The Most Beautiful Mosque in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the mosque you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:19

In the heart of every city with a mosque, there is often a story of architectural magnificence and deep cultural significance. These mosques are not just places of worship but are also landmarks of beauty that inspire those who visit. Ranking the most beautiful mosque in the world helps to acknowledge and celebrate the artistic and historical importance of these structures. Through the collective opinions of visitors and admirers from around the globe, a dynamic list of the most beautiful mosques offers a fresh perspective every time someone votes. This encourages a broader appreciation and understanding of Islamic architecture and cultural heritage, fostering a global community of those who cherish and support the preservation of these stunning landmarks.

What Is the Most Beautiful Mosque in the World?

1

56
votes
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

With its stunning white marble architecture, intricate Islamic designs, and towering minarets, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers at a time and is a must-visit attraction in Abu Dhabi.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a magnificent Islamic place of worship located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, showcasing stunning architecture and design.

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Construction Period: 1996 - 2007

Total Area: 22,412 square meters

Capacity: around 40,000 worshippers

Minarets: 4 minarets standing at 107 meters each
2

46
votes
Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Also known as the Grand Mosque, Masjid Al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world and one of Islam's holiest sites. The mosque surrounds the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, and can accommodate up to 2 million worshippers during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The mosque's stunning architecture and intricate details make it a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Masjid Al-Haram, also known as the Grand Mosque, is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is considered the holiest mosque in Islam and holds great significance for Muslims around the world. The mosque surrounds the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, towards which Muslims face during their prayers. Masjid Al-Haram is also the largest mosque in the world and can accommodate millions of worshipers during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Area: 356,800 square meters

Capacity: Holds up to 2 million worshipers

Main Features: The Kaaba, Black Stone, Safa and Marwa hills, Maqam Ibrahim

Minarets: 9 minarets
3

17
votes
Bluemangoa2z at Malayalam Wikipedia · Public domain

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina, Saudi Arabia

Also known as the Prophet's Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the second-holiest mosque in Islam and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque's stunning green dome and intricate Islamic architecture make it a truly breathtaking sight, and it is a popular destination for Muslim pilgrims from around the world.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque, is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It is located in Medina, Saudi Arabia and holds great significance in Islamic history. The mosque is the second holiest site in Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, as it houses the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad.

Capacity: It can accommodate over one million worshippers inside and outside the mosque.

Architecture: The mosque boasts a unique blend of traditional and modern Islamic architecture, featuring intricate designs and beautiful craftsmanship.

Green Dome: The famous Green Dome, situated above the burial chamber of Prophet Muhammad, is a prominent feature of the mosque.

Courtyard: The mosque has a vast courtyard, spreading over a large area, which can hold thousands of worshippers during prayer times.

Mihrab: The mihrab, indicating the direction of Mecca, is adorned with unique calligraphy and design.
4

23
votes
Moonik · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Also known as the Blue Mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and a true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The mosque's six minarets and stunning blue interior tiles make it a truly unique and beautiful sight.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

Architectural Style: Ottoman architecture with elements of Byzantine and Islamic design.

Construction Period: 1609-1616

Materials Used: Various types of stone, including marble and hand-painted ceramic tiles.

Dome Height: 43 meters

Minaret Count: 6 minarets
5

14
votes
Asjad Jamshed · CC BY-SA 1.0

Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan

Vedat Dalokay

With its modernist design and stunning white marble architecture, the Faisal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and a true wonder of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque's unique design and stunning location make it a must-visit attraction in Islamabad.
The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan is an iconic and visually stunning mosque that is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It is named after King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who funded the construction of the mosque as a gift to the people of Pakistan. The mosque's architectural design is a fusion of traditional Islamic and modern styles, combining simplicity with grandeur. It is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Margalla Hills, adding to its majestic presence.

Capacity: Up to 100,000 worshippers

Size: Total area of 54,000 square feet

Minarets: Four minarets, each standing at a height of 300 feet

Structure: Built using pure white marble with a contemporary design

Meditation Hall: Spacious hall with a capacity of 10,000 worshippers
6

3
votes
Milamber's portfolio · CC BY 2.0

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco

With its stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and intricate Islamic design, the Hassan II Mosque is one of Morocco's most iconic landmarks. The mosque's towering minaret and stunning interior make it a truly breathtaking sight.
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, is a magnificent masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It is one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in the world, combining traditional Moroccan design elements with modern technology.

