The 12 Most Beautiful Mosques in the World
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)!
Verily, the first House established for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah) – blessed and a guidance for the worlds (Holy Quran 3:96). The sacred Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah is the Qibla, the direction towards which all Muslims turn their faces during prayer (salah), and the destination for pilgrimage (Hajj). The mosques (masjids – places of prostration) themselves are the blessed houses of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala on earth, where believers gather for congregational prayer, remembrance of the Almighty (dhikr), and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
Although Islam does not prescribe strict rules for the architecture of mosques, other than orientation towards the Qibla, Muslims throughout the ages have strived to adorn the houses of Allah, reflecting in their beauty and grandeur the Glory of the Creator and their love for Him. The architecture of mosques has absorbed the best traditions of local cultures, climatic features, and the skill of master builders, creating an amazing diversity of styles united by a single purpose – to serve as a place of worship to the One Allah.
We present to your attention twelve mosques whose beauty and spiritual significance inspire awe and reverence in believers worldwide.
1. Umayyad Mosque (Damascus, Syria, 8th century)
This ancient mosque, one of the oldest and most revered in the world, was erected in Damascus, the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, in the early 8th century on a site that had been considered sacred for ages. Wishing to emphasize not only the grandeur of the new mosque but also its spiritual significance for the people of Damascus, Caliph Al-Walid I is said to have told the citizens: "You are elevated above the rest of the world by four things: your climate, your water, your fruits, and your baths. To this, I wish to add a fifth—this mosque."
Invited Byzantine masters adorned the mosque with stunning mosaics depicting paradise gardens, which became an image of Jannah (Paradise) for Muslims. The spacious prayer hall with high arcades and a huge open courtyard with a fountain for ablution (sabil) create an atmosphere of peace and reverence. It is believed that one of the first minarets, from which the call to prayer (adhan) was made, appeared here.
The mosque reverently houses relics: a particle of the head of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist, peace be upon him), as well as a shrine with the head of Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. There is a tradition that one of the mosque's minarets, the Minaret of Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), will be the place where Prophet Isa will descend before the Day of Judgment. Near the mosque rests the remains of the great Sultan Salah al-Din (Saladin), the liberator of Jerusalem, which adds historical and spiritual depth to this place.
2. Sidi Uqba Mosque (Kairouan, Tunisia, 7th–9th centuries)
Founded by the companion of the Prophet ﷺ, Uqba ibn Nafi (may Allah be pleased with him), in 670 upon the establishment of Kairouan, this mosque became the center for the spread of Islam in North Africa (the Maghreb). Kairouan is considered one of the most important spiritual centers of Islam in the Maghreb, and the mosque itself is revered as the oldest and most important in the region. Its powerful walls and buttresses give it the appearance of a fortress of the spirit. A legend tells of the miraculous founding of the city and the mosque: when Uqba ibn Nafi (may Allah be pleased with him) stuck his spear into the ground, a spring gushed forth, and later a golden cup was found, miraculously transported from Mecca, which became a sign of the blessing of this place.
The Sidi Uqba Mosque is a striking example of the formation of the distinctive Maghrebi style. The spacious courtyard and multi-aisled prayer hall with columns taken from ancient buildings lead to an artfully decorated mihrab (niche indicating the Qibla). The carved wooden minbar (pulpit) and marble panels of the mihrab are among the oldest masterpieces of Islamic art. Here, horseshoe arches were first widely used, becoming the hallmark of Islamic architecture in the West.
For centuries, the mosque was not only a place of prayer but also a major Islamic university, and to this day remains the most important shrine and place of pilgrimage for Muslims of the Maghreb.
3. Ibn Tulun Mosque (Cairo, Egypt, 9th century)
Erected by Ahmad ibn Tulun, the founder of the Tulunid dynasty in Egypt, this mosque is one of the oldest in Cairo to have preserved its original appearance. Its enormous size and the almost complete absence of later reconstructions allow one to feel the spirit of early Islam in Egypt. It is said that from the observation deck of its unique minaret, one can see all of old Cairo, as if connecting the past and the present.
