Muslims visit mosque five times a say to say their prayers. There are certain characteristics of a building to be named as mosque. When a mosque is built, it should never be destroyed. Muslims built mosques in Arab in the earlier times of Islam. Soon, Islam spread to other parts of the world. The tradition of domes and minarets is followed all over the globe in the construction of holy places for Muslims. The design of mosques reflects the aesthetic sense of architect and culture. This list of the top 10 biggest Mosques is made on the basis of the total number of people who can be accommodated inside a mosque including its main halls and courtyards.
10. Saleh Mosque
Capacity: 144,000
Location: Yemen
Saleh mosque is the biggest mosque of Yemen situated in Sanaa. It took two years to build this mosque. The mosque was opened for tourists in 2008. Since then, thousands of tourists have visited Saleh Mosque. The mosque has the capacity to accommodate 144.000 people.Many tourists enjoy taking photographs in the lush green lawns in front of the mosque. The smell of flowers grown in the lawn is felt even inside the mosque.
9. Jama Masjid
Capacity: 155,000
Location: India
As Mughals were famous for their love for architecture. They established mosques in most of the biggest cities of India. Jama Masjid is one of them which was built in the era of Shah Jahan. It is located in old Delhi. It took 14 years to complete the construction work. The mosque is situated near Red Fort and it seems that mosque is the part of the fort.The most famous part of the mosque is relics of The Holy Book written on the skin of deer. Its courtyard, walls, tiles,dome and minarets are of the same color.
8. Badshahi Mosque
Capacity: 160,000
Location: Pakistan
The Badshahi mosque is located in Lahore, Pakistan near Lahore Fort. It was built in seventeenth century of Aurangzeb Alamgir who had a great love for Islam. The structure of Badshahi Mosque has been followed by many architects. The mosque depicts Mughal architecture. Not only Muslims offer regular prayers there, many religious festivals like Eid prayers are also offered in the courtyard.
7. Hassan II Mosque
Capacity: 165,000
Location: Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque is the biggest mosque in Morocco. It is located in the city of Casablanca. It has world’s highest minaret. The height of minaret is 210 meters. The mosque is accompanied with beautiful lawn. The vast courtyard allows the gathering of 165,000 to be accommodated there.
6. Istiqlal Mosque
Capacity: 170,000
Location: Indonesia
The Istiqlal Mosque is located in Jakarta. It remained world’s third largest mosque till 2013. The mosque has three main gates for entrance. Four other gates are also there which are opened on certain occasions. The mosque has the capacity to manage space for 170,000 people who have never gathered there since its construction.
5. Taj-ul-Masajid
Capacity: 175,000
Location: India
Taj-ul-Masajid is situated in Bhopal, India. Due to its vast area, it is India’s largest mosque. Begum Bhopal took an initiative for Muslims of Bhopal and its construction began in the ninteenth century. It took more than a century for its completion. Finally, the construction work was completed in 1985. Since then, the capacity of the mosque has been enhanced with the passage. As per capacity the mosque is ranked as the 5th largest mosque of the world since it has the capacity to accommodate 175,000 people in its hall and courtyard.
4. Faisal Mosque
Capacity: 300,000
Location: Pakistan
Faisal Mosque is Pakistan’s largest mosque with the capacity of 300,000 people. The mosque is located in the hilly area of capital city of Pakistan. Shah Faisal was the sponsor of the mosque so it has been named after him. The mosque is masterpiece of Turkish architecture. Its design is unique and many couple go there for wedding photo shoot.
3. Imam Reza Shrine
Capacity: 500,000
Location: Iran
It is basically a shrine which is considered a holy site in Shia sect. It has seven courtyards where each courtyard can accommodate almost half a million people at a time.
2. Masjid Nabawi
Capacity: 1,000,000
Location: Saudi Arabia
The Masjid Nabwi is among the oldest mosques established during the life of Prophet Muhammad SAW. It is the first mosque to be built in that part of the world after Prophet Muhammad migrated to Madinah. The expansion of the mosque took place in Ottomon era. It has a space for the gathering of one million people at a time.
1. Masjid al-Haram
Capacity: 4,000,000
Location: Saudi Arabia
Masjid al-Haram is the holiest site for the Muslims since it is the center of Muslim world. This mosque is the world’s oldest religious building found on earth. Muslims all over the world pray towards this holiest site. It is reported that 2.35 million people gathered there during Hajj two years ago. It can easily manage 4 million people which makes it world’s biggest mosque as per capacity.
