstruction of the mosque was carried out. During the expansion, mainly in the northern direction, the territory increases to 400 thousand square meters. meters and will accommodate 1.12 million people. Two more minarets are being built, as well as a new King Abdullah Gate, and all old and new premises are equipped with air conditioning. Taking into account the reconstructed territory of the district, a total of 2.5 million people will be able to participate in ceremonies and events at the same time. The cost of reconstruction is $10.6 billion.
2. The second largest mosque in the world is the Prophet's Mosque (المسجد النبوي). This mosque is located in Medina (Saudi Arabia) and is the second holiest shrine in Islam after Forbidden Mosque. The mosque was built during the lifetime of Muhammad (saw); subsequent Muslim rulers expanded and embellished it. Nowadays, the mosque seats 600 thousand people, on an area of 400,500 square meters. meters. During the Hajj period, this number increases to 1 million people.
3. In third place is the Mazar of Imam Reza (حرم علی بن موسی الرضا), an architectural complex erected in 818 in Mashhad (Iran), including the tomb of the imam itself, the tombs of other revered imams, a museum, a library, a cemetery, a mosque and several other buildings. Most of the complex's structures were built during Timurid and Safavid rule, although the first dated structure bears an early 14th-century inscription, and the structure's dome dates back to the early thirteenth century. The area of the complex is 331,578 square meters and accommodates about 100 thousand people.
4. In fourth place is the Indonesian Independence Mosque (مسجد الاستقلال), which is located in Jakarta. After Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1949, the idea arose to build a national mosque for the new republic, befitting the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. In 1953, a committee for the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque was founded, headed by Anwar. Anwar presented the project to Indonesian President Sukarno, who welcomed him and subsequently took control of the construction of the mosque. On August 24, 1961, Sukarno laid the first stone of the mosque; construction took seventeen years. Indonesian President Suharto opened the national mosque on February 22, 1978. It is still the largest mosque in the region and can accommodate more than 120,000 people at a time.
5. Hassan the Second Mosque (مسجد الحسن الثاني) is another incredible mosque located in the city of Xablanca. This mosque is the largest in Morocco and the fifth in the world. The capacity of this temple is 25 thousand people (this is only one hall). And the total capacity of the mosque is 105 thousand people. The height of the minaret (this is the only minaret) is 210 meters. This mosque was also built in our time, the beginning was 1986, the end was 1989. The project was drawn up by a French architect. The total cost of constructing this huge temple- 800 million dollars.
6. Faisal Mosque (مسجد شاه فيصل) is a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is famous in the Islamic world for its size, with an area of 5,000 square meters, it can accommodate 300,000 worshipers. Construction of the mosque began in 1976 by the National Construction Organization of Pakistan and was financed by the Saudi Arabian government. The project cost more than 130 million Saudi riyals (approximately $120 million in today's dollars). King Faisal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was very instrumental in financing the construction, and after his assassination in 1975, both the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him. The mosque was completed in 1986.
7. Badshahi Mosque (بادشاہی مسجد - imperial mosque) is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the city of Lahore. One of the largest mosques in the world. Located on a platform accessible by stairs, overlooking the old city opposite the Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort. It was built in 1673-1674 by order of the great Mughal Aurangzeb and is considered one of the most significant monuments of Indo-Islamic sacred architecture of the Mughal era.
8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (مسجد الشيخ زايد) is the largest mosque in the UAE. Located in Abu Dhabi, the mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. The mosque can simultaneously accommodate 40 thousand believers. The main prayer hall is designed for 7 thousand worshipers. Two rooms next to the main prayer hall can accommodate 1,500 people each. Both of these rooms are for women only. At the four corners of the mosque there are four minarets, which rise approximately 107 meters. The outer row of the main building is covered with 82 domes. The domes are decorated with white marble, and their interior decoration is also made of marble. The courtyard is lined with colored marble and covers about 17,400 square meters.
9. Delhi Cathedral Mosque (مسجد جھان نمہ) is the eighth largest mosque in the world. The construction of the mosque began under Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj Mahal) and was completed in 1656. The courtyard of the mosque can accommodate up to twenty-five thousand believers at a time. One of the relics is a copy of the Koran written on deer skin. The construction of the mosque was the result of the efforts of more than 5,000 workers over six years. The cost of construction at that time was 10 lakh (1 million) rupees. Shah Jahan built several important mosques in Delhi, Agra, Ajmer and Lahore.
10. Holy House Mosque (بيت المكرّم) is the national mosque of Bangladesh. Located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, this mosque was founded in the 1960s. The mosque complex was designed by the architect Abdul Hussein Tariani. The National Mosque of Bangladesh has several modern architectural features, and at the same time, these innovations preserve the traditional principles of mosque architecture.
