Top 10 Biggest Mosques In The World

For Muslims around the world, a mosque or as they call it masjid is a holy place for them to worship god. Based on the statistic in 2023, there are over 2 billion Muslims worldwide which represents around 25% of the world's total population.

The mosques on this list are classified based on the overall capacity which can occupy the Muslim worshippers. With the numbers on the rise, it will of course means that more big mosques are needed to have a bigger space.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 10 biggest mosques around the world where only Muslims can visit some of these places.

10. Djamaa el Djazaïr (Capacity: 120,000)

Djamaa el Djazaïr or also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers is the biggest mosque in Algeria which cost the government a whopping $1 billion. It also has the world's tallest minaret which is the tower-like structure in the mosque.

This modern-designed mosque extends across 27.75 hectares of land and its interior is decorated with some of the finest wood, marble, and alabaster. The aim of the mosque is so it can become a theological, cultural, and research center that will include a library that holds millions of books.

The mosque has a maximum capacity of 120,000.

9. Jamkaran Mosque (Capacity: 150,000)

The Jamkaran mosque is located in Jamkaran village, Iran and it is the second biggest mosque there for the locals to worship. The mosque has been repaired and renovated several times and now has a capacity of 150,000.

It is a crucial pilgrim center for Shia Muslims, especially for the followers of the twelve Imams. It is believed that the holy Imam himself visits the mosque every Tuesday which explains why most Shia pilgrims visit here during that time.

8. Taj-ul-Masajid (Capacity: 175,000)

Taj-ul-Masajid is India's largest mosque with a hosting capacity of 175,000 people. The name of the mosque actually translates to the crown of mosques and it is a magnificent structure that symbolizes Islamic architecture.

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The mosque has an interior space of 430,000 sq. ft. and it is located in the state capital of Madhya Pradesh. It is made out of Redstone and it is situated by the lake which is referred to as the Motia Talab.

7. Istiqlal Mosque (Capacity: 200,000)

Istiqlal Mosque is Indonesia's biggest mosque located in the capital of Jakarta, Indonesia. The mosque was initially built to commemorate Indonesia's independence and the name "Istiqlal" refers to an Arabic word that means independence.

There are seven entrance gates to the mosque in which each door was named after the 99 names of Allah. The mosque can host a maximum capacity of up to 200,000 worshippers.

6. Faisal Mosque (Capacity: 300,000)

The Faisal mosque is located in Islamabad, Pakistan and it is the second-biggest mosque in Pakistan with a capacity of 300,000. The design of the mosque resembles the Bedouin tent and unlike other common mosques, this one does not have a dome.

The name is as such thanks to King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz for funding the construction of the mosque with $28 million. The mosque also has a library, lecture halls, museums, and cafes for the worshippers to relax after their prayers.

5. Al-Aqsa Mosque (Capacity: 400,000)

Al-Aqsa which translates to the farthest mosque or the farthest sanctuary is the largest mosque in Palestine which features the Dome of the Rock, the four minarets, and the compound's historic gates.

The mosque is generally small in size but if you were to take into account its courtyard, it can fit up to 400,000 worshippers. Besides its religious importance, Al-Aqsa symbolizes culture and nationhood to the Palestinians.

4. Imam Reza Shrine (Capacity: 700,000)

Imam Reza shrine holds many historical values of the Iranians and it is the biggest religious complex in Iran with a hosting capacity of 700,000. This complex also has the mausoleum of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of twelve Shiites.

Inside the complex will be the Goharshad Mosque which has a museum, library, seminar rooms, cemetery, and even a university.

3. Grand Jamia Mosque (Capacity: 800,000)

Designed by Pakistan's greatest architect, Nayyer Ali Dada, the Grand Jamia mosque features a combination of Islamic and Mughal architecture. The mosque has an astounding capacity of 800,000 worshippers and comprised a central library with over 500,000 books.

The construction of the mosque cost over $39 million and the total area stretches over 99,420 sq. ft. of land. This mosque also has a Grand Dome on top which is surrounded by 20 smaller domes.

2. Masjid An-Nabawi (Capacity: 1,500,000)

Masjid an-Nabawi or also called the Prophet's Mosque is a mosque originally built by the prophet Muhammad in the city of Medina. It is also the second mosque ever built in history and is now the largest mosque in the world based on area size(384,000 m2).

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It is now almost 1,400 years old and has since undergone many renovations to occupy the increasing number of worshippers. The mosque is believed to have a capacity of up to 1,500,000 worshippers at a time.

1. Masjid Al-Haram (Capacity: 4,000,000)

Every year millions of Muslims gathered here to perform their hajj pilgrimage and the mosque was built to enclose the Ka'bah which is the direction for Muslim prayers. It is the holiest place for Muslims and is the oldest mosque in the world with so many historical values.

The mosque has a vast courtyard that can occupy up to 4,000,000 worshippers to perform their prayers. This is the sacred mosque that is only allowed to be visited by Muslims alone.

Source:

• Global Muslim population

• Iluminasi

• Wikipedia

Also read: Top 10 Tallest Ancient Buildings In The World