Mosque - architectural structure, serving as a place for prayer and worship for adherents of the Islamic faith. Unlike Christian churches, the mosque does not have the status of a holy place, with the exception of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, in the courtyard of which the ancient Muslim shrine, the Kaaba, is located. Below is a list with photos of ten of the most beautiful and some of the largest mosques in the world.
Kul-Sharif is a mosque located in the city of Kazan (Tatarstan, Russia) in the western part of the Kazan Kremlin. It is one of the main Muslim temples of Tataria and one of the tallest mosques in Europe (the height of each minaret is 57 meters). Its construction, the cost of which is estimated at 400 million rubles, began in 1996, and the opening took place on June 24, 2005 on the 1000th anniversary of the city. The interior space of the temple is designed for one and a half thousand believers; the square in front of the temple can accommodate another 10,000.
Sabanci Mosque is the largest mosque in Turkey, located in the city of Adana, on the banks of the Seyhan River. Despite their large sizes, was built in less than a year in 1998. The closed area of the mosque is 6,600 square meters, the area of the adjacent territory is 52,600 square meters. It has six minarets, four of which are 99 meters high, the other two are 75 meters high. The temple is designed for 28,500 people.
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei, is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia-Pacific region, and also the main attraction of Brunei. It was built in 1958 and is an example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque reaches a height of 52 m and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
The seventh place on the list is occupied by Faisal, the largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the city of Islamabad. Its construction at a cost of $120 million began in 1976 and was completed in 1986. Faisal covers an area of 5,000 square meters and can accommodate 300,000 worshippers. The height of the minarets is 90 meters.
In sixth place in the ranking of the most beautiful mosques in the world is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It was built between 1996–2007. Covers an area of more than 12 hectares and can simultaneously accommodate 40,000 believers. The main prayer hall can accommodate 7,000 people. The mosque has four minarets that rise 107 m.
Fifth place in the list of the most beautiful mosques in the world is Tengku Tengah Zaharah or “Floating Mosque”. It is located 4 km from the city of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Its construction began in 1993 and was completed in 1995. The official opening took place in July 1995. The temple covers an area of about 5 hectares and can accommodate up to 2,000 visitors at a time.
Mezquita
Mezquita is a mosque, partially rebuilt into a cathedral. Located in the city of Cordoba, Spain. It was built by Emir Abdarrahman I on the site of the Visigothic church of Vincent of Saragossa in 784. Later it became a mosque. It is the most significant monument of the Umayyad dynasty, made in the Moorish architectural style.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is a Muslim temple located in the Old City of Jerusalem on the Temple Mount. It is the third most significant shrine in Islam after the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. It covers an area of 144,000 square meters, although the mosque itself is located on an area of 35,000 square meters. Up to 5,000 believers can pray in it at the same time.
Masjid an-Nabawi is a mosque located in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. The first small mosque on this site was built during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, but subsequent Islamic rulers constantly expanded the shrine, turning it into one of the largest. Under the Green Dome (Dome of the Prophet) is the tomb of Muhammad. The exact date of construction of the dome is unknown, but its description can be found in manuscripts dating back to the beginning of the 12th century.
Al-Haram Mosque
Mosque al-Haram is the most beautiful, largest and most revered mosque located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The temple covers an area of 356,800 square meters and can accommodate up to 4 million people during the Hajj. The existing mosque has been known since 1570, but little remains of the original building, as it was rebuilt several times during its existence.
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Today, thousands of mosques have been built in the world, and it is difficult to name the most beautiful one. The mosque is one of the main symbols of religion of all Muslims. All Muslims pray here 5 times a day. The first mosque in history appeared on the Arabian Peninsula. From that time until today, the construction of these magnificent Muslim temples has continued throughout the world. And this article will help you find out which are the most famous mosques in the world and the largest mosques today.
Kaaba
The most famous black square in the world is a dream, the main destination of pilgrimage for all Muslims. When Adam and Eve sinned and came to repent of it to Allah, He forgave them and sent them small stone white, which over time, having absorbed all the sins of humanity, turned black. The Prophet Muhammad appointed one family to monitor the cleanliness of this sacred place, and to this day it honors and follows his instructions.
