Hassan II Mosque, Morocco
Muslims visit mosques to not only pray, but to seek advice from their Imams, learn the Quran and connect with their community. Historically, mosques also served as educational institutions with theology, literature, physics and chemistry being taught in them.
Minarets and domes, often seen in the architectural structure of most mosques, had originally served a purpose over being aesthetically pleasing with water fountains and pools later becoming featured in the design of many mosques.
With mosques becoming architecturally magnificent structures, some unique ones around the world were made to look like they were floating in the sea and these are the 5 that are a must see.
Ar-Rahma Mosque, Saudi Arabia
Masjid Al Rahma and Fatima Al Zahra Mosque in the Saudi Arabian coastal city of Jeddah, is one of the most popular landmarks in the kingdom. The mosque, which overlooks the Red Sea, appears to be floating when the tide is high and was open to worshippers last in 1985.
Crystal Mosque, Malaysia
Malaysia being a country that predominantly practices Islam, is home to some incredible mosques, but the Crystal Mosque is one of a kind.
Located in Wan Man Island, near Kuala Terengganu, it’s one of the biggest and most famous in Malaysia.
With it’s ability to accommodate over 1500 worshippers, the stunning façade if the mosque is covered in steel, glass and crystals, making it glitter and it’s minarets are made of pure crystals which also reflect light from the water it sits on.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Malaysia
The Kota Kinabalu Mosque in Malaysia is inspired by the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina in Saudi Arabia with it’s golden and blue dome and architecture. Encircled by a man-made lagoon, the floating mosque accommodates visitors with paddle boats. It also has the capacity to hold over 12,000 people.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei
Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this floating mosque sits in the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Bagawan, and can be seen from anywhere in the city due to its main golden dome which sits at 171 feet.
Known to be one of south east Asia’s most magnificent mosques, it’s interior features stained glass windows, arches, semi domes and marble columns. All materials were imported from around the world, including marble from Italy, granite from Shanghai, crystal chandeliers from England and carpets from Saudi Arabia.
The Hassan II Mosque, Morocco
The largest mosque in Morocco, and up there with one of the largest in the world, the Hassan II mosque has the capacity to accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers and has the world’s tallest minaret standing at 210m. Sitting on the sea, the mosque’s prayer room is made of glass so that worshippers can pray directly over the sea.
