List of 10 Largest Mosques in the World Based on Capacity of Congregation, There is Istiqlal Mosque

Illustration - Istiqlal Mosque (Unsplash/@mosquegrapher)

YOGYAKARTA - During Ramadan, some of the world's largest mosques are filled with a sea of people coming from various countries. The scene of the safes that extend to the courtyard is proof of how strong the spiritual bond of Muslims is. These giant mosques are the center of religious activities as well as a symbol of the greatness of Islamic architecture.

Then, which mosques are included in the list of the largest mosques in the world? Is the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta included in it? This article will discuss the 10 largest mosques in the world from Southeast Asia to the Middle East. Let's explore one by one the splendor and the story behind it.

List of 10 Largest Mosques in the World

Dilansir dari Beyond My Door, berikut ini 10 masjid terbesar di dunia yang disusun berdasarkan kapasitas daya tampung jemaah:

Hassan II Mosque - Morocco

The Hassan II Mosque has an area of 105,000 square meters and can accommodate around 100,000 worshipers. This mosque was built during the lifetime of King Hassan II (King of Morocco from 1961-1999) and was designed by architect Michel Pinseau.

The architecture of the Hassan II Mosque combines classic Moorish style and Islamic architectural style with an elegant modern touch. The building stands majestically on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with part of the building above the water. Its minaret is one of the tallest in the world and is an icon of the city of Casablanca.

Djamaa el Djazair – Algeria

The Djamaa el Djazair Mosque, also known as the Aljir Grand Mosque, can accommodate around 120,000 worshipers. Built between 2012 and 2019, the mosque cost more than 1 billion euros and is the largest mosque in North Africa.

The mosque is located on a beautiful plot overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and provides parking space that can accommodate 7,000 cars. Its architecture blends traditional Islamic art with a magnificent contemporary design.

In addition to the mosque, the complex also has a school, library, Islamic Art museum, fire station, park, and research center.

Taj-ul-Masajid – India

This largest mosque in India can accommodate around 175,000 worshipers. Construction began in the 19th century by Shah Jahan Begum, but was halted and only completed in 1971.

The architecture of Taj-ul-Masajid is inspired by Delhi's Jama Masjid, but with a larger size. The complex also has a library and a madrasah.

Istiqlal Mosque - Indonesia

As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has the Istiqlal Mosque which can accommodate around 200,000 worshipers. Construction began in 1961, initiated by President Soekarno and inaugurated in 1978. The name "Istiqlal" means independence, as a sign of gratitude for Indonesia's independence from colonialism.

The Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Its location opposite the Jakarta Cathedral is a symbol of interreligious tolerance in Indonesia.

Faisal Mosque - Pakistan

The Faisal Mosque can accommodate around 300,000 worshipers and is an icon of the Pakistani capital. The blend of modern design and traditional elements makes it look different from most classic mosques. The architect is Vedat Dalokay from Turkey.

The name of this mosque is taken from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who funded its construction. To this day, Faisal Mosque is one of the most recognizable landmarks in South Asia.

Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex - Jerusalem

The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex can accommodate around 400,000 worshipers if you count all the courtyard areas. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holy site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. This area is known as Haram al-Sharif.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque also has an important history as the first qibla of Muslims before the direction of prayer was moved to Mecca. Every Ramadan, hundreds of thousands of worshipers crowd this area to worship and experience a very strong spiritual atmosphere.

Imam Reza Shrine – Iran

The Imam Reza Shrine complex can accommodate up to 700,000 worshipers and is the largest in terms of area, reaching around 1 million square meters. Inside it is the tomb of Imam Reza, an important figure in the Twelve Imam Shia tradition.

This complex also includes a library, museum, educational institutions, and various other religious facilities. Since the 9th century, the area has continued to expand and is now one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for the Shiite community in the world.

Grand Jamia Mosque - Pakistan

The Grand Jamia Mosque in Karachi can accommodate around 950,000 worshipers. Its architecture blends Ottoman, Persian, and Arabic styles with around 150 domes adorning the building.

This mosque was built in an open area so that it looks magnificent from a distance. Its presence is a pride of Pakistan as one of the countries with the largest mosques in the world.

Masjid Nabawi - Saudi Arabia

The Prophet's Mosque can accommodate around 1.5 million worshipers. This mosque was first built by the Prophet Muhammad SAW in 623 AD and has continued to expand until today.

Inside there is a Raudhah, an area believed to be a mustajab place to pray. One of the most recognizable modern features are the giant automatic umbrellas in the courtyard, which protect the congregation from the heat of the Madinah sun.

Masjidil Haram - Saudi Arabia

The Grand Mosque is the largest and holiest mosque in Islam with a capacity of up to 4 million worshipers. Inside it stands the Ka'bah, the qibla of Muslims around the world.

This mosque continues to be expanded from time to time to accommodate millions of pilgrims and umrah every year. In the last 10 nights of Ramadan and the Hajj season, this area is filled with pilgrims from various countries.

So that's the discussion of the 10 largest mosques in the world, follow other interesting articles on VOI.ID. So as not to miss the latest news, follow and monitor our social media accounts!