The mosque, or masjid, is more than just a place of prostration; it is a profound testament to the richness of Islamic art, history, and engineering. Across continents, these sacred spaces weave together diverse architectural traditions—from the deep red sandstone of the Mughal Empire to the modern, crystalline glass of Southeast Asia—each telling a unique story of faith, culture, and community.
In compiling our Top 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in the World for November 2025, Top 10 Most applies a reasoned analytical perspective. Our criteria prioritize architectural brilliance, historical significance, use of materials, and the overall emotional impact these structures have on visitors and worshippers alike. The result is a list that honors both ancient, revered sites and modern, awe-inspiring masterpieces.
Our current ranking reflects a global appreciation for both monumental scale and intricate detail, showcasing buildings that truly stand above the rest in their visual splendor and spiritual authority. The following table provides the foundational data for our countdown, establishing the verified facts upon which our analysis is built.
Table of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in the World (November 2025)
| Rank | Mosque Name | City, Country | Primary Architectural Style | Year Completed (Approx.) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Modern Islamic, Mughal, Moorish | 2007 | 82 Domes, World’s Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet |
| 2 | Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) | Istanbul, Türkiye | Classical Ottoman | 1616 | Six Minarets, 20,000+ Blue Iznik Tiles |
| 3 | Hassan II Mosque | Casablanca, Morocco | Moorish, Moroccan-Andalusian | 1993 | World’s Second Tallest Minaret (210m), Oceanfront Setting |
| 4 | Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) | Shiraz, Iran | Traditional Persian (Qajar Era) | 1888 | Stained-Glass Façade Creating Kaleidoscope of Light |
| 5 | Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) | Medina, Saudi Arabia | Early Islamic, Ottoman, Modern | 623 (Continually Expanded) | The Green Dome, Retractable Umbrellas |
| 6 | Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque | Muscat, Oman | Contemporary Islamic, Omani | 2001 | 300,000 Tonnes of Indian Sandstone, Grand Crystal Chandelier |
| 7 | Masjid al-Haram (The Great Mosque of Mecca) | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | Islamic, Modern | Pre-622 (Continually Expanded) | The Kaaba, Spiritual Center of Islam |
| 8 | Badshahi Mosque | Lahore, Pakistan | Mughal | 1673 | Red Sandstone and Marble Structure, Massive Courtyard |
| 9 | Jama Masjid | Delhi, India | Mughal | 1656 | Red Sandstone and White Marble Contrast, Capacity of 25,000+ |
| 10 | Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei | Moorish, Italian | 1958 | Main Dome Covered in Gold, Artificial Lagoon Reflection |
Top 10. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, secures the tenth spot for its enchanting blend of Moorish and Italian architectural influences, dramatically set against an artificial lagoon. Completed in 1958, this structure is less about colossal size and more about exquisite, reflective beauty, instantly commanding attention with its main dome entirely overlaid in gold. This site is a deliberate architectural showpiece, built to honor the 28th Sultan of Brunei and symbolizing the nation’s spiritual wealth and stability.
The reason for its ranking lies in the sheer artistry of its composition; a stone boat—a replica of a 16th-century royal barge—sits permanently in the lagoon, creating a stunning visual harmony with the mosque’s reflection. The juxtaposition of the Italian marble, granite pathways, and the sheer golden splendor of the dome against the tropical sky makes for an unforgettable sight. While the design is modern for the region, its classical elements, like the minaret styled after the campanile of a Venetian building, give it a unique global resonance.
The most memorable detail is the view at sunset, where the golden dome and the white marble minaret—one of the tallest structures in the city—cast a mesmerizing, shimmering silhouette over the water. It embodies a delicate balance between local spiritual devotion and a sophisticated appreciation for global aesthetic grandeur, a true jewel of Southeast Asian Islamic architecture.
Key Highlights:
- Main dome is covered in pure gold mosaic.
- Features an Italian-inspired minaret and marble.
- The adjacent artificial lagoon creates a famous reflective vista.
- Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei.
Top 9. Jama Masjid
India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, stands as a crowning achievement of Mughal architecture, completed in 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahan—the same visionary behind the Taj Mahal. Built from a powerful contrast of red sandstone and white marble, the structure exudes a formidable, regal beauty that has stood the test of centuries. Its expansive, three-sided courtyard has the capacity to hold over 25,000 worshippers, establishing it as a spiritual and communal focal point since its inauguration.
