Mosques have been central to the spiritual, cultural, and social lives of Muslim communities for centuries.
As places of worship, learning, and gathering, mosques are more than just architectural marvels; they are symbols of faith, heritage, and history.
Some of the oldest mosques in the world still stand today as testaments to the enduring power of Islam and the craftsmanship of past civilizations.
This article explores 10 of the oldest mosques in the world, examining their histories, architectural significance, locations, and capacities.
Key takeaways
- The oldest mosques reflect the early spread of Islam and the diversity of architectural styles across the Muslim world.
- Many of these mosques are centers of learning, pilgrimage, and worship.
- Most of these mosques have undergone significant expansions and renovations over the centuries to accommodate growing numbers of worshippers.
- Many of these mosques are located in areas that are historically significant to Islam, such as Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, and Kufa.
1. Masjid al-Haram (Mecca, Saudi Arabia)
Constructed: 638 AD
Capacity: 2.5 million
Located in the heart of Mecca, Masjid al-Haram is the most sacred mosque in Islam. It surrounds the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, to which Muslims direct their prayers. The mosque has undergone numerous expansions over the centuries, with the most recent being in the 21st century to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit during the Hajj pilgrimage. As a religious center, Masjid al-Haram is a key symbol of Islamic unity and faith.
2. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina, Saudi Arabia)
Constructed: 622 AD
Capacity: 1 million
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the second holiest mosque in Islam after Masjid al-Haram. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad next to his house in Medina. The mosque houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, and millions of Muslims visit it annually to offer prayers and pay respects. The mosque has been expanded numerous times throughout history and can accommodate over a million worshippers during special occasions like Ramadan.
3. Quba Mosque (Medina, Saudi Arabia)
Constructed: 622 AD
Capacity: 30,000+
The Quba Mosque is the first mosque built by Prophet Muhammad and his companions after their migration from Mecca to Medina. It holds great historical significance, as it was where the Prophet prayed and established the first Muslim community. The mosque has been expanded and renovated over time, and its location remains a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims visiting Medina.
4. Masjid al-Qiblatain (Medina, Saudi Arabia)
Constructed: 623 CE
Capacity: 2,000
Masjid al-Qiblatain, or the “Mosque of Two Qiblas,” is located in Medina and is known for being the place where the qibla (direction of prayer) was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca. The mosque’s name reflects this significant event in Islamic history, and it remains a revered site for worshippers and pilgrims visiting Medina.
5. Al-Aqsa Mosque (Jerusalem, Palestine)
Constructed: 705 CE
Capacity: 5,000
Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam, located in Jerusalem’s Old City. The mosque is part of the Al-Haram al-Sharif complex, which includes the Dome of the Rock. Al-Aqsa is associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj), where he is believed to have ascended to the heavens. The mosque’s rich history and significance make it a focal point of Islamic heritage.
6. Amr ibn al-As Mosque (Cairo, Egypt)
Constructed: 641 CE
Capacity: 5,000
The Amr ibn al-As Mosque is the first mosque built in Egypt, founded by the general Amr ibn al-As after the Arab conquest of Egypt. It is located in Cairo, the capital, and served as a significant center of Islamic learning and administration in the early years of Islam’s presence in Africa. The mosque has undergone several reconstructions, and its original design has been modified to suit the growing needs of the Muslim population.
7. Great Mosque of Kufa (Kufa, Iraq)
Constructed: 670 CE
Capacity: 20,000
The Great Mosque of Kufa was one of the earliest mosques established after the expansion of Islam into Iraq. Located in the city of Kufa, the mosque holds great historical importance, particularly in Shiite Islam, as it was a significant center for early Islamic scholarship and political activity. The mosque has been rebuilt and renovated several times, yet it remains one of the oldest and most iconic mosques in the region.
8. Umayyad Mosque (Damascus, Syria)
Constructed: 715 CE
Capacity: 10,000
The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world. Built during the Umayyad Caliphate, it was constructed on the site of a Christian church, which itself had been built over a Roman temple. The mosque is renowned for its architectural grandeur, including its mosaics, minaret, and courtyards, making it a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture.
9. Great Mosque of Kairouan (Kairouan, Tunisia)
Constructed: 670 CE
Capacity: 10,000
The Great Mosque of Kairouan is located in Tunisia and is considered one of the most important mosques in North Africa. It was founded by the Umayyad Caliphate and is one of the oldest places of worship in the region. The mosque is known for its vast courtyards, massive minaret, and historical role in spreading Islam throughout North Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pilgrimage destination for many Muslims.
10. Al-Zaytuna Mosque (Tunis, Tunisia)
Constructed: 732 CE
Capacity: 2,000
The Al-Zaytuna Mosque is the oldest mosque in Tunis and one of the most significant religious institutions in Tunisia. It has been a center for Islamic learning and scholarship for centuries and remains an important cultural landmark. The mosque’s architectural style blends Arab, Byzantine, and North African influences, making it a unique example of Islamic architecture in the region.
FAQs
1. Which mosque is the oldest in the world?
Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the oldest mosque in the world, originally built around 638 CE.
2. How many mosques are in Mecca?
Mecca has many mosques, with the most notable being Masjid al-Haram. The city is home to many smaller mosques that serve pilgrims.
3. What makes Al-Aqsa Mosque special?
Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam, associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension.
4. Are all the oldest mosques still standing?
Yes, all of the mosques mentioned in this article are still standing today, though many have been expanded or renovated over time.
5. Which mosque is the largest?
Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the largest mosque in the world, with the capacity to accommodate over 2 million people during the Hajj pilgrimage.
