The Largest Mosque in the World

 The largest mosque in the world by capacity is the Masjid al-Haram (المسجد الحرام‎) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It surrounds the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, and is the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage. The mosque's current structure covers an area of about 356,000 square meters (3.83 million square feet) and can accommodate millions of worshippers during the Hajj pilgrimage, especially during the peak times of prayer. The central courtyard of Masjid al-Haram, known as the "Haram," is one of the largest open-air spaces in the world.

Another notable mosque is the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (المسجد النبوي) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest mosque in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. While it may not be as large in terms of physical size as Masjid al-Haram, it holds immense historical and religious significance. The mosque encompasses the burial place of Prophet Muhammad and is visited by millions of pilgrims and worshippers each year. Its construction has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, with the current structure accommodating a large number of worshippers in its main prayer hall and expansive courtyard.

Additionally, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (جامع الشيخ زايد الكبير) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is one of the largest mosques in the world in terms of architectural grandeur and design. While not as large in capacity as Masjid al-Haram or Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, it is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate decorations, and vast prayer halls. It can accommodate thousands of worshippers and visitors and has become a major tourist attraction in the UAE.

Imam Reza Shrine (‎حرم امام رضا): Located in Mashhad, Iran, the Imam Reza Shrine is one of the largest mosques in the world by area. It encompasses a vast complex of courtyards, prayer halls, and other structures spread over an area of around 598,657 square meters (6.44 million square feet). The shrine is a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims and attracts millions of visitors annually.

Faisal Mosque (فیصل مسجد): Situated in Islamabad, Pakistan, the Faisal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in terms of capacity and architectural design. Completed in 1986, it was the largest mosque in the world until the completion of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1993. The mosque's unique design, inspired by a Bedouin tent, can accommodate around 100,000 worshippers, with its main prayer hall accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers.

Hassan II Mosque (مسجد الحسن الثاني): Located in Casablanca, Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world both in terms of area covered and capacity. Completed in 1993, it features a stunning blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern design elements. The mosque can accommodate around 105,000 worshippers, with a main prayer hall capable of holding up to 25,000 worshippers.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (جامع السلطان قابوس الأكبر): Situated in Muscat, Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the largest and most architecturally impressive mosques in the Gulf region. Completed in 2001, it features intricate marble craftsmanship, stunning chandeliers, and a majestic prayer hall. The mosque's main prayer hall can accommodate over 6,000 worshippers, and its central dome is one of the largest in the world.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) (سلطان أحمد مسجد): Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Blue Mosque is renowned for its striking blue tiles adorning its interior walls, giving it its nickname. Built in the early 17th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is an iconic symbol of Istanbul. While not among the largest mosques in terms of capacity, it is revered for its exquisite architecture, six minarets, and the grandeur of its interior decorations.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (جامع الشيخ زايد الكبير): Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest and most breathtaking mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the UAE, it features stunning white marble domes, intricate floral patterns, and intricate calligraphy. The mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers and is open to non-Muslim visitors.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (مسجد نصير الملك): Also known as the Pink Mosque, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is located in Shiraz, Iran. It is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate tilework, and vibrant colors. The mosque's interior comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors during sunrise, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Grand Mosque of Kuwait (الجامع الكبير): Situated in Kuwait City, the Grand Mosque of Kuwait is one of the largest mosques in Kuwait and an important landmark in the country. It features a beautiful blue mosaic dome, intricate Islamic calligraphy, and a spacious prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

Great Mosque of Algiers (جامع الجزائر الكبير): Also known as Djamaa el Kebir, this mosque is located in the capital city of Algeria, Algiers. It is one of the largest mosques in Africa and serves as an important religious and cultural landmark in Algeria. The mosque's construction began in 2012 and was completed in 2019. With its impressive minarets and grand architecture, it has become a symbol of modern Islamic architecture.