Its place in this ranking is due to the magnificent Indo-Islamic scale and the meticulous symmetry of its three great gates and four corner towers. The three large white marble domes, striped dramatically with black, create an immediate visual identity that speaks to the opulence of the Mughal era. This mosque perfectly embodies the classical period of Mughal artistry, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural traditions into a unified, imposing whole.
The emotional weight of walking into the vast courtyard, surrounded by the soaring minarets and the perfectly balanced arches, is the mosque’s enduring legacy. It serves not only as a place of worship but as a vibrant, living landmark that captures the historical grandeur of Old Delhi, perpetually reminding visitors of the cultural synthesis that defined the subcontinent’s most powerful empire.
Key Highlights:
- Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Constructed from a dramatic contrast of red sandstone and white marble.
- The courtyard can accommodate over 25,000 worshippers.
- Features two 40-meter-high minarets.
Top 8. Badshahi Mosque
The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, which translates to the ‘Imperial Mosque,’ is a breathtaking symbol of Mughal architectural prowess, built in 1673 under Emperor Aurangzeb. As one of the world’s largest mosques, its beauty is defined by its colossal, austere scale, framed by four corner minarets and three mammoth marble domes. The entire façade is a striking study in simplicity and power, utilizing red sandstone that gives it a warm, dominating presence against the sky.
The reason for its high standing is its flawless execution of classical Mughal symmetry and scale, rivaled only by the Delhi Jama Masjid, which inspired its design. However, Badshahi stands out for its spectacular internal decoration: fresco work and stucco tracery in its prayer hall are exquisite, showcasing a delicate side that contrasts beautifully with its imposing exterior. This blend of monumental strength and intricate internal artistry secures its spot among the most beautiful.
The mosque’s most profound detail is its historical significance, having stood witness to the rise and fall of various empires in the region. Gazing at the four marble guldastas (vases) flanking the main arches, one feels the tremendous weight of history. It remains a deeply revered place, connecting modern Pakistan to the centuries of Mughal heritage that shaped its identity.
Key Highlights:
- One of the largest mosques from the Mughal Empire.
- Famous for its massive red sandstone exterior.
- The courtyard can hold approximately 100,000 people.
- Intricate fresco work and stucco tracery adorn the interior.
Top 7. Masjid al-Haram (The Great Mosque of Mecca)
Masjid al-Haram is unquestionably the most significant and holiest site in Islam, built around the Kaaba—the sacred structure toward which Muslims globally direct their prayers. While its current form is a continuous marvel of modern engineering built to accommodate millions of pilgrims, its beauty is entirely unique, stemming from its foundational spiritual significance. It is a place where architectural design ultimately serves an unparalleled religious function, ensuring the seamless flow of the millions who perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Its beauty and ranking are based not on decorative tilework, but on its profound, overwhelming symmetry of faith. The expansive white marble flooring, the meticulously planned courtyards, and the grand arches encircling the Kaaba create an atmosphere of pure, focused reverence. The very sight of the Kaaba, covered in its black and gold Kiswa, surrounded by the continuous flow of worshippers, is an aesthetic experience of unparalleled spiritual magnificence.
The enduring reflection is the Kaaba itself, the structure that binds the global Muslim community. The constant sight of people from every corner of the world performing the tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba is a powerful, living spectacle of human devotion, making this site the most emotionally resonant and symbolically beautiful mosque in the world.
Key Highlights:
- Surrounds the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam.
- Largest mosque in the world, with a capacity of 4 million+ worshippers.
- Continual expansion utilizes cutting-edge modern engineering.
- The site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Top 6. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman, completed in 2001, stands as a masterpiece of contemporary Islamic design, effortlessly blending traditional Omani architecture with modern, refined luxury. Constructed largely from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone, the mosque complex is expansive and immaculately maintained, featuring stunning gardens and cloistered walkways that exude peace and harmony. Its central dome rises 50 meters into the air, perfectly flanked by five majestic minarets symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam.
