As you check the historical monuments, you can find the mosques happen to hold a very important place among them. Not only that they are the most popular congregation locations for the people of Muslim faith, but they also work as the uniting source for many around the world. Each of these mosques is unique and carry the rich cultural heritage of Islamic religion. Here we are mentioning the top 10 of the oldest mosques in the whole world.
1. Masjid Al Haram (Kaaba) – Makkah, Saudi Arabia:
Great Mosque of Makkah, Masjid Al Haram, is the world’s oldest and most important mosque. Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail worshiped there, making it Islam’s holiest. The first building dedicated to Allah symbolized religious devotion and spiritual reverence. Masjid Al Haram becomes a symbol of unsurpassed sanctity, echoing the prayers that have rang within its sacred walls throughout history. This symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail’s divine connection in devotion from the inception of Islam. This old Makkah mosque draws Muslims worldwide. Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims worldwide. The Kaaba at Masjid Al Haram symbolizes the Muslim Ummah’s unity as Muslims worldwide adore it.
2. Al-Masjid An-Nabawi – Medina, Saudi Arabia:
Islam’s second holiest site is the Prophet’s Masjid. A simple building erected after the Prophet left Makkah for Medina began an incredible historical adventure. Over 1,400 years, this mosque has become the world’s second-largest. A humble Medina house of worship where the Prophet Muhammad sought refuge has become a symbol of Islam. Like Islam, Al-Masjid An-Nabawi has evolved, enlightened, and united with God. The Prophet’s path and teachings remains a living reminder of Islam’s history in its followers’ hearts. Visitors to Al-Masjid An-Nabawi feel the Prophet’s impact and the Muslim community’s expansion under his guidance. Over the years, Al-Masjid An-Nabawi has increased in size and spiritual importance to accommodate more worshipers and pilgrims. The mosque’s intricate designs show Muslims appreciates this place.
3. Al-Aqsa Mosque – Jerusalem, Israel:
The third holiest mosque in Islam, Al-Aqsa, was established in 705 A.D. Beyond its beauty, this Jerusalem mosque is linked to key ideological events that shaped Islamic history. Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque has endured earthquakes, invasion, and reconstruction. Jerusalem’s hallowed mosque has quietly seen Islam’s unshakeable spirit through victory and hardship. Islamic military leader Saladin enriches Al-Aqsa Mosque’s history. Saladin protected this historic landmark following its capture and renovation. Saladin’s mosque renovation rebuilds and preserves centuries of spiritual history. Beyond its beauty, Al-Aqsa Mosque is spiritually significant to Muslims worldwide. Since Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) performed the Night Journey and Ascension there, Muslims venerate it. The mosque’s golden dome and sacred precincts symbolize Islamic history and unite Muslims to God. Muslims believe Al-Aqsa Mosque is valuable because it has survived nature and human conflict. It symbolizes Islam’s fortitude. Believers are drawn to Al-Aqsa Mosque’s golden glow and eternal connection to the sacred.
4. The Great Mosque of Sana’a – Sana’a, Yemen:
Yemen’s 7th–8th-century Great Mosque of Sana’a is a masterpiece of architecture that encapsulates its history. This old mosque represents Yemen’s tradition and culture. The Great Mosque of Sana’a altered considerably when Queen Arwa Ibn Ahmed restored it in 1130. She preserved and improved the mosque, showcasing Yemen’s architectural beauty. Sana’a’s Great Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its history and architecture. This difference reflects its worldwide cultural significance. This prestigious ranking illustrates the mosque’s popularity and efforts to preserve its history and art.
5. Mosque of Uqba – Kairouan, Tunisia:
UNESCO World Heritage site Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia honors history, culture, and knowledge. In 670, Arab General Uqba Ibn Nafi erected this mosque to honor Tunisia’s cultural and intellectual history. The mosque’s significance extends beyond beauty. It was an important Islamic and secular school. Students and intellectuals filled its halls, making the mosque an enlightenment center at a crucial period. The majestic Great Mosque of Kairouan captures centuries of cultural evolution and scholarly vigor. The mosque’s intricate decorations and engineering are impressive. One of Tunisia’s most iconic buildings, the Great Mosque of Kairouan, holds knowledge and represents the country’s intellectual past. Its UNESCO World Heritage status fosters preservation of this architectural masterpiece.
