Ever wondered which country really has the most mosques (masjids) on the planet? You’re not alone — it’s a fascinating question that tells us a lot about demographics, culture, history, and community life across different regions. And while many might assume the answer is obvious, the global picture is full of surprises.
Mosques aren’t just architectural structures. They are community hubs, schools, centers of charity, and symbols of spiritual life for millions of Muslims worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the data, uncover the countries with the highest mosque counts, and explain the social and historical reasons behind these figures.
Related: Which Are the World’s 10 Largest Mosques by Size?
Top Countries by Number of Mosques
According to multiple credible sources and recent reports as of 2025–2026, Indonesia leads the world by a wide margin in terms of mosque count — far surpassing every other nation.
1. Indonesia — ~800,000 Mosques
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, stands at the top with an estimated ~800,000 mosques — more than any other country.
These aren’t just prayer halls; from bustling cities to remote villages, mosques in Indonesia serve as centers for education, community gatherings, charitable efforts, and civic life. Such ubiquity reflects not only the country’s large Muslim population (over 200 million) but also its deep cultural integration of Islam.
2. India — ~300,000–400,000 Mosques
India, although not a Muslim-majority country, has one of the largest absolute numbers of mosques in the world, with estimates around 300,000–400,000.
This figure reflects India’s sizeable Muslim population (over 200 million), where mosques range from historic centers of learning and culture to neighborhood prayer spaces woven into everyday life.
3. Bangladesh — ~350,000 Mosques
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation in South Asia, has roughly 350,000 mosques, making it one of the countries with the most concentrated mosque networks in the world.
4. Saudi Arabia — ~300,000 Mosques
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest mosques (Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina), has an estimated 300,000 mosques. These range from neighborhood prayer spaces to grand monumental structures beloved by millions of pilgrims.
5. Pakistan — ~110,000+ Mosques
Pakistan’s mosque count is significant, estimated to exceed 110,000, reflecting the centrality of Islam in daily life, community identity, and local traditions.
Other Notable Countries
| Country | Approx. Number of Mosques |
|---|---|
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | ~100,000+ |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | ~85,000+ |
| 🇮🇷 Iran | ~58,000+ |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | ~80,000+ |
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | ~30,000+ |
These numbers illustrate how mosques are both markers of religious life and reflections of historical, cultural, and geographical diversity.
What Counts as a “Mosque”?
Before we dive deeper, it’s important to understand what gets counted:
Officially registered mosques — built and recognized by government or religious authorities
Neighborhood prayer spaces — smaller locations used for daily prayers
Historic or iconic mosques — landmark sites with cultural or heritage importance
Different countries count these in different ways, so numbers may vary depending on the source and methodology. Despite this, broad global comparisons remain meaningful when trends and patterns are consistent.
Related: Can We Use Zakat Funds To Build, Maintain and Decorate Mosques?
Why These Countries Lead
1. Large Muslim Populations
Mosque numbers are closely tied to the size of the Muslim population. Indonesia’s dominant lead is partly because it has the largest Muslim population in the world, followed by significant communities in South Asia.
2. Cultural Traditions
In many places, mosques serve as community centers — hosting weddings, schooling, charity drives, and social support programs. This makes them more than places of worship; they are pillars of community life.
3. Historical Legacy
Countries like Egypt and Turkey have centuries-old Islamic architectural traditions. Many mosques in these regions have become cultural and historical icons over time.
The Growth of Mosques Outside Muslim-Majority Regions
While the largest counts are in Muslim-majority countries, mosques are also increasing in other parts of the world:
United States: Growth in mosque numbers (up roughly 31% from 2010 to 2020), driven by rising Muslim communities and greater institutional development.
Europe: Countries like Germany, France, and the UK have thousands of prayer spaces serving diverse Muslim populations, often doubling as cultural and social support hubs.
Related: Which is the Largest Mosque in Europe?
These trends highlight how Islam continues to grow and adapt across cultures and continents.
Related: How To Fund Our Mosques in Non-Muslim Countries?
Challenges in Counting Mosques
Accurately counting mosques worldwide proves difficult due to several factors:
- Unofficial Mosques: Smaller, community-built mosques may not be registered or documented.
- Constant Change: New mosques are continuously built, while older ones may undergo renovation or even disappear.
- Regional Variations: The definition of a “mosque” can vary depending on location and size.
Here’s a quick recap of key insights:
✅ Indonesia leads the world with the highest mosque count — around 800,000.
✅ South Asian countries like India and Bangladesh also rank high due to large Muslim populations.
✅ Historical, social, and cultural factors shape mosque numbers and their roles in communities worldwide.
✅ Mosque growth is global: even non-majority Muslim countries are seeing increases, reflecting demographic shifts and expanding community networks.
The global distribution of mosques reveals much more than numbers — it tells stories of faith, history, culture, and human connection. Whether in Jakarta, Cairo, New York, or London, mosques continue to be places where personal devotion meets community life.
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