The mosque earns its place for its deliberate focus on craftsmanship and material elegance, exemplified by its central prayer hall. This hall houses two incredible records: one of the world’s largest crystal chandeliers and, until recently, one of the world’s largest hand-knotted carpets, woven by 600 women over four years. The subtle use of complex mosaics, carved wood, and stained-glass panels prevents the vast space from feeling cold, instead instilling a sense of warmth and understated opulence.
Visiting the mosque offers a powerful reflection on modern Omani identity—a quiet confidence in tradition paired with openness to the world. The stunning, geometrically perfect courtyards provide a serene, meditative atmosphere. The true beauty lies in this calm and disciplined elegance, making it a powerful example of 21st-century Islamic architectural excellence.
Key Highlights:
- Features a 50-meter-high central dome.
- The main prayer hall contains a massive, intricate crystal chandelier.
- Built using an estimated 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone.
- Design incorporates five minarets, symbolizing the Pillars of Islam.
Top 5. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest site in Islam and is, at its core, one of the most historically significant buildings ever conceived, as it houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While its initial construction dates back to 623 CE, its modern beauty is the product of centuries of expansion, culminating in a striking blend of ancient reverence and breathtaking 21st-century engineering. The most iconic feature is the Green Dome, which sits above the Prophet’s burial site and provides an immediate, universally recognized spiritual focal point.
Its high ranking is a result of the genius integration of function and form, primarily achieved through the immense, white marble courtyards equipped with 27 enormous retractable umbrella-canopies. These canopies deploy during the day, providing shade for the millions of visitors, and retract at night, revealing the majestic starry sky. This technological solution to a massive logistical problem transforms the entire space into an ethereal, light-filled sanctuary during the day, demonstrating an unparalleled modern commitment to the comfort of the faithful.
The most deeply resonant detail of the mosque is the Rawdah ash-Sharifah (The Noble Garden), the area between the Prophet’s pulpit and his tomb. Its lush green carpet distinguishes it from the rest of the mosque, a place considered by Muslims to be a garden of Paradise. The mosque’s beauty is therefore not merely architectural, but the result of the seamless fusion of sacred history and brilliant, empathetic modern design.
Key Highlights:
- Houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Iconic Green Dome sits over the sacred chambers.
- Features 27 massive retractable umbrellas for shade.
- Second holiest site in Islam, after Masjid al-Haram.
Top 4. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque)
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, affectionately known as the Pink Mosque, in Shiraz, Iran, holds a unique spot on this list for its spectacular use of light and color, transforming a visit into an almost psychedelic spiritual experience. Completed in 1888 during the Qajar dynasty, its beauty is derived entirely from the stained-glass facade of its winter prayer hall. For just a few hours each morning, the sun streams through the glass, projecting a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors onto the Persian carpets, intricate tilework, and carved pillars.
The reason for its high ranking is its sheer distinctiveness; no other mosque utilizes light as an architectural element with such dramatic effect. The traditional Persian tilework, known as panj kāseh-ī (five concaves), is predominantly rose-colored, giving the mosque its popular name, and features deeply detailed floral and geometric patterns that are characteristic of the Qajar era. The entire structure is a masterful study in sensory engagement, appealing directly to the eye and the spirit.
The mosque’s reflection is the ephemeral nature of its beauty—it is a structure designed to celebrate the transient power of the sun. The unforgettable moment comes at sunrise, as the stained-glass rainbows dance across the hall, creating a momentary illusion of a physical manifestation of divine light. It is a sublime, almost meditative experience that highlights the artistic depth of Persian Islamic architecture.
Key Highlights:
- Known for its stained-glass façade that creates a rainbow effect.
- Interior walls are covered with extensive use of pink-hued tiles.
- Built during the Qajar dynasty in the 19th century.
- Best viewed at sunrise for the light show in the winter hall.
Top 3. Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, is a monumental tribute to Moroccan craftsmanship and modern engineering, majestically situated on an outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Completed in 1993, it is one of the world’s largest mosques, but its true beauty lies in its magnificent scale and its breathtaking location. Its minaret stands at an impressive 210 meters (689 feet), making it the world’s second tallest, and is famously topped with a laser beam that points toward Mecca.
