Which Are the World’s 10 Largest Mosques by Size?

Mosques (masajid) are places of worship for Muslims and are an integral part of Islamic culture and architecture. With over 1.9 billion Muslims, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion after Christianity, and mosques can be found all over the world. In this blog, we will explore the 10 largest mosques in the world and learn about their history, construction, and significance in Islamic culture.

Please keep in mind that the size rankings may change over time as some of these mosques are still expanding, and new contenders like Grand Jamia Mosque in Karachi, Pakistan are on the horizon.

10 Largest Mosques (Masajid) in the World

1. Masjid al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The Masjid al-Haram, located in the holy city of Mecca, is the largest mosque in the world. It is also the most sacred site in Islam and is the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage that attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world. The mosque was built in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad, and it has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. Today, the mosque covers an area of 356,800 square meters and can accommodate over 1 million worshippers at a time.

1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina, Saudi Arabia: The Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, is the second-largest mosque in the world. It is located in the city of Medina and is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The mosque was initially built in the 7th century and has been expanded and renovated many times over the centuries. Today, it can accommodate up to 1 million worshippers and covers an area of 400,500 square meters.

 

1. Imam Ali Mosque, Najaf, Iraq: The Imam Ali Mosque is located in the city of Najaf in Iraq and is the third-largest mosque in the world. It is the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin, and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the fourth caliph of Islam. The mosque was built in the 10th century and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. Today, it can accommodate up to 700,000 worshippers and covers an area of 94,000 square meters

1. Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan: The Faisal Mosque is located in the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan, and is the fourth-largest mosque in the world. It was built in 1986 and is named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who funded the mosque’s construction. The mosque has a unique design that combines traditional Islamic architecture with modern styles, and it can accommodate up to 300,000 worshippers at a time.

1. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco: The Hassan II Mosque is located in the city of Casablanca in Morocco and is the fifth-largest mosque in the world. It was built in 1993 and is named after King Hassan II of Morocco, who commissioned its construction. The mosque has a beautiful design that incorporates elements of traditional Moroccan architecture and can accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers.

1. Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Indonesia: The Istiqlal Mosque is located in the capital city of Jakarta in Indonesia and is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1978 and had a modern design that reflects Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage. The mosque can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers at a time and covers an area of 9.5 hectares.

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and is the largest mosque in the country. It was built in 2007 and is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. The mosque has a beautiful design that incorporates elements of Islamic architecture from all over the world and can accommodate up to 41, 000 worshippers at a time. It also features the world’s largest carpet and chandelier, adding to its grandeur and beauty.

1. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan: The Badshahi Mosque is located in the city of Lahore in Pakistan and is the sixth-largest mosque in the world. It was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and features a stunning blend of Mughal and Islamic architecture. The mosque can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers at a time and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years to maintain its beauty.

1. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is located in the historic city of Istanbul in Turkey and is the seventh-largest mosque in the world. It was built in the 17th century and features a unique design with six minarets and a beautiful interior adorned with blue tiles. The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time and is a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.

1. Grand Mosque of Bursa, Bursa, Turkey: The Grand Mosque of Bursa, also known as the Ulu Cami, is located in the city of Bursa in Turkey and is the eighth-largest mosque in the world. It was built in the 14th century and features a blend of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. The mosque has 20 domes and two minarets and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at a time.

 

These 10 mosques represent some of the most significant and impressive architectural achievements in Islamic history. Each of these mosques has a unique history, design, and cultural significance that has made them important landmarks in their respective countries. They serve as centers for spiritual and communal gatherings for Muslims around the world, and their construction is a testament to the devotion and commitment of the Islamic faith.