Saudi Arabia is well-known for its rich history and diversified culture. Visitors coming to the country get the opportunity to see prominent ancient landmarks, heritage sites, and beautiful nature. The country is also known as the birthplace of Islam. Besides this, mosques in Saudi Arabia also have a vast religious significance. Many pilgrims visit Masjid Al Haram each year to perform Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims coming for a trip must not miss numerous other stunning mosques in the country.
8 Wonderful mosques in Saudi Arabia
1. Masjid Al Haram, Makkah
Masjid Al Haram, also known as the ‘Great Mosque of Makkah, is one of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia. It was built in 638 AD and has undergone numerous changes and renovations since then. It is now a lovely blend of traditional and modern architecture. The mosque holds tremendous religious significance, due to which millions of pilgrims visit to pray and perform Hajj and Umrah. It can hold upto 1 million worshippers at once, making it the largest mosque in the world. The mosque houses a massive sacred structure at the center known as ‘the holy Kaaba’, where Muslims go around the structure in order to worship. There is also a Zamzam well with sacred water that never dries inside the mosque’s premises.
Location: Al Haram, Makkah
Timings: Open 24 hours every day
Suggested Read: Masjid Al-Haram: Its History, Key Structures And Lesser-Known Facts
2. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah
Al Masjid an-Nabawi is the second holiest mosque in Islam and the world’s second-largest mosque after Masjid Al Haram. It was built by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) himself in 622 AD after he moved to Madinah. The mosque is the primary pilgrimage site that is visited by a large number of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. It has undergone numerous changes and has been expanded over the years. The mosque’s most distinctive feature is its green dome, located in the middle of the structure. The tomb of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and other Islamic leaders Abu Bakr and Umar are located in that green Dome. Additionally, the mosque has Rawdah ash-Sharifah, the burial chamber of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), which is known as the ‘Garden of Paradise’.
Location: Al Haram, Madinah
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
3. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, Riyadh
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is among the largest mosques in Saudi Arabia. The mosque located in Riyadh attracts a significant number of pilgrims each year. The mosque can hold a gathering of 18,000 men and 2,500 women in separate praying halls. It is uniquely decorated during Islamic festivals such as Eid. One of the best features of the mosque is the display of the translated prayers into seven different languages on large screens.
Location: Al Akheyar, Al Jazirah, Riyadh
Timing: 4 am to 8 pm (every day)
4. King Saud Mosque, Jeddah
King Saud Mosque is the largest mosque in Jeddah, with a capacity of more than 5000 people. Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil designed the stunning architecture, and construction was completed in 1987. It has a total area of 9700 sq meters, with the prayer hall covering 2400 sq. meters. The mosque has a fantastic design from the inside because it is filled with exquisite white marble. It is also famous for its magnificent domes, the tallest 40 meters high and 20 meters wide. The mosque’s majestic minarets go up to 60 meters in height.
Location: Habib Ibn Amru, Al Sharafeyah, Jeddah
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
5. Masjid Quba, Madinah
Masjid Quba is counted among the oldest mosques in the world. It has great religious significance because the first stones were put by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) when he moved from Makkah. It is also believed to be the first ever mosque in the world. Masjid Quba features beautifully designed traditional interiors that include large minarets, massive domes, courtyards made of marble, and prayer halls. The prayer hall is spread over 5000 sq. meters, accommodating up to 20000 worshippers. The most recent renovation was done in 1986, after which it has several libraries, offices, shops, etc. Worshippers can learn about the interesting Quran writings on the mosque’s walls.
Location: Al Hijrah Rd, Al Khatim, Madinah
Timings: Open 24 hours every day
6. Masjid Aisha, Makkah
Masjid Aisha is named after the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Aisha. It is well known for being the Ihram location for Aisha when she was allowed to attain Ihram by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon learning that she was mensurating. Further, it serves as a miqat for pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah. The location is best known for its Ihram facilities like clean washrooms. The architecture of the mosque also makes it a unique and worth visiting spot in Saudi Arabia.
Location: At Taniem, Makkah
Timings: Open 24 hours
7. Al Rahma Mosque, Jeddah
Al Rahma Mosque, popularly known as the Floating Mosque, is a major tourist attraction located on the edge of Jeddah Corniche beach. It is among the most famous mosques in Saudi Arabia with a beautiful combination of modern and traditional Islamic architecture that gives the sensation of floating in the sea. People visiting the mosque for prayers can also admire the unique interior designs and decorations. Its beauty is enhanced by the great dome and the 52 outer domes. The mosque has an excellent sound and lighting system that allows people to pray comfortably. There are also restrooms and washing facilities.
Location: Corniche Road, Jeddah
Timing: 4 am to 9 pm (every day)
8. KAFD Grand Mosque, Riyadh
KAFD Grand Mosque is nothing less than an architectural masterpiece due to its distinctive exterior and interior designs. The structure is spread over 6000 sq. meters and can easily accommodate up to 1500 worshippers at once. The KAFD Grand Mosque has a similar structure as that of the ‘desert rose,’ a naturally occurring crystalline structure found in Saudi Arabia’s deserts. Calligraphic designs, triangulated glass muqarnas, and other design elements offer a modern perspective of Islamic architecture’s use of geometry. Two carved minarets that stand 60 meters tall add additional significance to the structure.
Location: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh
Timings: 4 am to 9 pm (every day)
Saudi Arabia receives a large number of pilgrims every year. The country is undoubtedly home to some of the most beautiful mosques, each with an immense religious significance. People coming to the country visit beautiful mosques in Saudi Arabia to see the wonderful blend of traditional and modern architecture.
Mosques In Saudi Arabia FAQs
When was the KAFD Grand Mosque built?
KAFD Grand Mosque was built in 2017.
Where is the tomb of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)?
The tomb of Prophet Mohammad is present inside Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Mosque.
What hotels are nearby Masjid Al Haram?
Al Ghufran Safwah, Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental, Raffles Makkah Palace, and Hilton Suites are hotels nearby Masjid Al Haram.
What is the capacity of Masjid Al Haram?
Masjid Al Haram can accommodate up to 1 million people.