Adam and Eve built the first mosque around this stone, but, unable to withstand the global flood, it did not survive. Later, on its ruins, the prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail were able to build a new one.
Ask any Muslim what the largest mosque in the world is, where it is located and what the Kaaba is, and he will answer your question without hesitation. And for those who don’t know, we’ll provide a little information.
- Country: Saudi Arabia.
- City: Mecca.
- Built by: Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
- Size: 11.3x12.26 m.
- Height: 13.1 m.
But the Kaaba is not the largest mosque in the world. This is a sacred relic and place of pilgrimage for all Muslims, where every Friday their number exceeds 700 thousand people. And the largest mosque in the world is called Al-Masjid al-Haram.
Sermons
Thanks to simultaneous translators, all sermons are translated into 2 languages: Urdu and English. Pilgrims who do not understand Arabic are given headphones with a translation before the prayer begins. Unfortunately, the largest mosque in the world cannot accommodate everyone in its courtyard who wants to purify their souls, so many of them pray on the balconies and roof of Al-Masjid al-Haram. There are also air conditioners and an escalator, and there are ablution facilities, which are divided into men's and women's.
Tragedy
The largest mosque in the world was captured by militants in the last century, who forced the government Saudi Arabia 3 requirements:
Do not sell US oil;
- do not squander the abundance of the state;
- overthrow the Saudi dynasty.
During the assault on the mosque, 450 people died, including 200 terrorists and 250 pilgrims.
Today, the area where the largest mosque in the world is located has the most expensive real estate on earth. Approximate price of 1 sq. m - $100,000.
Top 3 large mosques in the world
In addition to Al-Masjid al-Haram, there are 2 more mosques in the world that are slightly smaller in size.
The Masjid Al-Nabawi Mosque is also located in Saudi Arabia and is the second most important shrine of all Muslims. It is located in the city of Medina (Yathrib).
After the Prophet Muhammad began to call on the Arabs to abandon polytheism and convert to the true faith, they united against him. The opposition was too great for the Prophet and he was forced to flee to the city of Yathrib (Medina). It was here that the Masjid Al-Nabawi mosque was erected by the hands of the Prophet Muhammad. It was rebuilt and expanded several times, and since the prophet died in this city, it is his burial place. The tomb of the Prophet Muhammad is located under 1 dome (there are 12 domes in total in the mosque). 700,000 Muslims can pray at Masjid Al-Nabawi at the same time.
The three largest mosques in the world include the Mausoleum of Imam Reza located in the city of Mashhad (Iran). It is also considered a holy site for Muslims, which is an amazing complex. There is a library, other mosques and the tomb of the imam himself. The bodies of other imams are also buried here and the magnificent Govarshad Mosque, built in the 15th century, is located here. This mosque and the tombs of the imams formed a ring around the tomb of Imam Revza. The recently built minarets formed a second ring, and the construction of the third will soon be completed. Every year this place receives about 200 million Muslim pilgrims from all countries. After the explosion in 1994, all pilgrims are subject to security screening.
Top 10 largest mosques in the world
We found out where the largest mosque in the world is and what 2 other holy places are, slightly smaller in size. But besides them, there are 7 more temples sacred to Muslims in the world, which are located in different parts Sveta:
1. Faisal Mosque is located in Pakistan, Islamabad. Has interesting design(no domes) and looks more like a huge Bedouin tent. The building has 4 minarets.
2. Taj-ul-Masjid is located in the city of Bhopal. Its construction began in 1800 and lasted for 100 years. The reason for such a long construction period is the unstable situation in the political arena and lack of money.
3. Istaklal Mosque was built in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia. The country's independence was declared in 1945, and as a sign of this event, the main dome of the mosque has a 45-meter diameter.
4. Hassan Mosque - Casablanca, Morocco. It is famous for the world's largest minaret (210 meters) and beautiful garden with 42 fountains.
