Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning mosques which reflect the continent’s history, architecture, and vibrant culture. Here’s a look at the top 10 largest mosques in Africa based on their capacities, along with their unique stories.
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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. Egypt’s Islamic Cultural Center (Masjid Misr Al Kabeer) – Egypt
Capacity: 131,000
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.
2. Djamaa el Djazaïr – Algeria
Capacity: 120,000
Known as the Great Mosque of Algiers, Djamaa el Djazaïr has the world’s tallest minaret at 265 meters. Though the second largest mosque, it is the continent’s most expensive building, costing $2 billion and was completed in 2019. It can accommodate 120,000 worshipers and includes a museum, library, and research center.
3. Hassan II Mosque – Morocco
Capacity: 105,000
Located along Casablanca’s coastline, the Hassan II Mosque is a masterpiece of design that can hold up to 105,000 worshippers. The vision for this grand mosque originated from King Hassan II, who requested the French architect Michel Pinseau to design it in honor of his father, King Muhammad V, who passed away in 1961. Completed in 1993, the mosque is known for its exquisite tile work and a minaret that projects a laser beam towards Mecca. It is also engineered to withstand earthquakes, featuring a sliding roof and heated floors.
4. 1st November of 1954 Great Mosque – Algeria
Capacity: 30,000
Located in Batna, this mosque signifies the start of the Algerian War of Independence. Completed in 2017, it can host 30,000 worshippers with a design that reflects Algeria’s spirit of resilience and faith. The mosque stands as a cultural symbol of Algeria’s struggle for freedom and its enduring Islamic faith.
5. Massalikoul Djinane Mosque – Senegal
Capacity: 30,000
The largest mosque in West Africa, Dakar’s Massalikoul Djinane, meaning “Paths to Paradise,” was created in 2019 to accommodate 30,000 worshippers. The mosque’s land was donated by former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade and built by construction workers from the Mouride Sufi community. The Mourides are a prominent Sufi order in Senegal, founded by Shaykh Amadou Bamba, known for their emphasis on hard work, spiritual devotion, and community service.
6. Great Mosque of N'Djamena - Chad
Capacity: 30,000
Also, joint place with the previous two largest mosques in Africa, we have the Great Mosque of N’Djamena. Built in the 1970s, is a central religious and cultural landmark in Chad’s capital. It serves as the main place of worship for Muslims in the city, accommodating thousands of worshippers. The mosque’s architecture blends traditional Islamic design with local Chadian elements, symbolizing Chad’s Islamic heritage and cultural diversity.
7. Abuja National Mosque – Nigeria
Capacity: 25,000
Completed in 1984, Nigeria’s national mosque in Abuja can hold 25,000 worshippers. Featuring a library and conference center, it plays a significant role in the country’s religious and cultural life.
Its golden dome and four minarets are iconic landmarks in Abuja, symbolizing the nation’s Islamic heritage and its cultural diversity. The mosque is not only a place for daily prayers but also hosts significant national events and conferences.
8. Al-Azhar Mosque – Cairo, Egypt
Capacity: 20,000
Established in 972 AD by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, Al-Azhar Mosque is a cornerstone of Islamic learning for students of the faith. It can accommodate 20,000 worshippers and is the heart of Al-Azhar University.
The mosque’s design is a testament to centuries of Islamic art and education, reflecting the cultural richness of Cairo’s Islamic history. Al-Azhar Mosque has been a beacon of Islamic scholarship for over a millennium, attracting students from around the world.
9. Koutoubia Mosque – Morocco
Capacity: 20,000
Located in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in the city and a prime example of Almohad architecture. Completed in the 12th century, it features a stunning minaret that has become a symbol of Marrakech. The mosque’s design and historical significance make it a key cultural landmark in Morocco.
The Koutoubia Mosque’s beautiful gardens and surrounding areas provide a tranquil space for worship and reflection, attracting both worshippers and tourists.
10. Ghana National Mosque – Ghana
Capacity: 17,000
Completed in 2012 in Accra, the Ghana National Mosque is a prominent Islamic landmark modeled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. It symbolizes Ghana’s cultural diversity and Islamic heritage. The mosque’s architecture reflects Ottoman design, featuring a grand dome and multiple minarets. It serves as a central hub for daily prayers, Friday congregations, and major Islamic festivals, highlighting its importance in the religious life of Ghanaian Muslims.
Conclusion
So, there we have it. – the 10 largest mosques in Africa! These mosques aren’t just places of worship; they’re cultural landmarks that reflect Africa’s rich Islamic heritage. Each mosque has a unique story and design, offering a glimpse into the diverse and unified Islamic faith across the continent.
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