The world’s most beautiful mosques are magnificent buildings with an equally magnificent past and present. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to them because of their beauty as well as the skill and elegance of the architecture. A mosque, also known as a masjid in Arabic, is a sacred location where Muslims congregate to conduct prayers, or salat. It signifies “a place of ritual prostration” when taken metaphorically. 

List of 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in the World

1. Al-Haram Mosque, Saudi Arabia
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE
3. Hagia Sophia Mosque, Turkey
4. Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan
5. Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque, Iran
6. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey
7. Islamic Centre Mosque, Croatia
8. Jama Masjid, India
9. Umayyad Mosque, Syria
10. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Oman

1. Al-Haram Mosque, Saudi Arabia

The Al-Haram mosque, which occupies 400,800 square meters, is not only the largest Islamic monument but also one of the most exquisite in the entire globe. Millions of pilgrims go there every year to perform the Hajj and Umrah rituals, making it one of the most well-known sites of devotion in the world. It is described as the first location created for the purpose of worshiping Allah in the sacred book of the Quran. Al-Haram, one of the most significant mosques in Islam, is home to the holy black stone and the Kaaba. 

There are other important Islamic landmarks there as well, such as Maqam Ibrahim and Zamzam Well. Located inside the mosque’s grounds are the hills of Safa and Marwa. Since its construction, Al-Haram, also known as the forbidden mosque, has had to grow in order to accommodate an increasing number of pilgrims. With a capacity for four million worshipers, it has been recognized as the world’s largest mosque.

Read More: 15 Must-Visit Places in Saudi Arabia

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its 82 shimmering white domes, several exquisite hand-knotted carpets, and chandeliers coated in Swarovski crystals, is certainly deserving of a place in the list of the world’s most magnificent mosques. It is a feat of architecture that can accommodate up to 40,000 worshipers simultaneously. It also has a pool that, when lit up at night, mirrors the columns of the mosque. 1096 columns of the mosque have jasper and amethyst embedded in them. Additionally, it is home to the esteemed owner of the biggest hand-woven carpet, which is included in the Guinness Book of World Records. The mosque features calligraphic inscriptions urging Muslims to propagate peace and patience on its walls and arches.

3. Hagia Sophia Mosque, Turkey

For many Muslims, the Hagia Sophia mosque is an absolute must-see due to its exceptional beauty and important historical significance. This sacred location, one of the most exquisite mosques on Earth, is a surviving specimen of Byzantine architecture. Originally constructed as a Christian church, it was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman era (1453–1935). The structure reflects the historical theological changes that have occurred in the mosque. Long minarets and Arabic inscriptions about Muslim culture are there, while exquisite mosaics depict the rich history of the Christians.

4. Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan

The ‘Emperor’s Mosque,’ also known as the Badshahi Mosque, was constructed in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The mosque is a superb illustration of Mughal architecture and one of the most historic places in Pakistan. Attracting more than 55,000 worshippers, the sanctuary is the second-biggest mosque in Pakistan, behind the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The Badshahi Masjid’s construction and layout are very similar to those of Delhi, India’s Jama Masjid. The elegantly designed Badshahi Mosque was built across from the imposing Lahore Fort, symbolizing strength, power, and beauty all at once. Mughal architecture may be summed up in that combination. An emblem of the mysticism and majesty of Indian civilization, the building was brought to India by the Mughals. Badshahi Mosque and Fort Lahore have been elevated to national symbols by Pakistan since the country’s 1947 separation from India.

It is hard to imagine the immensity of Badshahi Mosque. It was the biggest monument on the globe in the seventeenth century. The mosque could hold up to 50,000 worshippers at a time for prayers. That is the size of several sports arenas. 

Read More: Religious Places in Pakistan

5. Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque, Iran

Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque, renowned for its kaleidoscope splendor, was built in way that it has majestic lighting all over. It was constructed in the 19th century under Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir’s orders, during the Qajar era. It is often referred to as the Pink Mosque because of the abundance of pink tiles that adorn it. The mosque’s enclosure features a lovely rectangular pool surrounded by flowering plants, which adds to the building’s overall attractiveness.

6. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, sometimes called the Blue Mosque because of the blue Iznik tiles that cover its interior, is a breathtaking sight. The mosque was built during the reign of Ahmed I in the seventeenth century. This building, which has five major domes and six tall minarets, is said to be the final big mosque from the ancient era. Men must wear long pants, and women must cover their heads before visiting the Blue Mosque. Additionally, tourists need to be aware that taking flash photos within the mosque is prohibited.

7. Islamic Centre Mosque, Croatia

The Islamic Center mosque is a stunning example of Islamic art combining classic and modern styles. The mosque includes a distinctively designed dome that is divided into five distinct segments that together appear to be a unified item. It also has curved geometric designs and motifs. The renowned Croatian artist Dušan Džamonja created the design for the Islamic Center Mosque. The mosque was constructed in response to the long-standing desire of the Islamic community in Rijeka to have a specific location for praying. It is now a well-liked tourist destination.

8. Jama Masjid, India

The biggest mosque in India is called Jama Masjid, and it is situated in New Delhi. It was constructed between 1650 and 1656 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. This house of worship is constructed of white marble and red sandstone, with space for 25,000 worshipers. The mosque, which has three domes, two minarets, and three gates and features Indo-Islamic architecture, is worthy of a place among the top ten most magnificent mosques in the world. The predominant religions in the nation, Jainism and Hindi, served as inspiration for the mosque’s architectural design. Around 5,000 workers put in day and night efforts to finish the mosque, which cost one million rupees at the time.

Read More: 11 Famous Mosques in India

9. Umayyad Mosque, Syria

The stunning mosque was finished in 715, more than a millennium ago, and it has withstood the test of time. It has three tall domes and a large courtyard where many Muslims congregate daily to offer prayers. Fascinatingly, there is a shrine inside the mosque that is said to house the head of John Baptist, a Jewish traveling preacher from the first century AD who is also known in Islam as Prophet John (Yaḥyā).

The Great Mosque of Damascus, which is also called the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the biggest and oldest mosques in the world and is situated in Damascus, Syria. Constructed by Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I between 705 and 715 C.E., the mosque’s primary purpose was and still is prayer. However, Muslims and Christians used separate areas of the church for prayer throughout the building’s construction. It is a well-known tourist site, but it’s also a location where families go to break fasts and spend time together, particularly during Islamic holy holidays like Ramadan. 

The mosque has undergone several modifications over the course of centuries as a result of fires. The roof and other portions of the mosque were damaged in a famous fire that broke out in 1893 as a result of a worker smoking. The mosque is regarded as one of the most inspirational architectural structures in the world and has maintained its general pattern despite many fires.

10. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman, built to hold up to 20,000 people, is a stunning site of prayer. Constructed to commemorate 30 years of Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said’s reign, it opened its doors in 2001. One of the most exquisite mosques in the world, it boasts five minarets that symbolize the five pillars of Islam, vibrant mosaic patterns, and exquisite crystal work.

Conclusion

Mosques are the ideal places to spend time and take in the devotion that permeates the premises because of their beauty and abundant spirituality. In their prayers, pilgrims ask Allah for blessings, prosperity, and pardon. Devout Muslims, tourists, architects, and historians are among the many people who rank them highly on their list of locations to see because of their amazing architecture and beauty.

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