If you’re planning a day out this Ramadan, these mosques should be at the top of your list. With designs that blend faith, architecture, and culture, each one is a testament to centuries of artistic mastery and spiritual devotion. From soaring minarets to intricate mosaics, these are the places where faith and design intertwine, and where every visit is as inspiring as it is breathtaking.
Al Azhar Mosque – Cairo
Founded in 970 CE during the Fatimid Caliphate, Al-Azhar stands as one of Cairo’s oldest and most revered mosques. Closely linked to Al-Azhar University, later formally established as the independent Al-Azhar Al-Sharif following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, it has long been a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship and thought.
Shaped by centuries of history, its architecture reflects layers of influence, from Roman and Greek columns to intricate Byzantine-inspired details. Today, it remains not only a center of worship, but also one of Cairo’s most admired landmarks, especially during Ramadan.
Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque – Doha
Embrace this Ramadan at Qatar’s largest mosque. The Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, also known as the Qatar State Grand Mosque, stands in the Lejbailat district of the capital, Doha. It was commissioned by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in memory of his father and named after the reformist scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Since its completion in 2011, the mosque has commanded attention with its grand façade and dozens of domes crowning it. Designed in a traditional Arab style enriched with modern elements, the mosque blends heritage with contemporary architecture.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Muscat
Blending the spirit of Islamic architecture with contemporary design, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, finished in 2001, rises majestically in Wilayat Bawshar, dominating the skyline of Muscat. Renowned for its breathtaking exterior, the mosque features five minarets that frame the complex, symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam. Inside, its walls are clad in luminous white and dark grey marble, while intricately carved doors adorned with Islamic motifs are crowned with Quranic verses, creating a serene space perfect for the holy month’s calm spirits.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi
In the heart of the UAE’s capital stands the country’s largest mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Constructed between 1994 and 2007, it has become a landmark of faith, architecture, and cultural tourism. Showcasing modern Islamic design, the mosque is distinguished by its vast, serene courtyard and four towering minarets that frame its gleaming domes. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the mosque offers educational, cultural, and interactive experiences, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s most enriching attractions.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque – Manama
Located in the Bahraini capital, Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the country and forms part of the Ahmed Al-Fateh Islamic Center. Built in 1987 by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the mosque stands as a symbol of Bahrain’s religious and architectural heritage. The mosque’s grand courtyard is crowned by one of the world’s largest fiberglass domes, while captivating Arabic Kufic calligraphy gracefully adorns its walls, adding to a spiritual touch to your Ramadan evenings.
King Abdullah I Mosque – Amman
An outstanding example of contemporary Islamic architecture, the King Abdullah I Mosque is renowned for its vibrant blue mosaic dome. Built between 1982 and 1989 by Hussein of Jordan, the mosque reflects both modern design and deep-rooted Islamic tradition. Inside, the prayer hall is beautifully adorned with Quranic inscriptions and houses a small collection of photographs and personal belongings of Abdullah I of Jordan, offering visitors a look into the legacy of its founder.
From contemporary masterpieces that reinterpret the elements of Islamic architecture with a modern touch, to historic mosques that have stood for centuries, these sacred spaces reflect the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of the Middle East. Whether drawn by faith, history, or architectural beauty, these mosques are worth adding to your must-visit list.
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