Built of brick, modeled on the mosques of the Abbasid Caliphate in Iraq, it is distinguished by its monumentality and austerity of form. Its unique minaret with a spiral external staircase is reminiscent of the famous minaret in Samarra. The huge courtyard is surrounded by covered galleries (riwaqs) with arcades decorated with exquisite stucco (gypsum) carvings, with no two arches being the same.
Notably, the pointed arches of the Ibn Tulun Mosque are considered one of the earliest examples of their use in architecture, long before European Gothic. A special feature is the presence of an outer wall, creating an additional space (ziyada) for worshippers during major holidays. In the center of the courtyard is a domed pavilion for ablutions. The Ibn Tulun Mosque impresses with its harmony, spaciousness, and skillful yet restrained decoration.
4. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (Delhi, India, 12th century)
The name of this mosque translates to "Might of Islam." It was founded in Delhi after the establishment of Muslim rule there at the end of the 12th century. The complex was built on the site of, and using materials from, demolished Hindu and Jain temples, which created a unique architectural appearance. Although elements of earlier structures were used in its construction, a common practice in that era of change, Islamic calligraphers and architects transformed them, placing them in a new context of glorifying the One God.
The structure of the mosque (a large courtyard surrounded by galleries) shows Persian influence, but the execution was by Indian craftsmen. The columns and ceilings have retained their intricate Hindu carvings, including figurative images. This combination of Islamic calligraphy on the entrance portal and traditional Indian sculpture makes the mosque a testament to the complex history of cultural interaction on the Indian subcontinent.
In the courtyard of the complex stands the famous Iron Pillar from the 4th-5th centuries, a pre-Islamic era relic that has resisted rust for 1600 years—a silent witness to the changing epochs and cultures of this land. The dominant feature of the complex is the grand Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret of its kind in the world. The Qutb Minar itself is adorned with intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran, proclaiming the greatness of Allah and the victory of Islam.
5. Üç Şerefeli Mosque (Edirne, Turkey, 15th century)
Built in Edirne, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Murad II, this mosque was a significant step in the development of Ottoman architecture. Its name—"Mosque of Three Balconies"—is related to one of its minarets, which has three platforms for the muezzin (şerefe). Amazingly, inside the tallest, "three-balconied" minaret, there are three separate spiral staircases, each leading to its own balcony (şerefe)—a true marvel of engineering for its time. The architect boldly erected a huge central dome with a diameter of 24 meters, creating a majestic, light-filled space for prayer. The innovative six-support structure of the dome and the appearance of side-domed cells gave the building an unusual five-domed composition. This mosque reintroduced a large open courtyard surrounded by domed galleries—a composition that became canonical for the sultan's mosques in Istanbul. The four minarets at the corners of the courtyard marked the mosque's territory for the first time and created a powerful vertical dominant. The mosque has survived several earthquakes, but thanks to the skill of its builders and subsequent restorations, it continues to serve the faithful and to impress with its innovative 15th-century appearance.
6. Imam (Shah) Mosque (Isfahan, Iran, 16th–17th centuries)
This masterpiece of Safavid architecture is the jewel of Isfahan, adorning the southern side of the majestic Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The mosque is a classic example of the Iranian four-iwan layout: in the center of the courtyard on each side are huge vaulted niche-portals (iwans). To orient the mosque towards Mecca, it had to be turned at an angle to the square, a feature skillfully concealed behind the entrance portal and vestibule. All surfaces of the mosque, both outside and inside, are covered with shining glazed tiles. The mosque's facing is done in the "haft-rangi" (seven colors) technique, which allowed for the creation of complex and vibrant panels, turning the walls into a semblance of heavenly gardens. The enormous main dome (52 meters high) has amazing acoustics: a sound made at a specific point beneath it is echoed multiple times. The mosque's location on Isfahan's main square emphasized its role not only as a spiritual center but also as an important public hub of the Safavid capital under Shah Abbas the Great. Two paired minarets at the entrance portal and two at the main iwan complete the harmonious and majestic appearance of the mosque.
7. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) (Istanbul, Turkey, 17th century)
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (مسجد السلطان أحمد), more famously known as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, is one of the greatest monuments of Islamic architecture and spirituality, built by order of Sultan Ahmed I (may Allah have mercy on him) in the 17th century. Located in the historic heart of the city, opposite the Hagia Sophia, it has become a symbol of the Islamic faith, the power of the Ottoman Empire, and the pursuit of beauty for the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.
