Top 10 Stunning Mosques Around the World, Istiqlal is One of Them

VIVA – Mosques have been around for a long time as a place of worship for Muslims around the world. The mosque also has served as a center for religious and cultural learning in Islam and hold great value.

During Eid al-Fitr, not only stay in touch, usually also used for visiting a good place either with friends or family. One of them, visiting religious tourism such as mosques can also be an alternative.

In addition for increasing knowledge about the religion and history of Islam, visit the mosque can also be healing at the same time because it presents beauty, splendor and extraordinary beauty.

Here are 10 stunning mosques in the world that you can visitt:

Al Haram Mosque, Arab Saudi

Eid al-Fitr is the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The Al Haram Mosque is one of the sights that must be seen.

Located in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the Sacred Mosque is perhaps one of the most prominent mosques in Islam as it is named by the Qur’an as the first house built for humanity’s worship of Allah.

Not only is Al Haram the largest mosque in the world, but it is considered to be the holiest. Covering a colossal 400,800 square meters, it can accommodate up to four million people during Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims.

Sultan Mosque, Singapore

As quoted by visitsingapore.com, Sultan Mosque is a prominent mosque located at the heart of Kampong Gelam, and one of Singapore’s most impressive places of worship.

A striking work of architecture, Sultan Mosque was made by many hands. An apt symbol of this can be found in the glass bottle ends that decorate the mosque's twin domes, donated by less financially privileged members of the Muslim faith.

Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque, Egypt

This instantly recognizable building crowns the skyline of Cairo from its location atop the citadel of Salah al-Din. The citadel was constructed from 1176, though the mosque was not built until the reign of Muhammad Ali (1769-1849) between 1832 and 1857.

The mosque is largely constructed in Ottoman style, indicating the political situation of Egypt during this period. Its tall, pointed minarets are 82 meters high. The interior is topped by a huge central dome, supported by four semi-domes. A further four domes support the roof at the corners.

Instead of marble, the architects chose Egyptian alabaster to decorate the mosque. Its distinctive veins can be seen in this 3D virtual tour of the mosque’s interior. 

Sharjah Mosque, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Sharjah Mosque is the second biggest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, it is a divine and spiritual architectural icon. The main Facade and external lighting concept design was helping to create a dramatic and inviting atmosphere for people and for visitors. The location of the project added a great value since it is built on a small hill and can be seen from long distances.

Sri Sendayan Mosque, Malaysia

This mosque has stunning architecture, Malaysia has the Sri Sendayan Mosque. This mosque is also known as the White Mosque. It has an amazing design and architecture, make sure you visit this mosque if you visit Malaysia.

Blue Mosque, Turkey

A quote by theculturetrip.com, Blue Mosque boasts six needle-like minarets and is a must-see for anyone visiting the majestic city. Alongside the beautifully arranged cascade of domes spilling down from the grand central dome, the ceiling gleams with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles featuring flowers, trees and abstract patterns.

It was built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmad Mosque in Istanbul, became one of the most visited tourist attractions in Turkey.

Jama Mosque, India

Although India is dominated by Hindus, the country of origin of these Bollywood stars also has a mosque that is no less beautiful. Commonly known as Majid Jama, the Jehan-Numa Mosque in Delhi, being one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in India.

Istiqlal Mosque, Indonesia

As quoted by Wonderful Indonesia, The grand Istiqlal Mosque of Jakarta is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia both in structure and capacity, as it can accommodate congregations of up to 120,000 people. Most of the Islamic celebrations in Indonesia, such as Ied prayer, are also broadcast from this mosque.

The idea for the need of a national mosque was inspired by Muslim leader KH Wahid Hashim and executed by Cokro Aminoto, then minister for religious affairs. The word Istiqlal comes from Arabic that means "Independence." The name is a reminder of Indonesia’s struggle for national Independence and the Istiqlal was built to memorialize it.

Hassan II Mosque, Maroko

It won’t be an exaggeration to call the Hassan II Mosque the crown of Morocco. Located on an outcrop that overlooks the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca, the mosque spells grandeur and opulence at every turn. It has the tallest minaret in the world, towering at 210 metres.

The gates of this mosque are made from brass and titanium, and the ablution fountains in the basement, in huge lotus shapes, were carved from local marble.Visitors must keep their knees and upper arms covered on the premises of the mosque, and women don’t need headscarves. 

Abu Darwish Mosque, Yordania

Well, if you want to go on a religious tour while enjoying stunning natural scenery, make sure you visit Jordan. This country has the Abu Darwish Mosque which is located on a hilltop so it looks beautiful and unique with a layer of black and white stone. This mosque is on the top of Jabal al-Ashrafiyeh, Amman, Jordan.