11. Muscat Cathedral Mosque or Sultan Qaboos Mosque (جامع السلطان قابوس الأكبر) - the main mosque of Muscat, Oman. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decreed that his country Oman should have its own Grand Mosque. A competition was held in 1993, construction began in 1995. Construction work took six years and four months. The mosque is built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. The main prayer hall is square in shape (74.4 x 74.4 meters) with a central dome rising to a height of fifty meters above floor level. The dome and main minaret (90 meters) and four side minarets (45.5 meters) are the main visual features of the mosque. The main prayer hall can accommodate more than 6,500 worshipers at a time, while the women's prayer hall can only accommodate 750 people. The external prayer area can accommodate 8,000 believers, the total number of up to 20,000 believers.
12. Festive mosque - "Eid Kah" (عید گاہ مسجد) - the largest mosque in China. Located in the central square of the Muslim Uyghur city of Kashgar. It has an area of 16,800 m² and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Built in 1442, although the most ancient sections can be dated back to the 9th-10th centuries. Subsequently expanded and rebuilt.
13. Masjid Negara (مسجد نغارا) - the national Malaysian mosque of Kuala Lumpur, built in 1965. The main hall of the mosque seats over 15 thousand people and is especially crowded on Fridays. The mosque complex consists of a ribbed star-shaped dome and a minaret 73 m high. The eighteen corners of the dome symbolize the 13 states of Malaysia and the “5 Pillars of Islam”.
14. Masjid-e Aqsa (مسجدِ اقصیٰ) is the largest mosque of the Ahmadi community, located in Rabwah (Pakistan). The mosque was opened in 1972 and accommodates 12 thousand worshipers.
15. Mosque "House of Victories" (مسجد بیت الفتوح). mosque in the suburbs of London, England - the largest in Western Europe. The mosque was built by followers of the Ahmadi sect in 2003. It covers an area of 21,000 m² and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers in three prayer halls. The complex itself includes a gymnasium, offices, a library and television studios. Construction of the complex cost 5.5 million British pounds.
16. Mosque “Heart of Chechnya” (مسجد قبة غروزني المركزي). The “Heart of Chechnya” mosque, built in the center of Grozny, is in 16th place in this ranking of the largest mosques in the world. As I wrote at the very beginning, here, when talking about the mosque in Grozny, the size of the entire complex was taken into account, while in my previous rating the first place was taken by the Makhachkala Juma Mosque, since its capacity is up to 15 thousand people.
Opening date: October 17, 2008, during the forum “Islam - a religion of peace and creation.” Its construction began on April 25, 2006 with the help of specialists from Turkey. The minarets of the mosque are the highest in Russia; the height of the dome is 3 meters lower than the mosques of Kazan and St. Petersburg. The Heart of Chechnya Mosque is the largest Muslim complex in Russia.
17. Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque (جامع السلطان أحمد) is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. The mosque has six minarets: four, as usual, on the sides, and two slightly less tall ones on the outer corners. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic and world architecture. Construction of the mosque began in August 1609 and was completed in 1616. The mosque can accommodate up to 10 thousand people within its walls.
18. Al-Fatiha Mosque (جامع مركز أحمد الفاتح الإسلامي) - one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of simultaneously accommodating more than 7,000 believers. The mosque is the largest temple in Bahrain. The mosque is very close to the royal palace in Manama, the seat of the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.
A huge dome built on top of the mosque, made of pure fiberglass and weighing over 60 tons (60,000 kg), is currently the largest fiberglass dome in the world. Al-Fatih now includes the new National Library, which opened to the public in 2006. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa in 1987. It is named after Ahmad al-Fatih, the conqueror of Bahrain.
19. Masjid-e Tuba (مسجد طوبٰی) is located in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Among the population of the city, the mosque is also known as Gol Masjid. The mosque was built in 1969 and is located on Korangi Road. Masjid-e Tuba has the largest dome of any mosque in the world (its diameter is 72 meters) and is one of the main attractions of Karachi. The mosque is built of white marble, the minaret reaches 70 meters in height. The central prayer hall seats 5,000 people. The mosque was designed by Pakistani architect Babar Hamid Chauhan and engineer Zaheer Haider Naqvi.
20. Al-Aqsa Mosque (المسجد الأقصى) is a mosque located on the Temple Mount in Al-Quds. The mosque is the third holiest shrine of Islam after the Forbidden Mosque in Noble Mecca and the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) in the Most Serene Medina. Up to 5,000 believers can pray in the mosque at the same time.
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