Erected between 1609 and 1616 under the direction of the court architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque embodies the ideal of harmony between grandeur and spiritual modesty. Its magnificent exterior with a cascade of domes and six minarets caused a sensation: never before had a mosque had such a bold design, rivaling the majesty of the Grand Mosque (al-Masjid al-Haram). According to legend, to avoid rivalry, the Sultan ordered a seventh minaret to be added to the main sanctuary of Islam in Mecca.
The interior of the Blue Mosque is truly mesmerizing: more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik, many in shades of blue, turquoise, and azure, create a unique atmosphere of peace and light. Thanks to 260 windows and thoughtful lighting, the interior of the mosque seems to be permeated with divine light—a reminder of the Light of Allah ﷻ, which guides hearts to the Truth.
The spacious prayer hall accommodates thousands of believers and is decorated in the traditions of Ottoman style—with handmade carpets, an elegant mihrab and minbar, as well as a special Hünkâr Mahfili (Sultan's loge), intended for the sultan and his guards during prayer.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque remains a functioning place of prayer today and one of the main spiritual and tourist centers of Turkey. It is visited by millions of Muslims and tourists from all over the world, who admire not only its architectural beauty but also the state of peace and tranquility it bestows upon everyone who enters its walls.
8. Faisal Mosque (Islamabad, Pakistan, 20th century)
The Faisal Mosque (مسجد فيصل), located in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is one of the largest and most unusual mosques in the world, capable of accommodating up to 100,000 believers. Built in 1986 with funds donated by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Abdulaziz (may Allah have mercy on him), it was named in his honor and became not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of brotherhood between the two Muslim countries.
The mosque's design was selected through an international competition: out of 43 projects, the avant-garde concept by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay won, proposing a shape inspired by a Bedouin tent and the holy book—the Quran, spread open before the Almighty ﷻ.
Contrary to the classical forms of Islamic architecture, the Faisal Mosque lacks a dome, but its powerful geometry and four minarets soaring 90 meters high create a sense of spiritual upliftment. The interior is designed in a minimalist style: clean lines, marble, glass, and thoughtful natural lighting create a special atmosphere of concentration and inner peace.
The interior is adorned with stylized Arabic calligraphy and decorative elements made by Pakistani craftsmen. The main hall is spacious, without columns, and emphasizes freedom and unity in worshiping Allah ﷻ. The space in front of the mosque is used for Jumu'ah prayer and large gatherings during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, bringing together tens of thousands of believers.
Located at the foot of the picturesque Margalla Hills, the mosque seems to unite the creations of Allah—nature and architecture, serving as a place of tranquility, spiritual elevation, and a reminder of the true values of Islam. It is no wonder that it has become a national symbol of Pakistan, depicted on coins, postcards, and in textbooks.
9. Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca, Morocco, 20th century)
This grandiose mosque, built by the will of King Hassan II of Morocco, is one of the most impressive modern Islamic structures. Its uniqueness lies in its location: a significant part of the mosque is built on a platform extending into the Atlantic Ocean, embodying the Quranic verse about the Throne of Allah on the water (11:7). It is noteworthy that the funds for the construction of this grand structure, which can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers in its prayer hall, were raised not only by the state but also through donations from Muslims from all over Morocco and the world. It is the largest mosque in the country and the seventh largest in the world. Its minaret is the tallest in the world at 210 meters, higher than the Pyramid of Khufu. Architect Michel Pinseau skillfully combined modern technology and traditional Moroccan art. The finest local materials were used in the mosque's decoration, and thousands of Moroccan craftsmen revived and showcased the beauty of traditional arts to the world: wood and stone carving, gebs plasterwork, and zellij mosaics. The retractable roof allows for prayer under the open sky. The square minaret, designed in the Maghrebi tradition, is the tallest in the world and serves as a beacon for ships, and at night, a laser beam from its top points the exact direction to Mecca.
10. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE, 21st century)
Named after the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah have mercy on him), this mosque in Abu Dhabi is striking in its luxury and beauty. It seems to be woven from light and white marble, shining under the bright sun. This mosque also became the final resting place of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah have mercy on him), the founder of the UAE, whose name it bears. His modest tomb is located in the mosque's courtyard.