Crystal Mosque (مسجد كريستال): Situated in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, the Crystal Mosque is a stunning contemporary mosque constructed primarily of glass and steel. It is located on the island of Wan Man and is surrounded by a scenic park overlooking the Terengganu River. The mosque's unique design and shimmering appearance, especially when illuminated at night, make it a popular tourist attraction in Malaysia.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque: Located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, this mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. It is named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, who initiated its construction. The mosque's golden dome and elegant architecture, set amidst lush gardens and surrounded by a reflecting pool, create a serene and picturesque setting.

Ketchaoua Mosque (جامع كتشاوة): Situated in the historic Casbah district of Algiers, Algeria, the Ketchaoua Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in the 17th century, it underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries, blending Moorish, Ottoman, and Byzantine architectural styles. The mosque's intricate decorations and ornate minaret make it a remarkable example of Islamic architecture in North Africa.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque: Located in Sohar, Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Oman and a prominent landmark in the city. It was built in the memory of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the former Sultan of Oman, and features a grand prayer hall adorned with exquisite Islamic art and calligraphy. The mosque's distinctive blue and gold dome adds to its majestic beauty.

Zahir Mosque (مسجد الظاهر): Situated in Alor Setar, Malaysia, the Zahir Mosque is one of the oldest and most iconic mosques in the country. Built in 1912, it is renowned for its striking architectural design, featuring five domes representing the five pillars of Islam. The mosque's elegant minarets and intricate detailing make it a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Islamic heritage in Malaysia.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque): Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is an iconic landmark of the city. Completed in 1616, it is renowned for its impressive architecture, including its six minarets and intricate blue tilework adorning its interior walls, which give it its nickname. The mosque is still used for worship today and is a major tourist attraction in Istanbul.

Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra): Situated in Putrajaya, Malaysia, the Putra Mosque is one of the most distinctive mosques in the country. Its pink-domed structure and grand architecture make it a prominent landmark in the city. The mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers and is surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens and a reflecting pool.

Masjid Negara: Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Masjid Negara, or the National Mosque of Malaysia, is the country's largest mosque. It was built in 1965 and features a modernist design with a large main prayer hall and striking blue umbrella-shaped domes. The mosque can accommodate over 15,000 worshippers and is open to visitors of all faiths.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Hagia Sophia has a rich history as both a Christian cathedral and later a mosque. It was originally constructed as a cathedral in the 6th century under the Byzantine Empire, then converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia is renowned for its massive dome and stunning Byzantine architecture.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (جامع الشيخ زايد الكبير): Situated in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and a marvel of modern Islamic architecture. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the UAE, it features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, and intricate floral designs. The mosque's main prayer hall can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers.

Badshahi Mosque (بادشاہی مسجد): Located in Lahore, Pakistan, the Badshahi Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. Built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, it was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion and remains one of the largest mosques in Pakistan. The mosque's red sandstone and marble architecture, along with its spacious courtyard and grand prayer hall, make it a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Mughal architecture.

Quba Mosque (مسجد قباء): Situated in Medina, Saudi Arabia, the Quba Mosque holds special significance as the first mosque built by Prophet Muhammad after his migration from Mecca to Medina. It is considered one of the oldest mosques in the world and is revered by Muslims as a place of great spiritual importance. The mosque's simple white architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors.

Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii): Located in Ankara, Turkey, the Kocatepe Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the country and a prominent landmark in the capital city. Completed in 1987, it features a modern Ottoman architectural style with its massive dome, minarets, and intricate tilework. The mosque's spacious prayer hall can accommodate thousands of worshippers, and its central location makes it a focal point of religious and cultural activities in Ankara.

Al-Aqsa Mosque (المسجد الأقصى): Situated in the Old City of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam and holds great religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is believed to be the third holiest mosque after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina. The mosque's golden dome and architectural beauty, along with its historical and religious importance, draw pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Each of these mosques holds cultural, historical, and architectural significance and serves as important centers of worship and community for Muslims around the world.