6. Ummayad Mosque – Damascus, Syria:
Umayyad Mosque, commonly known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, was established in 634 and honors Syria’s heritage. From the remains of a basilica dedicated to Yahya, this mosque is one of Syria’s most popular attractions. The Great Mosque of Damascus is a masterpiece and a repository of Syrian religious and cultural heritage. The Arab conquest and building of this exquisite mosque are its origins. Site’s association with prophet Yahya strengthens its historical value. Umayyad Mosque has entertained various dynasties and enchanted travelers with its timeless splendor. Beautiful architecture and historical significance attract inhabitants and tourists seeking Syria’s rich cultural history.
7. Quba Mosque – Medina, Saudi Arabia:
After arriving in Medina in 622, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established the Quba Mosque, one of the world’s oldest and most revered. This historic mosque reminds us of Islam’s beginnings and the Prophet’s connection to this sacred site. Bukhari’s Sahih Hadiths claim that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) helped establish Quba Mosque, demonstrating its importance in Medina’s Islamic culture. Muhammad’s involvement makes Muslims worldwide revere the mosque. Quba Mosque, Medina’s first mosque, represents the Prophet’s commitment to community. The mosque represents togetherness, religion, and Prophet Muhammad’s legacy in addition to worship. According to Sahih Hadiths, Muhammad (pbuh) visited Quba Mosque, highlighting its spiritual value. These pilgrimages demonstrate the Prophet’s dedication to community and spirituality, establishing Quba Mosque as an early Islamic center.
8. The Old Jumma Masjid of Kilakarai – Tamil Nadu, India:
Islam’s seaborne rise was shown by the Pandiya Dynasty’s Old Jumma Masjid of Kilakarai, Palaiya Jumma Palli, established in 628. After adopting Islam during the Prophet’s time, the Yemeni Emperor instructed a merchant to construct this mosque. Kilakarai’s Old Jumma Masjid shows Islam’s growth at a time of maritime trade and cultural exchange. Sea route cultural and religious connections relied on this Tamil Nadu mosque. The mosque’s Pandiya Dynasty construction stresses Islam’s role in reconciling people. In maritime history, the mosque symbolizes religious and cultural connection and the mixing of various cultures and traditions. In his Rihla travelogue, Ibn Battuta depicts this mosque and Arab people. This history emphasizes the mosque’s importance in religion and culture peace across boundaries.
9. The Great Mosque of Kufa – Kufa, Iraq:
The Great Mosque of Kufa, erected in 670 AD, is revered to Shia Muslims. This mosque is significant to Iraqi Shia. The Great Mosque of Kufa is a popular prayer, meditation, and community center. Shia Islam’s rich history and spirituality lure pilgrims to its holy places. The mosque has traditionally symbolized Shia faith and provided a place for prayer, meditation, and fellowship. Shia culture and religion give the mosque a distinctive appearance. Kufa’s Great Mosque has led Shia Muslims through changing geopolitics for centuries. Its importance indicates religious traditions’ endurance and sacred places’ potential to foster community and spiritual identity. The mosque’s cultural and intellectual accomplishments transcend building. The Great Mosque of Kufa has impacted Shia theology and scholarship as a center of research and religious discussion.
10. Great Mosque of Xi’an – Xi’an, China:
Great Mosque of Xi’an, China’s oldest mosque, is known for its pagoda style and was built in 742. This Xi’an masterpiece mixes Islamic and Chinese elements, unlike most mosques. Islam and Chinese culture blend well at this historic mosque in central Xi’an. Its design represents cultural plurality and harmony without Islamic architecture. The Great Mosque of Xi’an illustrates how Islamic design can accommodate different civilizations. Islamic teachings and pagoda-style Chinese architecture combine in the mosque. Its tranquil halls and courtyards draw worshipers and visitors to explore its cultural delights. Arabic inscriptions in the mosque show how Islamic and Chinese civilizations blended. Carefully designed prayer rooms and courtyards foster tolerance for diverse cultures across religious lines.
Conclusion
For the pilgrims these top 10 mosques carry a lot of importance. A journey to these old mosques is extremely important to them and that is why they hold special places in their hearts. Carrying the legacy of Islam, these mosques offer the essential solace and tranquility to troubled souls.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.