Aesthetics of Mosques
The mosque is widely regarded as the safest place, serving as a refuge for believers across the globe. Recognizing this, artists and craftsmen have embraced the mosque as an ideal venue to showcase their artistry, ingenuity, and creativity. Their efforts, aimed at attaining the pleasure of Allah, have been supported by affluent patrons who generously invested in the construction and beautification of these sacred spaces. This collaboration between artists and benefactors has led to the creation of some of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
The Grand Mosque
Known as the Grand Mosque, this site is the largest mosque in the world, located in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It encompasses the revered Kaaba and is considered one of the most sacred locations in Islam. Covering an area of approximately 400,800 square meters, it can accommodate around 4 million worshippers. The construction of the Grand Mosque dates back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and it welcomes visitors at any hour of the day.
The Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque stands as one of the most beautiful and majestic mosques globally. The harmony among its walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as the careful selection of construction materials, reflects a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. Notably, the mosque has retained its original features from the early days of Islam, with additions primarily consisting of decorative enhancements that preserved its unique characteristics.
Raymond Mosque
Located in the heart of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, the Raymon Mosque serves as a spiritual, cultural, and national symbol for the Acehnese people. Its architectural design beautifully blends Dutch-European and Mughal-Islamic influences. Notably, the mosque is adorned with distinctive black domes and solid wooden panels. The interior marble is believed to be imported from China, while the windows were sourced from Belgium, and the building stones originated from the Netherlands. Consequently, the mosque has become a significant landmark in Aceh, representing the cultural identity of its people. Remarkably, the Raymon Mosque survived the devastating tsunami in 2004.
The Crystal Mosque
The Crystal Mosque is celebrated as one of Malaysia’s most stunning mosques, constructed from pure crystal and built in 2006 under the orders of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin. The construction took two years to complete. Located in Kuala Terengganu, the mosque overlooks the man-made Putrajaya Lake in Kuala Lumpur and has a capacity of over 15,000 worshippers. It is also one of the key tourist attractions in Terengganu, drawing visitors from around the world.
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque, situated in Casablanca, Morocco, ranks as the seventh-largest mosque worldwide and boasts the tallest minaret, standing at 210 meters. This remarkable structure partially extends over the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a glass floor that offers visitors a view of the ocean beneath them. The Andalusian-Arab architecture of the mosque lends it a unique charm, complemented by intricately designed marble walls and a retractable roof. The vibrant colors, particularly the blend of green and brown, enhance its aesthetic appeal during spring and summer, when the Atlantic Ocean appears calm and inviting.
Zahir Mosque
Zahir Mosque is renowned as one of the most famous and historic landmarks in Malaysia, situated in the state of Kedah. Its design closely resembles that of the Azizi Mosque in Sumatra, Indonesia. The mosque features five domes and multiple minarets and is considered one of the most esteemed places of worship in the Islamic world. Each year, it hosts a Quran recitation competition, and visitors are encouraged to experience this special event to enrich their visit to the mosque.