The world of Islamic architecture is filled with breath-taking beauty, unique cultures, and rich history. From ancient structures to modern marvels, mosques around the globe showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Muslim communities. Here are 20 of the world’s most beautiful mosques.
A mosque is a place where Muslims gather to pray and worship. It typically has a large prayer hall, a mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and often a minaret (a tower from which the call to prayer is announced). It’s a communal space for religious activities, educational purposes, and sometimes social events.
1. Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Saudi Arabia
The holiest site in Islam, Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca, surrounds the sacred Kaaba. The mosque was first built in the 7th century, under Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab. Over centuries, it has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times, with major renovations by the Abbasids, Ottomans, and Saudi kings. Today, this beautiful mosque can accommodate over two million worshippers.
2. Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, Saudi Arabia
In Medina, the second holiest site in Islam stands as a tribute to Prophet Muhammad, who helped build the original mosque in 622 CE. Today, its iconic green dome and vast capacity for over half a million worshippers make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
3. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Turkey
his beautiful mosque in Istanbul was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. The young sultan aimed to create a mosque to rival the nearby Hagia Sophia. Its beauty lies in the harmonious blend of Byzantine Christian and traditional Islamic architectural elements, crowned by cascading domes and six minarets.
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE
Moving to modern times, this breath-taking mosque in Abu Dhabi was built between 1996 and 2007. It realizes the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to create a structure uniting Islamic architectural styles. The result is one of the most beautiful mosques of the 21st century, featuring 82 domes and space for 40,000 worshippers.
5. Masjid Sultan, Singapore
This stunning mosque represents a beautiful fusion of Arabic and Malay architectural styles. Originally built in 1824, it was rebuilt in 1932 by Denis Santry. The current structure showcases intricate minarets and a golden dome, symbolizing Singapore’s diverse Muslim community.
6. Hassan II Mosque, Morocco
Overlooking the Atlantic in Casablanca, is the second largest mosque in Africa, Hassan II Mosque. This beautiful mosque was completed in 1993 after seven years of construction. Commissioned by King Hassan II and designed by Michel Pinseau, it beautifully combines Moroccan tradition with modern technology, including a retractable roof and the world’s tallest minaret at 210 meters.
7. Shah Jahan Mosque, Pakistan
Built in 1647, this was the first mosque constructed on the Indian subcontinent by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Known for its elegant design and stunning symmetry, it set the template for many later Mughal-era mosques. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and perfect proportions.
8. Putra Mosque, Malaysia
This pink-domed beauty in Putrajaya was completed in 1999. Inspired by Persian Islamic architecture, it was designed by the Malaysian architect Nik Mohamed. Its stunning reflection in the adjacent Putrajaya Lake has made it one of the most photographed mosques in Southeast Asia.
9. Shah Mosque, Iran
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Isfahan, this 17th-century mosque was built between 1611 and 1629 during the Safavid period. Shah Abbas I commissioned it as the crown jewel of his new capital. Its beauty lies in the intricate blue tile work and calligraphy, showcasing the pinnacle of Persian Islamic art.
10. Jama Masjid, India
The largest mosque in India was built between 1644 and 1656 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Constructed from red sandstone and white marble, its grand scale and intricate detailing make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the subcontinent.
11. Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestine
Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as the third holiest site in Islam. Its history dates back to the 8th century when it was built by the Umayyad Caliphs. Its current form, with the iconic silver dome, was largely shaped by renovations in the 11th century under the Fatimid dynasty. The mosque’s enduring beauty lies not just in its architecture, but in its spiritual significance and resilience through centuries of history
12. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, Morocco
Founded in 859 CE in Fez, by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy merchant’s daughter, the mosque began as a small prayer space and gradually expanded over the centuries. This facility is considered the oldest educational institution in the world. It’s played a crucial role in the cultural and academic life of the Islamic West for over a millennium.
13. Egypt’s Islamic Cultural Center (Masjid Misr Al Kabeer), Egypt
Located in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Masjid Misr Al Kabeer can host up to 131,000 worshippers and is hence the largest mosque in Africa. Opened in March 2023 by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, it holds three Guinness World Records for the largest pulpit, the largest chandelier, and the heaviest chandelier.
14. Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Built in 1880 by the Dioula people of West Africa, this mosque showcases the beautiful Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. Constructed entirely of sun-baked clay bricks, its distinctive features include large wooden-log support beams that jut out from the walls, serving both a structural and decorative purpose. The mosque’s beauty lies in its organic forms, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
15. Al-Azhar Mosque, Egypt
Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest and most influential institutions in the Islamic world. Founded in 970 CE by the Fatimid dynasty, this beautiful mosque has been a beacon of Islamic learning for over a millennium.
Construction began shortly after the founding of Cairo itself, with the mosque intended to be the centrepiece of the new Fatimid capital. Today, it stands not only as one of the most beautiful mosques in Egypt but as a symbol of Islamic culture and learning worldwide.
Conclusion
These mosques represent just a fraction of the stunning Islamic architecture around the world. Which of these stunning mosques would you most like to visit?
Each tells a story of faith, culture, and history, serving as a testament to the diversity and beauty of Islamic civilization. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
NO IMAGE OF JAMA MASJID OF DELHI
Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestine
Hello. Thanks a lot for your feedback! Jama Masjid of Delhi is indeed beautiful – Mashallah, so would note this for an updated post in future. Al-Aqsa was present as number 11.