6 of the most beautiful mosques in the world

In honor of Ramadan and Hajj, we have compiled a list of the most impressive mosques around the world.

Taking into account the current events since 2020, this year's Ramadan is likely to be a little different from usual. Yet, while many people are asked to stay home during Islam's most spiritual month, that doesn't detract from the beauty of the faith and its many religious artifacts .

Ramadan is one of the most revered traditions of the Muslim community, it is in fact a pillar of the religion. It is during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that Muslims believe that God sent the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. For believers, it is a month of deep faith and introspection, of common prayer, fasting and self-sacrifice. It ends a month later, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, when Muslims celebrate the "feast of breaking the fast".

In honor of Ramadan and Hajj (the pilgrimage that Muslims usually undertake to get to Mecca), we have compiled a list of some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world . We hope this list will inspire people of all religions to discover the beauty of the Muslim tradition.

1) Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (United Arab Emirates).

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is, in a word, grandiose. Its golden-tipped minarets shine brightly in the Abu Dhabi sunlight, contrasting with the pristine white of its domes and arches. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world , is home to 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold-gilded chandeliers and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. Its magnificent courtyards carry reflecting pools that lead you to its main prayer hall. Designed by many architects and artisans, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a beautiful demonstration of how different cultures can come together to create a spiritual utopia for people from all walks of life.

2) Shah Jahan Mosque (Pakistan)

The Shah Jahan Mosque stands proudly in the city of Thatta, which was the capital of Sindh province between the 16th and 17th centuries. Designed in a traditional Turkish and Persian style, the mosque is characterized by its red bricks and blue tiles. Stepping inside, you'll get awe-inspiring glimpses of intricately shaped arches, ceilings, and walls. Built with 100 domes in total, Shah Jahan Mosque is also one of the most acoustic mosques . It is said that a person speaking at one end of the dome can be heard at the other end.

3) The Blue Mosque (Türkiye)

The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, is a fine achievement of Ottoman and Byzantine design. Its interior is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, some of which depict flowers, fruits and trees. The upper levels of the mosque are dominated by the blue paint of the walls and over 200 stained glass windows. Verses from the Quran are also present, made by Seyyid Kasim Gubari , considered the greatest calligrapher of his time. Its exterior is just as stunning as its interior, with an arrangement of towering minarets, a spacious courtyard, and a hexagonal fountain.

4) Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Iran)

Sometimes called the Pink Mosque, Iran's Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is home to an amazing prayer hall known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate Persian rugs. Its carved pillars frame a kaleidoscope of color that pours into the premises each day - a magical sight to behold. The structure has survived multiple earthquakes and is a promising destination for worshipers every year.

5) Delhi Jama Masjid (India)

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Located in Delhi, its construction began in 1644 and was completed by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. It is mostly made of red sandstone and marble, with a massive courtyard that can accommodate 25,000 worshipers at a time. Visitors are invited to climb one of its four towers, which offer breathtaking views of Delhi's bustling streets. It is also worth noting that the mosque houses several relics of the Prophet Muhammad, including a Quran written on deer skin and a sandal that belonged to the Prophet.

6) Masjid Selat Melaka (Malaysia)

The Masjid Selat Melaka is a beautiful waterfront mosque in the historic city of Melaka , Malaysia. It sits on the shore of a man-made island and is particularly striking at dusk or dawn, when the sun paints the sky in a thousand shades of blue, pink, orange and purple.