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Year completed: 1993

Minaret height: 210 meters

Mosque area: 20 acres

Capacity: up to 105,000 worshippers
7

11
votes
Ali Imran · CC BY-SA 2.5

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan

With its stunning red sandstone architecture and intricate Islamic design, the Badshahi Mosque is one of Pakistan's most famous landmarks and a true masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The mosque's stunning location and beautiful details make it a must-visit attraction in Lahore.
The Badshahi Mosque, located in Lahore, Pakistan, is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic mosques in the world. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and completed in 1673.

Size: The mosque covers an area of about 29,867 square meters.

Capacity: The prayer hall can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers at a time.

Materials: The mosque is constructed primarily with red sandstone and features marble inlays.

Minarets: The mosque has four minarets, each towering at a height of 54 meters.

Dome: The main dome of the mosque has a diameter of 21.3 meters and is made of white marble.
8

7
votes
Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, Palestine

With its stunning location in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City and rich history, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most important sites in Islam and a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mosque's stunning interior and intricate details make it a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Jerusalem.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, Palestine, is one of the most significant and beautiful mosques in the world. It holds great religious, historical, and architectural importance for Muslims around the world. The mosque is a symbol of Islamic heritage and stands as a revered place for worship and reflection.

Location: Old City of Jerusalem, Palestine

Capacity: Approximately 5,000 worshipers

Area: Approximately 144,000 square meters

Dome: The silver-domed building is a prominent feature of the mosque.

Architecture: Reflects a blend of Byzantine, early Islamic, and Ottoman architectural styles.
9

8
votes
Shah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran

With its stunning blue-tiled architecture and intricate Islamic design, the Shah Mosque is one of Iran's most famous landmarks and a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mosque's stunning details and beautiful location make it a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Isfahan.
The Shah Mosque, also known as the Imam Mosque, is located in Isfahan, Iran. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and a masterpiece of Persian-Islamic architecture. The mosque was built during the Safavid dynasty in the early 17th century.

Location: Isfahan, Iran

Architectural Style: Persian-Islamic

Year Built: 1602-1611

Dimensions: The main dome has a diameter of 52 meters.

Materials: Brick, tile, plaster, marble
10

13
votes
Muhammadsuhayl · CC BY-SA 4.0

Masjid Sultan, Singapore

With its stunning golden dome and intricate Islamic design, the Masjid Sultan is one of Singapore's most iconic landmarks and a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mosque's rich history and beautiful location make it a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Singapore.
Masjid Sultan is a stunning mosque located in Kampong Glam, Singapore. Also known as the Sultan Mosque, it stands as one of the most iconic religious landmarks in the country. Combining traditional Islamic and Malay architectural influences, the mosque showcases intricate details and grandeur.

Year Built: 1824

Architectural Style: Islamic and Malay fusion

Capacity: up to 5,000 worshippers

Minaret Height: 72 meters

Dome Diameter: 20 meters

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful mosque

Architectural design

The overall aesthetic of the mosque, including its layout, dimensions, and proportions. This factor also includes the mosque's exterior and interior design, domes, minarets, arches, and other architectural features.
Artistry and craftsmanship

The quality and intricacy of the handiwork, such as calligraphy, tile work, woodwork, and stone carving, should be considered.
Use of materials

The quality, rarity, and choice of materials used in the construction and decoration of the mosque, such as marble, stained glass, and mosaics.
Cultural and historical significance

The mosque's importance to the local community, its architectural style's influence on other mosques, and its role in historical events should be taken into account.
Integration with landscape and surroundings

Consider how well the mosque blends with the surrounding environment, including its gardens, courtyards, and placement within a city or landscape.
Spiritual atmosphere

A beautiful mosque should evoke a sense of spirituality, peace, and tranquility for worshippers and visitors.
Preservation and cleanliness

How well the mosque has been preserved and cared for over time is essential, as well as the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the mosque and its grounds.
Lighting

The mosque's use of natural and artificial lighting, the placement of windows, and the use of chandeliers and lamps can affect the overall atmosphere and beauty of the mosque.
Innovation

The mosque's uniqueness, innovations in design or engineering, and the use of new materials or techniques should be considered.
Public opinion

While subjective, it's essential to consider what others—locals, visitors, and experts—think of the mosque's beauty and compare it to other mosques around the world.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful mosque in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Mosque is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1396 views
198 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco
Masjid Sultan, Singapore

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Mosque once every 24 hours. The rank of each Mosque is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful mosque in the world

Mosques are not only religious centers for Muslims, but they are also architectural marvels that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Islamic civilization. The most beautiful mosques in the world are known for their intricate designs, stunning domes, and mesmerizing calligraphy. From the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, there are countless mosques that leave visitors in awe of their beauty and grandeur. As a testament to the enduring legacy of Islamic architecture, these mosques serve as gathering places for prayer, reflection, and community, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience their splendor and majesty.