The mosque's architecture harmoniously combines elements of various Islamic styles. During its design and construction, craftsmen and materials from all over the world (from Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, and other countries) were deliberately involved to make it an embodiment of the unity and diversity of the Islamic world. It is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its construction cost approximately $550 million and took 12 years, during which 3,500 workers from 38 companies worldwide worked on the grand project. It can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers.
The mosque is adorned with 82 domes, a thousand columns, and chandeliers gilded with gold leaf. The snow-white walls and columns are inlaid with colored marble and semi-precious stones, forming exquisite floral patterns. The abundance of floral ornaments and motifs in the marble inlay symbolizes the Garden of Paradise and the beauty of Allah's creation in all its diversity. Inside, the prayer hall is decorated with seven huge chandeliers with Swarovski crystals, and the floor is covered by the world's largest hand-knotted Persian carpet. The numerous domes and four minarets create an impressive silhouette. Reflecting pools and a complex night lighting system enhance its magical charm. By day, the building shines white and gold in the sun, and at night, it is bathed in artificial light.
11. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque (Brunei)
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a jewel of Islam in Southeast Asia.
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is rightly considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. This majestic house of Allah ﷻ has become a symbol of Islamic architecture and spiritual elevation in Southeast Asia.
Built in 1958 on the initiative of the 28th Sultan of Brunei—Omar Ali Saifuddin III, may Allah be pleased with him—the mosque is located on an artificial lagoon on the Brunei River. Its elegant appearance seems to float on the water, reminiscent of purity (taharah) and the aspiration for sublime worship.
The mosque's architecture combines traditions of Islamic architecture and European style. Snow-white marble, gold-covered domes, and a 44-meter minaret reaching for the sky—all reflect Mughal grandeur and Italian refinement, serving as a reminder of the light of Truth and the greatness of Allah ﷻ.
The interior of the mosque is striking in its luxury and attention to detail. Marble from Italy, stained glass windows and chandeliers from the UK, carpets from Saudi Arabia and Belgium, and mosaics from Venice, composed of more than 3.5 million glass pieces—all create an atmosphere of peace, reverence, and spiritual concentration during prayer.
The gardens around the mosque with fountains, inspired by the descriptions of Jannah in the Holy Quran, provide tranquility and invite contemplation. This is not just an architectural wonder, but a place where the hearts of believers strengthen their connection with the Creator and feel His Mercy.
12. Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina, Saudi Arabia)
Masjid an-Nabawi (المسجد النبوي الشريف) is one of the greatest sanctuaries of Islam, located in the blessed city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is the second most important mosque after Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the place that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself built after the Hijra from Mecca.
Masjid an-Nabawi is also known as the Prophet's Mosque ﷺ, as it is here that his blessed grave is located, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In the center of the mosque stands the Green Dome (القبة الخضراء)—a symbol of the deepest respect and love of Muslims for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The first dome was erected in 1279, and in 1837 it was painted green, which it remains to this day, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the Islamic world.
Masjid an-Nabawi became a model for thousands of mosques around the world. Its architecture established the canon of the columnar mosque: an open rectangular courtyard, a columned hall, and an orientation towards the qibla—first to Jerusalem, and then, by the command of Allah ﷻ, to Mecca.
Today, the main prayer hall occupies the entire first floor and can accommodate up to 500,000 worshippers at once, especially during Hajj and Ramadan. The mosque has 10 minarets, each rising 105 meters high, like testimonies of Tawhid—the Oneness of God—reaching for the heavens.
The Prophet's Mosque ﷺ is not only an architectural marvel but also a spiritual center where millions of Muslims annually perform Ziyarat (visitation) with sincere supplications, strengthening their faith and love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. According to the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ:
(One) prayer in this my mosque is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque, except for the Sacred Mosque.
Conclusion
These twelve mosques are but a small part of the countless houses of Allah scattered across the globe. Each is unique, but all serve one purpose – to be a place where the hearts of believers turn to the One Creator in prayer, humility, and gratitude. May Allah accept the prayers of all Muslims and preserve these blessed places!