The mosque commands the third spot due to its incredible blend of traditional Moorish architecture—characterized by zellij tilework, carved plaster, and intricate cedar wood ceilings—with advanced technology, including a retractable roof. This blend allows worshippers to pray under the stars on clear nights, literally opening the house of worship to the heavens. Built largely by Moroccan artisans using traditional materials, it is a passionate display of national and spiritual pride.
The most powerful reflection this mosque offers is the interplay between the massive human structure and the eternal power of the sea. The feeling of the Atlantic waves crashing against the base of this spiritual fortress is deeply moving. It stands as a beacon of Islamic civilization, honoring the past while embracing the possibilities of modern engineering on an epic, cinematic scale.
Key Highlights:
- Features the world’s second tallest minaret (210m).
- Sits dramatically on a platform over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Includes a retractable roof that opens to the sky.
- Adorned with intricate Moroccan zellij (tilework) and cedar carvings.
Top 2. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, universally known as the Blue Mosque, is a quintessential symbol of Istanbul and Ottoman classical architecture, constructed between 1609 and 1616. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, its exterior is a stunning cascade of domes and semi-domes, punctuated by six soaring, slender minarets—a rare feature that caused controversy at the time of its construction. Its exterior symmetry is a perfect example of Ottoman architectural philosophy, designed to inspire awe and devotion.
The mosque secures the runner-up position not just for its flawless exterior, but for the breathtaking interior that gives it its name. Over 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles, predominantly blue in color, adorn the walls, creating an overwhelming, yet serene, sense of immersion. The light streams through more than 200 stained-glass windows, illuminating the intricate blue patterns and Qur’anic calligraphy, transforming the vast space into a luminous, sacred blue sanctuary.
The mosque serves as a powerful reflection on the height of the Ottoman Empire’s cultural and artistic output, standing in eternal dialogue with the nearby Hagia Sophia. Its beauty is both grand and intimate, a testament to the fact that the most profound works of art are those that successfully merge monumental scale with the most delicate, hand-crafted detail, creating an atmosphere of celestial calm.
Key Highlights:
- Features a distinctive six-minaret design.
- Interior walls are covered with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles.
- Considered the last great mosque of the classical Ottoman period.
- Located across from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul’s historic center.
Top 1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, stands, unequivocally, as the Top 10 Most choice for the most beautiful mosque in the world as of November 2025. Completed in 2007, this modern marvel is a dazzling symphony of white marble, gold, and crystal, deliberately blending architectural styles from Mughal, Moorish, and traditional Ottoman traditions. Its sheer scale is monumental—featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the capacity for over 40,000 worshippers—all while maintaining an astonishing level of detail and purity of form.
Its indisputable ranking is based on the flawless execution of its vision: a building that uses the finest materials on earth to create a structure that is both spiritually pure and artistically complex. The main prayer hall is home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and is illuminated by one of the largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers, embedded with millions of colored crystals. The exterior reflective pools, the floral mosaics made from precious stones like amethyst and jasper, and the perfectly white Sivec marble façade create a glowing, ethereal effect, especially at night when the lighting is synchronized with the phases of the moon.
The mosque’s defining reflection is its powerful statement as a contemporary bridge between cultures and eras. It represents the height of 21st-century architectural ambition, utilizing modern wealth to create an eternal symbol of peace and tolerance. It does not just reflect the sky in its pools; it reflects the possibility of timeless beauty through human ingenuity, earning its title as the most beautiful mosque in the world.
Key Highlights:
- Built with 82 domes and over 1,000 columns.
- Home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet (over 5,600 sq. meters).
- Exterior features Sivec marble and reflective pools.
- Lighting system is synchronized with the phases of the moon.
Conclusion
As we conclude our ranking for November 2025, the journey through these ten majestic mosques reminds us that beauty in Islamic architecture is a celebration of both the divine and the enduring human capacity for creation. From the luminous modernity of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE to the kaleidoscopic light of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Iran, each structure translates faith into stone, marble, and light. These are not merely places of worship; they are world heritage sites that testify to centuries of artistic expertise, mathematical precision, and profound spiritual devotion. At Top 10 Most, we are confident that this list accurately captures the global pinnacles of mosque design, offering a reasoned and verifiable guide to the world’s most beautiful religious architecture.
