What is a Mosque?
Mosque, masjid in Arabic has been delegated as a place of worship and social center for Muslims for centuries. Mosques are believed to be the most beloved places to Allah. Islam being the fastest-growing major religion in the world, you can find mosques on every nook and cranny. Muslims heads towards the mosque daily for their obligatory prayer, Namaz.
Mosques are the paragon of beliefs faith and along with it they also provide in-depth history lessons on architecture and construction. There are numerous mosques in the world, every one differing from others but some of them stood out from others.
Here is a list of 10 stunning mosques from all over the world
Masjid-Al-Haram
Masjid al-haram or the Great mosque of mecca is the most sacred and established mosque in Islam. Enclosing the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, this mosque is in the heart of Muslims and they turn towards it for prayers. Situated in Saudi Arabia this place can accommodate around 4 million worshippers at a time. According to Islamic belief, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him and his son Ismail built it on the order of Allah. Built-in Islamic architectural style, the faith of Muslims expresses the beauty of this place.
Al masjid An Nabawi
Also known as the prophet’s mosque in English, this was built by the beloved prophet Muhammad himself, peace be upon him. This is the second sacred place in Islam. Soon after the arrival of a prophet from Mecca to Madina, he along with his companions build this holy place. This is the resting place of the prophet, beneath the green dome is the prophet Muhammad’s( peace be upon him) tomb along with the first two khalifas. The mosque is a fusion of Islamic, classical, contemporary, and ottoman architecture. With sliding domes and giant foldable sunshades, this place is the epitome of technology and traditions.
Al-Aqsa
Al-Aqsa
For Muslims, the al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site, and the Dome of the Rock, a seventh-century structure believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad( peace be upon him) ascended to heaven. Muslims believe that Muhammad( peace be upon him) was transported from the Masjid-Al-Haram to al-Aqsa during the Night Journey. This silver domed mosque is believed to be built or ordered to build by prophet Ibrahim( peace be upon him). Located in the old city of Jerusalem, a world heritage site, it has a special status due to being the center of three religious beliefs.
Putra mosque
Located in the center of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this pink mosque looks like a blossoming rose. Established on the edge of Putrajaya Lake, it is named after the first prime minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The architectural designs are influenced by the Middle East and Persia as well as traditional Malay architecture. Rose-tinted granites embedded in the mosque give it the pink color and the domes are studded with beautiful pink granite and unique patterns. It’s a great tourist attraction and a holy religious site to worship for Putrajaya’s Muslim community.
Putra Mosque
Crystal mosque
Also known as Masjid Kristal in Bahasa Malaysia this is a unique structure made of glass, steel, and crystal. It is located at the Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man, Malaysia. this mosque is a must-visit regardless of your faith. Opened in the year 2008, it soon becomes a tourist hotspot in Malaysia because of its incredible design. Build with Islamic architecture, the exterior embellishment will take your breath away. Surrounded by food stalls, you can enjoy your food and the view at the same time.
Sultan Ahmed mosque
Also known as the blue mosque, located in Istanbul, Turkey it is a functioning mosque and a large tourist attraction, and one of the greatest works of the ottoman empire. Constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains the tomb of Ahmed a madrasah and a hospice. This ottoman era mosque studded with blue tiles, interior decoration, and grand chandeliers evoke a vision of a bountiful paradise. It is a fusion of traditional Islamic architecture with Byzantine elements. During the holy month of Ramazan, its minarets glistened with beautiful lines displayed with the help of lights.
Sheikh lotfollah mosque
Excellent architect, Mohammad-Reza Isfahani built this masterpiece of Iranian architecture during the Safavid empire. Standing on the eastern side of Naqsh-i Jahan Square, Esfahan, It is a fine example of Persian Islamic genius. The gateway and the lower facade of the mosque are constructed with tiles and the upper part is decorated with polychrome mosaics. The walls are decorated with beautiful calligraphy. The mosque has a simple structure but the inner and outer decoration is intricate. The finest materials and gifted craftsmen made this dream mosque turn into reality.
Baiturrahman mosque
The elegant white walls and the majestic black domes of this mosque differ strikingly from each other making it a splendid monument. The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque symbolizes the religion, culture, strength, spirit struggle, and nationalism of the Acehnese people. During the Aceh war in 1873, this sacred mosque was burnt to the ground but was later rebuilt by the dutch seeing its religious significance among the achenes people. The striking black domes of this holy place are constructed from hardwood shingles combined as tiles. This 130-year-old grand mosque is now the pride for Banda Aceh and Indonesia.
Nasir-AL-Mulk mosque
This mosque is renowned with different names such as Masjid-e-Surati, pink mosque, or rainbow mosque. Located in Shiraz, Iran this was built during the Qajar dynasty on the order of a lord and aristocrat of Sheraz, Hassan Ali Nasir al-Mulk. With gleaming stained glasses in its facade other traditional elements such as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved"), thousands of painted tiles on the ceiling, and Persian rugs, this traditional mosque looks like a kaleidoscope from inside. The place of worship comes into life with sunrise. The dancing rainbows intertwining with the recitation of the Quran feels like bliss.
Sheikh Zayed mosque
Located in the capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi it is the largest mosque in the country. The construction of this white pearl started on the order of the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan whose tomb is located in the courtyard of the mosque. The aim behind constructing this mosque was to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with the historical sensations and modern values of architecture and art. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian, and Emirati and the design was inspired by Persian, Mughal, indo-Islamic, and Alexandrian mosques. It’s a modern architectural marvel.
This sacred place turns each anxiety, fear, and concern into dua and blessings. But for now, pray from your homes and stay safe. And share your reviews and suggestions with me in the comment box.