5. The Badshah Mosque, built in Pakistan, combines Islamic character, Persian culture and Indian style.
6. Jama Masjid is another structure built in India. He keeps the relic in the form of a sacred book, the Koran, written on deer skin.
7. And the list ends with the Saleh Mosque in Yemen. This is not only a landmark of the country, but also its largest structure. The mosque has a library, parking and air conditioning.
The most beautiful in the world
Of all the existing masjids, it is impossible to choose the most beautiful one. But travelers have ranked the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world. They are the ones that differ from the rest with their unusual and rich interior and magnificent design.
1. Sultan Omar Saifuddin Mosque.
2. Hassan II Mosque.
3. Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
4. Masjid al-Nabawi.
5. Al-Masjid al-Haram.
6. Djenne Mosque.
7. Umayyad Mosque.
8. Faisal.
9. Sultanahmet.
10. Al-Aqsa.
2 mosques, which amaze with their wealth and majestic appearance, deserve special attention.
Sultanahmet - the heart of Istanbul
It’s not for nothing that Turkey is called the land of mosques. The most important attraction of the city of Istanbul is the Sultanahmet, or Blue Mosque. Sultan Ahmet wanted to outshine the Hagia Sophia standing opposite and ordered the architect to build golden minarets. But here there was a misunderstanding. In Turkish, the word golden is translated as "altyn". The architect did not hear the last letter in the order and built 6 minarets (6 - “alts”). They did not shower the 6 minarets with gold, but left them as is. The huge mosque can accommodate 100,000 people. And the name “Blue Mosque” appeared thanks to the 20,000 blue tiles that decorate the interior.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This structure is truly considered a miracle and one of the many amazing structures in the United Arab Emirates. Every brochure, guidebook and every guide starts the tour from this place. The structure, more reminiscent of a palace from the cartoon "Aladdin" or the fairy tale "1001 Nights", is actually more than just a mosque. It represents the respect and tribute of all the people of the Emirates to the ruler Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. This man created and raised the Emirates from the poor Bedouin population of the country. And what this country is now is the merit of Sheikh Zayed. The largest carpet in the world (627 sq. m), weighing 47 tons, covers the floor of the mosque. Until the summer of 2010, the complex, consisting of 7 chandeliers that adorn the ceiling of the mosque, was considered the largest in the world. Its weight is approximately 12 tons.
The most important difference between the mosque and the rest is free entry for everyone, regardless of their religion. But there are also rules here. Men must enter wearing clothing that completely covers their arms and legs. Women have a stricter dress code. Clothing should cover the arms and legs, not tight to the body, and there should be a scarf on the head that completely covers the hair. Also, smoking, drinking (even mineral water) and there is.
Continuing the information coverage about the mosques of the world, in this post I decided to provide information about the 20 largest mosques in the world, which our guys posted on the Salamworld website, citing an article from Wondrous magazine. It should be immediately emphasized that the rating of mosques was compiled taking into account the size of the entire complex, as well as the capacity of the prayer halls. In addition, having visited, by the will of the Almighty, mosques and Muslim places in more than 100 countries from Indonesia and Malaysia to Europe, Turkey, Iran and Arab countries, I know firsthand that there are greater mosques than those included in this rating. Nevertheless, I decided to give this rating as one of the options.
1. The largest mosque in the world is the Meccan Forbidden Mosque (المسجد الحرام), which is the main shrine of the Muslim world. The Kaaba is located in the courtyard of the mosque. The mosque was built in 638. From 2007 to 2012, by decision of the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a new large-scale reconstruction of the mosque was carried out. During the expansion, mainly in the northern direction, the territory increases to 400 thousand square meters. meters and will accommodate 1.12 million people. Two more minarets are being built, as well as a new King Abdullah Gate, and all old and new premises are equipped with air conditioning. Taking into account the reconstructed territory of the district, a total of 2.5 million people will be able to participate in ceremonies and events at the same time. The cost of reconstruction is $10.6 billion.
2. The second largest mosque in the world is the Prophet's Mosque (المسجد النبوي). This mosque is located in Medina (Saudi Arabia) and is the second holiest site in Islam after the Forbidden Mosque. The mosque was built during the lifetime of Muhammad (saw); subsequent Muslim rulers expanded and embellished it. Nowadays, the mosque seats 600 thousand people, on an area of 400,500 square meters. meters. During the Hajj period, this number increases to 1 million people.
3. In third place is the Mazar of Imam Reza (حرم علی بن موسی الرضا), an architectural complex erected in 818 in Mashhad (Iran), including the imam’s tomb itself, the tombs of other revered imams, a museum, a library, a cemetery, a mosque and several other buildings. Most of the complex's structures were built during Timurid and Safavid rule, although the first dated structure bears an early 14th-century inscription, and the structure's dome dates back to the early thirteenth century. The area of the complex is 331,578 square meters and accommodates about 100 thousand people.
4. In fourth place is the Indonesian Independence Mosque (مسجد الاستقلال), which is located in Jakarta. After Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1949, the idea arose to build a national mosque for the new republic, befitting the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. In 1953, a committee for the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque was founded, headed by Anwar. Anwar presented the project to Indonesian President Sukarno, who welcomed him and subsequently took control of the construction of the mosque. On August 24, 1961, Sukarno laid the first stone of the mosque; construction took seventeen years. Indonesian President Suharto opened the national mosque on February 22, 1978. It is still the largest mosque in the region and can accommodate more than 120,000 people at a time.
5. Hassan the Second Mosque (مسجد الحسن الثاني) is another incredible mosque located in the city of Xablanca. This mosque is the largest in Morocco and the fifth in the world. The capacity of this temple is 25 thousand people (this is only one hall). And the total capacity of the mosque is 105 thousand people. The height of the minaret (this is the only minaret) is 210 meters. This mosque was also built in our time, the beginning was 1986, the end was 1989. The project was drawn up by a French architect. Total cost the construction of this huge temple - 800 million dollars.
6. Faisal Mosque (مسجد شاه فيصل) is a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is famous in the Islamic world for its size, with an area of 5,000 square meters, it can accommodate 300,000 worshipers. Construction of the mosque began in 1976 by the National Construction Organization of Pakistan and was financed by the Saudi Arabian government. The project cost more than 130 million Saudi riyals (approximately $120 million in today's dollars). King Faisal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was very instrumental in financing the construction, and after his assassination in 1975, both the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him. The mosque was completed in 1986.
7. Badshahi Mosque (بادشاہی مسجد - imperial mosque) is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the city of Lahore. One of the largest mosques in the world. Located on a platform accessible by stairs, overlooking the old city opposite the Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort. It was built in 1673-1674 by order of the great Mughal Aurangzeb and is considered one of the most significant monuments of Indo-Islamic sacred architecture of the Mughal era.
8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (مسجد الشيخ زايد) is the largest mosque in the UAE. Located in Abu Dhabi, the mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. The mosque can simultaneously accommodate 40 thousand believers. The main prayer hall is designed for 7 thousand worshipers. Two rooms next to the main prayer hall can accommodate 1,500 people each. Both of these rooms are for women only. At the four corners of the mosque there are four minarets, which rise approximately 107 meters. The outer row of the main building is covered with 82 domes. The domes are decorated with white marble, and their interior decoration is also made of marble. The courtyard is lined with colored marble and covers about 17,400 square meters.
9. Delhi Cathedral Mosque (مسجد جھان نمہ) is the eighth largest mosque in the world. The construction of the mosque began under Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj Mahal) and was completed in 1656. The courtyard of the mosque can accommodate up to twenty-five thousand believers at a time. One of the relics is a copy of the Koran written on deer skin. The construction of the mosque was the result of the efforts of more than 5,000 workers over six years. The cost of construction at that time was 10 lakh (1 million) rupees. Shah Jahan built several important mosques in Delhi, Agra, Ajmer and Lahore.
10. Holy House Mosque (بيت المكرّم) is the national mosque of Bangladesh. Located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, this mosque was founded in the 1960s. The mosque complex was designed by the architect Abdul Hussein Tariani. The National Mosque of Bangladesh has several modern architectural features and at the same time these innovations retain traditional principles architecture of mosques.
11. Muscat Cathedral Mosque or Sultan Qaboos Mosque (جامع السلطان قابوس الأكبر) - the main mosque of Muscat, Oman. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decreed that his country Oman should have its own Grand Mosque. A competition was held in 1993, construction began in 1995. Construction work took six years and four months. The mosque is built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. The main prayer hall is square in shape (74.4 x 74.4 meters) with a central dome rising to a height of fifty meters above floor level. The dome and main minaret (90 meters) and four side minarets (45.5 meters) are the main visual features of the mosque. The main prayer hall can accommodate more than 6,500 worshipers at a time, while the women's prayer hall can only accommodate 750 people. The external prayer area can accommodate 8,000 believers, the total number of up to 20,000 believers.
12. Festive mosque - "Eid Kah" (عید گاہ مسجد) - the largest mosque in China. Located on central square the Muslim Uyghur city of Kashgar. It has an area of 16,800 m² and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers. Built in 1442, although the most ancient sections can be dated back to the 9th-10th centuries. Subsequently it expanded and rebuilt.
13. Masjid Negara (مسجد نغارا) - the national Malaysian mosque of Kuala Lumpur, built in 1965. The main hall of the mosque seats over 15 thousand people and is especially crowded on Fridays. The mosque complex consists of a ribbed star-shaped dome and a minaret 73 m high. The eighteen corners of the dome symbolize the 13 states of Malaysia and the “5 Pillars of Islam”.
14. Masjid-e Aqsa (مسجدِ اقصیٰ) is the largest mosque of the Ahmadi community, located in Rabwah (Pakistan). The mosque was opened in 1972 and accommodates 12 thousand worshipers.
15. Mosque "House of Victories" (مسجد بیت الفتوح). mosque in the suburbs of London, England - the largest in Western Europe. The mosque was built by followers of the Ahmadi sect in 2003. It covers an area of 21,000 m² and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers in three prayer halls. The complex itself includes a gymnasium, offices, a library and television studios. Construction of the complex cost 5.5 million British pounds.
16. Mosque “Heart of Chechnya” (مسجد قبة غروزني المركزي). The “Heart of Chechnya” mosque, built in the center of Grozny, is in 16th place in this ranking of the largest mosques in the world. As I wrote at the very beginning, here, speaking about the mosque in Grozny, the size of the entire complex was taken into account, while in my previous rating the first place was taken by the Makhachkala Juma Mosque, since its capacity is up to 15 thousand people.
Opening date: October 17, 2008, during the forum “Islam - a religion of peace and creation.” Its construction began on April 25, 2006 with the help of specialists from Turkey. The minarets of the mosque are the highest in Russia; the height of the dome is 3 meters lower than the mosques of Kazan and St. Petersburg. The Heart of Chechnya Mosque is the largest Muslim complex in Russia.
17. Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque (جامع السلطان أحمد) is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. The mosque has six minarets: four, as usual, on the sides, and two slightly less tall ones on the external corners. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic and world architecture. Construction of the mosque began in August 1609 and was completed in 1616. The mosque can accommodate up to 10 thousand people within its walls.
18. Al-Fatiha Mosque (جامع مركز أحمد الفاتح الإسلامي) - one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of simultaneously accommodating more than 7,000 believers. Mosque - largest temple Bahrain. The mosque is very close to the royal palace in Manama, the seat of the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.
A huge dome built on top of the mosque, made of pure fiberglass and weighing over 60 tons (60,000 kg), is currently the largest fiberglass dome in the world. Al-Fatih now includes a new National Library, which opened to the public in 2006. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa in 1987. It is named after Ahmad al-Fatih, the conqueror of Bahrain.
19. Masjid-e Tuba (مسجد طوبٰی) is located in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Among the population of the city, the mosque is also known as Gol Masjid. The mosque was built in 1969 and is located on Korangi Road. Masjid-e Tuba has the largest dome of any mosque in the world (its diameter is 72 meters) and is one of the main attractions of Karachi. The mosque is built from white marble, the minaret reaches 70 meters in height. The central prayer hall seats 5,000 people. The mosque was designed by Pakistani architect Babar Hamid Chauhan and engineer Zaheer Haider Naqvi.
20. Al-Aqsa Mosque (المسجد الأقصى) is a mosque located on the Temple Mount in Al-Quds. The mosque is the third holiest shrine of Islam after the Forbidden Mosque in Noble Mecca and the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) in the Most Serene Medina. Up to 5,000 believers can pray in the mosque at the same time.
It is also known as Haram Beit-Ullah (translated as “The Sacred House of Allah” or “The Forbidden House of Allah”). It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This mosque is not only the largest in both size and capacity, but also the most significant in the life of followers of Islam.
It is one of the main Muslim shrines; in its courtyard is the heart of the Islamic world - the Kaaba. It is to the courtyard of the Sacred Mosque that the hearts of believers strive throughout their lives. Turning in her direction, they read namaz five times a day. And everyone is obliged, having the opportunity, to make a pilgrimage to the Kaaba.
Over the centuries, the building was regularly rebuilt and reconstructed. The increasing number of pilgrims constantly required greater capacity. Last time major construction was on its territory in 1980 - then two minarets and another building of impressive size were added.
The number of minarets in the Al-Haram complex has grown in proportion to the mosque itself, and at the moment there are nine of them; they reach ninety-five meters in height. The area of the entire structure is now 309 thousand square meters. meters. There are four main entrances with gates and 44 secondary ones. Just imagine a building with 48 entrances, into which rivers of believers flow, bringing up to 700 thousand people to prayer.
Those who do not have enough space on the three floors of prayer rooms pray on the roof of the building, which has long been adapted for this purpose and decorated with marble slabs. IN basements There are also chapels, which open on the days of the greatest influx of visitors. The building is equipped with air conditioning, escalators, and modern video cameras. The complex has its own television and radio studios.
To illuminate it, two powerful power plants operate. Looking at how a dense stream of Muslims enter the courtyard of Al-Masjid Al-Haram to the sounds of the adhan, you involuntarily recall the words of the Almighty, transmitted by His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Holy Quran: “ When the help of Allah arrives and victory comes, and when you see that people in crowds begin to accept the faith of Allah, then give praise to your Lord and ask Him for forgiveness, for He is the forgiving "(Surah An-Nasr, No. 1–3).
Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi)
This mosque is the second largest in the world, and it, like the largest mosque, is located in Saudi Arabia, only not in Mecca, but in Medina. The second largest, it is also the second holiest shrine of Islam. There was a mosque on this site during the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and subsequently he, Abu Bakr and Umar (the righteous caliphs) (may Allah be pleased with them) were buried here. The grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is located under a green dome. It is believed that he himself took part in the construction of the mosque. Here, the most beloved man of all who lived on earth, for Muslims, read his sermons. Here Islam experienced its first stages of development.
Built in the first year of the Hijra, the mosque was rebuilt many times, expanded, and at the moment its capacity is from 600 thousand people, and its territory is 400-500 square meters. meters. Meanwhile, it is believed that during the Hajj period it can accommodate up to a million people. One of its components is a platform 30 cm high - the Safa veranda, the place where the companions lived who left their homes and moved to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) until they acquired housing. It is believed that the number of Ashabs who lived on it is from 70 to 100 people.
One of the main decorations of the mosque are the columns, each of which has a name and reminds of events that she herself could tell about, if only the Almighty endowed her with the ability to make speeches. The architecture of the entire ensemble is classical. From this mosque the main architectural features in all mosques in the world. In front of it is a classic rectangular square where believers pray, hold meetings, classes and legal disputes.
Shah Faisal
The Shah Faisal Mosque is located nearby in Islamabad, Pakistan. Since its construction was financed by Saudi Arabia, the mosque was named after the then King of Saudi Arabia Faisal, they expressed a desire to build a large mosque in Islamabad, when the city itself was just being founded, i.e. in fact, he was the initiator of its construction. For quite a long time, the Shah Faisal Mosque occupied only sixth place in the list of largest mosques. However, the capacity of its adjacent territory was taken into account, and this, in addition to the 100 thousand that accommodate its prayer hall and courtyard, another 200 thousand people - and this brought the mosque to third place on the list, if determined by the parameters of the largest capacity.
The area of the prayer hall of Shah Faisal Mosque is 0.48 hectares and the total area is 18.97 hectares. The height of the dome is 40 m. The minarets rise to the sky to a height of 88 m. In Saudi Arabia, its construction cost 130 million Saudi rials (approximately 120 million dollars). Some sources give it first place in the world, based on the size of the single prayer hall, located under one dome.
The King of Saudi Arabia expressed his wish in 1966, and in 1969 there was a design competition. Construction of the mosque began in 1976 and was completed in 1985-86; its architecture combines the traditions of Muslim architecture and modernity of lines and approaches. On the one hand, it has everything that a classical mosque should have: minarets, a prayer hall with paintings and mosaics... And at the same time, it is not like any of them. The Shah Faisal Mosque evokes completely opposite associations, captivating the viewer and keeping him in amazement and admiration.
At the same time, it also looks like the tent of a nomad who stopped for the night in the lower reaches of the mountain, behind which the Himalayas immediately begin, and the traveler decided to rest before the global transition. Associations also arise with spaceship aliens who landed in a mountain valley on planet Earth.
And the four minarets, creating a visual square around the mosque, will remind an experienced traveler of the Istanbul mosque: this is the only thing that the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, according to whose design it was built, took from the traditions of his people and transferred to Pakistani soil. All sparkling, the Shah Faisal Mosque looks extremely unusual. Perhaps it would still be true to say that it is not like anything else.
The materials used in its construction are marble and concrete. An incredible number of straight lines for a Muslim temple and... an unusual, incredibly beautiful golden ball chandelier. At night it looks even more enchanting, illuminated by lights and illumination.
While construction was underway, the unconventional design of the mosque caused displeasure and squabbles, but this subsequently subsided, giving way to admiration. The mosque is unusual and at the same time magnificent, and can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Those praying there can sit not only in the prayer hall, but also on covered balconies and galleries, directly. On the balcony there is a women's hall
The construction of large mosques highlights the growing “demand” for places for collective prayer, all ancient mosques are faced with the need to increase their prayer space - how can this not please the faithful? Moreover, Muslim architecture gave the world beautiful and regular buildings - mosques, full of people and angels. Because where people gather for the sake of Allah, angels are invisibly present.
VIDEO ON THE TOPIC
Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca from the height of the Abraj al-Bayt clock
Umbrellas in the Prophet's Mosque (peace and blessings be upon him)
Azan at the Prophet's Mosque (peace and blessings be upon him)
Medina welcomes Russian pilgrims
One of the orders of the Prophet Muhammad contains the following lines: “If anyone builds a mosque for Allah, then for that purpose he will build a similar one in paradise.” Of course, for all representatives of Islam, the construction of sanctuaries for performing prayers is a godly deed. And recently, in every country where they live according to the rules of the Koran, they are trying to build objects for Muslim prayer services that are unique in terms of architecture and design. And not everyone knows where the largest mosque in Russia is located. However, this issue is controversial for some. Let's take a closer look at it.
Heart of Chechnya
Many claim that the largest mosque in Russia is located in Grozny. This architectural complex, built in 2008, truly amazes with its decoration and beauty. There are magnificent fountains and a picturesque garden here. The walls were decorated with a special material (taverine), which was used to build the Colosseum. The temple is decorated with white marble, which was brought from the island of Marmara Adasi (Türkiye). The inside walls of the mosque were painted with gold and special paints. The ceilings are decorated with luxurious chandeliers, which were made from the most expensive crystal.
