In a traditional sense, we often think of mosques as a Muslim place of worship and prayers. We are not wrong because that is indeed their main purpose. However, once we broaden our perspectives, we will discover that they take on much larger responsibilities in serving the entire community. Yes, the non-Muslim members of the society are included too!
Mosques can take the role of education by hosting seminars and talks, providing tuition for school children, hosting a well-equipped library, and a wide variety more of activities. They can be the centre for communal and entrepreneurial support by hosting social and sporting events, as well as mini-bazaars. They can also lend a helping hand to those in need by setting up soup kitchens, providing shelter, and facilitating zakat handouts.
As we continue to look even further, we will discover that mosques also play a role in the tourism industry. Yes, some mosques have such exquisite architecture that they actually become tourist attractions!
So, whether you are a Muslim or not, here are 5 beautiful mosques that will take your breath away:
1. Crystal Mosque, Malaysia
Where? Wan Man, Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia.
Did you know? Officially opened in 2008, this stunning structure is made of steel, glass, and crystal. The dome is transparent from the inside. From the outside, though, it reflects the sunlight to create a gold-ish hue. It is also equipped with the latest technology to make it a smart-mosque. Furthermore, it is surrounded by a river to make the scenery even more stunning!
2. Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain
Where? Historic centre, Cordoba, Andalusia
Did you know? This entry is quite tricky as technically it is no longer a mosque. Built around 400 A.D, this structure was originally a Christian church. Change of rulership saw it being changed into a mosque around 784 before being converted into a church once again in 1236. However, if you wish to visit for architectural and history purposes, this is a sight to behold.
3. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey
Where? Istanbul, Turkey
Did you know? One of Turkey’s top landmark attractions, it is more popularly known as “The Blue Mosque”. The nickname refers to the estimated 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles which adorn the mosque’s interior walls. To help minimise cobwebs, ostrich eggs are sometimes placed on the chandeliers with the belief that they repel spiders.
4. Nusrat Djahan Mosque, Denmark
Where? Copenhagen, Denmark
Did you know? The number of Muslims in Denmark only stands at around five per cent. They mostly arrived in the 70s from Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, and the former Yugoslavia for work purposes. However, the first-ever mosque in the country was the Nusrat Djahan mosque which was opened in 1967. The capacity of the mosque is 100 people.
5. Qolsarif Mosque, Russia
Where? Kazan Kremlin, Russia
Did you know? Named after a local religious scholar, the mosque was built during the 16th century. However, it was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible during the storming of Kazan of 1522. Qol Sharif died alongside his students trying to save the mosque from the Tsar’s forces and the site remained empty for years.
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, with the help of many other counties including Saudi Arabia and UAE, the mosque was rebuilt, albeit in a modern style. The impressive new mosque was finally inaugurated in 2005 when Kazan celebrated its millennium and now stands as a prominent symbol of the city