Mosques taraweeh
Mosques are not only a place of worship, they function as community centers for many people all over the world. Some of the places are more picturesque than any other site. And so, we thought it would be good idea to explore some of the most breathtaking mosques that are perfect for taraweeh with a view. These mosques around the world, one should visit at least once in their lifetime.
1. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
We couldn’t start the list of mosques to offer taraweeh in without mentioning the iconic Badshahi Mosque. Located in Lahore, the mosque was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and was the largest mosque at the time. The mosque can accommodate a whopping 100,000 worshipers.
2. Qolşärif Mosque, Kazan
Located in Russia, the mosque was constructed in the 16th century and was said to be the largest mosque in Russia. These days, the mosque also serves as a museum of Islam in Russia.
3. Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai
The lights of the mosque showcase the tranquility one feels inside while looking at this breathtaking mosque. Construction for the mosque itself began back in 1975 – it took its time however, it did not disappoint; Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed mosque in Dubai.
4. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Sabah
The City Mosque is the second main mosque of Malaysia. The construction for this mosque began back in 1989 but wasn’t completed until 2000 due to a lack of funds in between. Due to the man-made lagoon surrounding the mosque, it has been nicknamed “The Floating Mosque.”
5. The Great Mosque, Djenne
While the Great Mosque in Mali doesn’t follow the typical design of most mosques, the ancient architecture certainly catches your eye and leaves you enthralled. This large adobe building was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. The exact time of construction is not known, but some experts say it could have been constructed as early as the 1200s.
There is a festival each year for the maintenance and rebuilding of the mosque every year (because of the materials used in its construction upkeep is necessary) where the entire community takes part.
6. Islamic Center of America, Dearborn
The Islamic Center of America insitution dates back to 1964 but this new mosque only opened in 2005 and is now the largest mosque in the US. The mosque is the oldest Shia mosque in the US with a large Shia population residing in Dearborn.
7. Bhong Mosque, Rahim Yar Khan
This is one of the most colorful mosques for your taraweeh. Located in South Punjab, Pakistan, the mosque was designed and constructed over a period of 50 years (1932-1982). This exquisite mosque also won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1986.
8. Sultan Ahmed Shah State Mosque, Kuantan
Located in Malaysia, this glorious mosque was constructed in 1993. This architectural gem is built in an Ottoman-Moorish Islamic style, with four rocket-like minarets and a large half-round decorated dome flanked by four smaller domes. The mosque also happens to be one of the most notable sites in Kuantan – I mean, look at it.
9. Shaikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Shaikh Zayed Mosque is named after named after the late president of the UAE. Shaikh Zayed wanted to build a structure that would embody the cultural diversity of the Islamic world, it’s historical and modern values of architecture and art. Constructed from 1996 to 2007, the mosque is the largest one in the UAE.
10. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and Africa. It cost a whopping 585 million Euros to build it but look at its beauty. Sure would be great to watch the sunset from this mosque by the sea.
11. Nasir ol Molk Mosque, Shiraz
Also known as the Pink Mosque, the Nasir ol Molk Mosque is a traditional mosque in Iran. Built in 1876, the mosque has an extensive supply of colored glass and pink colored tiles.
12. Shah Mosque, Isfahan
Another beautiful mosque in Irna, the Shah Mosque was built during the Safavid period and is regarded as one of the masterpieces of both Persian and Islamic architecture. This grand mosque is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque, Naqsh-e-Jahan Square
More Persian architecture. This 16th-century mosque was also built during the Safavid period hence the similarity in architecture to the Shah Mosque. And just like the Shah Mosque, the Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque too is regarded as an architectural masterpiece.
14. Blue Mosque, Istanbul
One of the most breathtaking and iconic mosques, the Blue Mosque, also known as the Shah Ahmed Mosque or Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is a historical mosque located in European part of Istanbul. The architecture of the mosque, influenced by Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, is has a magnetic force that draws you towards it.
15. Masjid Nabvi, Madina
Also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, Masjid an-Nabvi was built by the Prophet Muhammad and is thus one the most historic mosques in the world. The mosque is also regarded as the second holiest site in Islam after Mecca and is also one of the largest mosques in the world.
16. Shah Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
There’s no way we couldn’t include Faisal Mosque in our list. The iconic mosque in Pakistan is shaped after a bedouin tent and was named after the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who financed and supported the construction of the mosque. Fun Fact: Faisal Mosque was the largest mosque in the world up until 1993.
17. Şakirin Mosque, Istanbul
Quite possibly the most modern mosque in Turkey, Şakirin Mosque opened it’s doors to worshippers in May 2009. Although the mosque has a small capacity of 500 people, it’s architecture is quite remarkable which is why it lands on this list.
18. Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq
The Great Mosque of Samarra is a 9th century mosque with a very unique design located in Iraq. Not your average mosque eh?
19. Umayyad Mosque, Syria
Also known as the Grand Mosque, the Ummayad Mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world. Many Muslims also consider the mosque to be the 4th holiest site in Islam as Muslims believe the mosque is where Hazrat Isa will return on the Day of Judgement.
20. Cologne Central Mosque, Germany
The Cologne Central mosque is currently still under construction. The mosque is designed in Ottoman architectural style, with glass walls, two minarets, and a dome. The mosque is proposed to have a bazaar as well as other secular areas intended for interfaith interactions. Very cool.
21. Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem
Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on top of the Temple Mount, known as the Al Aqsa Compound or Haram esh-Sharif in Islam. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad was transported from the Great Mosque of Mecca to al-Aqsa during the Night Journey. Islamic tradition holds that Prophet Muhammad led prayers towards this site until the 16th or 17th month after his migration from Mecca to Medina, when Allah directed him to turn towards the Kaaba in Mecca.
22. Malacca Straits Mosque, Malacca
The famous floating mosque of Pulau Melaka, is popular among locals by the name of Masjid Selat Melaka. A feature of this beautiful mosque is its 30-meter-high minaret, which additionally works as a beacon, going about as an aide for watercrafts, boats and air ships, making this structure both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
23. Masjid Al Haram, Mecca
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Masjid Al Haram. Does it really need a description? I think not.
So which of these mosques would you like to offer taraweeh in?
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Cover image: izamree via Flickr/omnivagant.com