The largest mosque in Russia (photos of which previously often adorned the pages of newspapers and magazines) fascinates and delights with beauty at night, when every detail of it is visible against the backdrop of lighting. In spring, plants begin to bloom on the temple grounds and emit an indescribably pleasant smell.
Sacred place of the entire republic
Looking at the splendor and pomp of the Chechen temple, you are really convinced that the largest mosque in Russia is located in Grozny. It is named after the first head of the republic - Akhmat Kadyrov. This majestic architectural complex becomes noticeable after you enter the city. The total area of the structure is 5 thousand square meters. Its minarets are the highest: they reach 63 meters.
The Russian Islamic University and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims are located on the territory of the mosque. The order and cleanliness of the temple is very carefully monitored. Every Muslim who comes to stay in Chechnya strives to get here. Well, when the time comes for the main holy holiday of Muslims, then, seeing the scale and scope with which believers celebrate Ramadan in the “Heart of Chechnya,” all doubts about where the largest mosque in Russia is completely disappear. In general, this is the main attraction of Chechnya, which everyone who believes in Allah should see. Having visited this place once, a person has a desire to come here again and again.
Cathedral Mosque in Moscow
When asked what the largest mosque in Russia has been built recently, some answer that it is the Cathedral.
However, this point of view cannot be considered completely correct. This sanctuary for Muslim prayers was erected in the Russian capital at the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral mosque was built according to the design of the architect Nikolai Zhukov with money from the Tatar philanthropist Salikh Erzin.
Most recently, the festive opening of the Cathedral Mosque took place after restoration, which lasted ten years. The area of the temple was increased twenty times, and now it exceeds 19,000 square meters. The capacity of the Cathedral Mosque is 10,000 people. Despite this, it cannot be considered the largest sanctuary for performing prayers in Russia. However, this architectural structure is considered
Today there are several large Muslim churches in the Russian capital: Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Gora, Historical Mosque (Bolshaya Tatarskaya St.), Yardyam Mosque (Otradnoe district), Cathedral Mosque (Vypolzov Lane).
Ufa mosque
Some are one hundred percent sure that the largest mosque in Russia will soon be located here.
Ufa, in their opinion, is just that place. In this city, work is in full swing on the construction of a gigantic complex with tall minarets and domes. In 2017, the Ufa Cathedral Mosque will become the largest temple for Muslims. Indeed, the scale of the project is amazing: the height of the minarets is 74 meters, and the height of the dome is 46 meters. It is noteworthy that the first two minarets will be equipped with elevators.
Juma mosque
Some experts argue that, in terms of capacity, the first place should be given to the sanctuary for performing prayer, which is located in Makhachkala. It is called Juma Mosque. This temple was designed in the likeness of the famous one (Istanbul). After reconstruction work carried out in 2007, its capacity increased to 15,000 people.
St. Petersburg Cathedral Mosque
The construction of this temple is the merit of Akhun Bayazitov, and the money for construction was given by Emir Seid-Abdul-Akhat Khan and several entrepreneurs from Tatarstan. The cathedral mosque in the Northern capital is also a tribute to political correctness: during the reign of Alexander III, part of the territory of Central Asia went to Russia and in this regard, the emperor wanted to prove to representatives of Islam that their rights and interests would not be infringed in any way. The mosque opened its doors in February 1913.
Mosque in the village of Jalka
One of the largest is considered to be a mosque located in the Chechen village of Dzhalka. This sanctuary can accommodate 5,000 devotees. It was opened in honor of the 60th anniversary of the first head of the republic, Akhmat Kadyrov.
Kul Sharif (Kazan)
This religious monument can accommodate over 2000 Muslims. It began to be built on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin in 1996 with the goal of recreating the initial version of the ancient multi-minaret mosque of the main city of the ancient Khanate. This architectural complex was destroyed in the middle of the 16th century, when the army of Ivan the Terrible stormed Kazan. The temple is named after the last imam, whose name was Kul-Sharif.
