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Wonders of Islamic Architecture: Beautiful Mosques

Islam around the world is worshipped in mosques and for many their place of worship is not only the most sacred but the most beautiful place to them. There are some mosques around the world that really do define beauty with their size, structure and detail. We’ve selected some of the mosques that we believe to be beautiful around the world.

Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque), Saudi Arabia

Al-Masjid al-Haram, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Al-Masjid al-Haram, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Al-Masjid al-Haram, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, The Sacred Mosque is the largest in the world. It surrounds one of Islam’s most holy places, the Kaaba, which is famed for attracting Muslims from around the world who circle it while they pray. The mosque as a whole (indoors and outdoors) covers 88.2 acres (356,800 square metres). It is able to accommodate up to four million worshippers during Hajj.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Saudi Arabia

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Located in Medina, Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is referred to as the Prophet’s Mosque as it was built by Prophet Muhammad, PBUH. It was the second mosque to ever be built in history when constructed in 622; the first was the Quba Mosque, also built by Prophet Muhammad, PBUH. It was originally an open-air building, but over time Islamic rulers have expanded it and decorated it; in 1909 it became the first building in the Arabian Peninsula to be given electrical lights. The green dome at the top of the building was originally Aisha’s house and is now where Muhammad’s tomb lays.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi The largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which can be found in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. It was initiated by the country’s late President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It’s the size of five football fields making it the eighth largest mosque in the world. Immense in size it can accommodate 40,000 worshippers during Friday prayer and Eid. It is also unique in having the largest hand-made carpet in the world, an extremely intricate piece of work indeed.

Zahir Mosque, Malaysia

Zahir Mosque, Malaysia, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Zahir Mosque, Malaysia, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Zahir Mosque, Malaysia, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Consistently voted in the top 10 of the most beautiful mosques in the world the Zahir Mosque can be found in Kedah, Malaysia. It took three years to build; work on the building began in 1912 and finished in 1915. This makes it one of Malaysia’s oldest mosques. There are five domes in total, which are a deep ruby red colour but can often appear black in certain light. These help give the mosque its distinctive appearance.

Faisal Mosque, Pakistan

Faisal Mosque, Pakistan, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Faisal Mosque, Pakistan, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Faisal Mosque, Pakistan, Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The largest mosque in Pakistan, the Faisal Mosque is based in the capital of Islamabad. It’s still relatively young compared to other mosques, having been established in 1986. Nonetheless, it is still one of the most beautiful in the world. The unique design concept is thanks to Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. His vision for it was to have it shaped like a desert Bedouin’s tent. It’s location in the city puts it at the northernmost part of Islamabad, right at the foot of Margalla Hills, and the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas. We'd love to hear from you about your favorite mosques too! Related Articles: