A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, and in Arabic, it is known as a Masjid. Almost every country in the world has one of the oldest mosques that not only survived the ravages of the times but somehow managed to look beautiful and amazing today. Some of them even date back over 1300 years of history.

All these mosques can be easily visited if several Islamic holidays are planned in these places of great religious significance.

1. Masjid Al-Haram: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Masjid al-Haram, or the Great Mosque of Mecca, is the oldest and largest mosque in the world. Every Muslim is obliged to perform five obligatory rituals in Islam throughout his/her life, and one of them is to go on a pilgrimage to the Hajj to visit the holy Kaabah, surrounded by the Masjid al-Haram. Just like the daily ritual, Muslims face towards to the Kaabah in Mecca, performing salah or daily prayers.

2. Quba Mosque: Madina, Saudi Arabia

After the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madina, the foundation of the Quba mosque was laid. Despite the fact that it was completely renovated in the 20th century, a new building was constructed in its place, designed by the Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed. This mosque remains filled with believers all year round from all over the world, especially during the pious month of Ramadan.

3. Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi: Madinah, Saudi Arabia

The second most famous mosque, as well as the holiest place after Masjid al-Haram, is Al-Masjid al-Nabawi. It is located next to the house of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This mosque also served as a community center, religious center, and court. This mosque is also a place on the Arabian Peninsula, where electric lighting was introduced for the first time in 1909. The main reason for visiting this mosque is still the connection with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

4. Masjid Al-Qiblatayn: Medina, Saudi Arabia

Masjid al-Qiblatayn is the only mosque in the world in which there are several mihrabs or prayer niches. This was the only place where all the worshippers changed their prayer direction when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the divine order (wahi). Thus, this place has two prayer niches/Qiblas, which also indicates its name – Qiblatayn.

5. Huaisheng Mosque: Guangzhou, China

The first mosque built outside the Arabian Peninsula is the Huaisheng Mosque or the Lighthouse Mosque. This mosque was called the Lighthouse Mosque, as its round tower 36 meters high worked as a lighthouse for sailors. This mosque was rebuilt in 1350 and again in 1695.

6. Jawatha Mosque: Al-Kilabiyah, Saudi Arabia

The Jawatha Mosque was built by members of the Bani Abdul Qays tribe, who were spectators of the revival of Islam. The second most Friday, the congregation of Islam, was held in this mosque, and the first in the mosque of the Prophet. Some historians also believe that Hajr al-Aswad or the black stone that was stolen by the Qarmatians has been stored in the Jawatha mosque for over 20 years. To explore this exquisite mosque and many such places in and around Saudi Arabia, you can book various packages for Islamic tours.

7. Masjid Al-Kufa: Kufa, Iraq

As the ancient and most important place to visit in Kufa-Iraq, Masjid al-Kufa is considered one of the greatest mosques in the world of Islam. As for the Shias, it takes fourth place in his holiness after the Masjid al-Haram mosque, the Prophets (peace be upon him) in Medina, and the Masjid e Aqsa mosques in Jerusalem.

It is believed that at the suggestion of Salman al-Farsi (RA) when Muslims first entered Kufa during the Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, the mosque was restored. Today, the interior of the mosque is decorated with verses from the Quran. It is also believed that Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) was killed in its mihrab in this mosque.

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