Mosques Over 1,300 Years Old
Mosque in the literal sense is a place of worship for the Muslims, and in Arabic, it is known as a Masjid. Almost every country in the world has some of the oldest mosques that not only survived the ravages of time but also somehow managed to look beautiful and amazing to date. A few of them even date back to more than 1300 years in history.
All these mosques could be easily visited if one plans to spend few Islamic Holidays at these places of high religious significance.
1. Masjid al-Haram: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Masjid al-Haram or the Great Mosque of Mecca is the oldest and the largest mosque in the world. Every Muslim is required to perform the five obligatory rituals in Islam during his/her lifetime and going on Hajj Pilgrimage to visit the holy Kaabah, which is surrounded by Masjid al-Haram, is one of them. As a daily ritual also, Muslims face towards the direction of Kaabah in Mecca while performing Salah or daily prayers.
2. Quba Mosque: Madina, Saudi Arabia
After the arrival of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to Madina, the foundation of Quba Mosque was laid. Though it went through a major renovation in the 20th century, a new building was constructed in its place which was designed by Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed. This mosque remains inundated with worshippers all the year round from all parts of the world particularly in the pious month of Ramadan.
3. Al-Masjid al Nabawi: Madinah, Saudi Arabia
The second most acclaimed mosque and also the holiest site after Masjid al-Haram is the Al-Masjid al Nabawi. It is situated next to the house of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This mosque also served as the community centre, a religious centre, and the court. This mosque is also the place in the Arabian Peninsula which was first to introduce electric lights in 1909. The chief reason to visit this Masjid, still remains its connection with the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
4. Masjid al-Qiblatayn: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Masjid al- Qiblatayn is the only mosque in the world that has more than one Mihrab or prayer niche. It was the single place where all the worshippers changed their praying direction when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) received the divine order (Wahi). This place thus has two prayer niches/Qiblas, also indicating towards its name - Qiblatayn.
5. Huaisheng Mosque: Guangzhou, China
The first mosque to be built outside Arabian Peninsula is the Huaisheng Mosque or the Lighthouse Mosque. This mosque was called the Lighthouse mosque as it's 36 meters tall round tower worked as the beacon for sailors. This mosque was rebuilt in 1350 and again in 1695.
6. Jawatha Mosque: Al-Kilabiyah, Saudi Arabia
.jpg "Jawatha Mosque: Al-Kilabiyah, Saudi Arabia - Photo from Wikipedia")
Jawatha Mosque was built by members of Bani Abdul Qays tribe, who were viewers of the rise of Islam. The second most Friday-congregation of Islam took place at this mosque, the first one being held at the Prophet's mosque. It is also believed by some of the historians that the Hajr Al Aswad or the Black Stone that was stolen by the Qarmatians was kept inside the Jawatha Mosque for more than 20 years. To explore this exquisite mosque and many such places in and around Saudi Arabia one can book various packages for Islamic tours.
7. Masjid al-Kufa: Kufa, Iraq
.jpg "Masjid al-Kufa: Kufa, Iraq - Picture from Wikipedia")
Being the ancient and the most important visiting place in Kufa-Iraq, Masjid al-Kufa is considered as one of the greatest mosques in the world of Islam. For shias, it stands at number fourth in its sacredness after Masjid Al Haram, Prophets (PBUH) Mosque in Madinah and Masjid e Aqsa in Jerusalem.
It is believed that at the suggestion of Salman al-Farsi (RA) when Muslims first entered Kufa in the period of Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, the mosque was rebuilt. Today, the interior of the mosque is adorned with verses from the Quran. It is also believed that Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) was martyred in its mihrab in this mosque.
8. Al-Aqsa Mosque: Jerusalem
.jpg/1920px-Israel-2013-Jerusalem-Temple_Mount-Al-Aqsa_Mosque_(NE_exposure).jpg "Al-Aqsa Mosque: Jerusalem - Picture from Wikipedia")
Also known as the Bayt al-Muqadas, this is the third most recognized religious site in Islam and is located in Jerusalem. Al Aqsa comprises of the silver dome of the Rock, four minarets, and the seventeen gates. Al Aqsa tours will bring you to this mosque site stretched over an extensive area of 35 acres. The site of the mosque in the old city of Jerusalem, where the compound of this mosque lies, has been chosen as the World Heritage site by the United Nations.
9. Jamia Masjid Banbhore: Pakistan
This mosque is the oldest in Pakistan situated in the Banbhore district and to visit this famous masjid, many travel agents offer cheap flights to Pakistan. This ancient mosque that dates back to 727 AD is now in ruins. The era when this Masjid was built was the same when Sindh was conquered and Islam became the largest religion in the adjoining areas as many people accepted Islam. This mosque is located in the Thatta district, 65 kilometers from Karachi.[no-sidebar]
This article is written for the purpose of the information being provided about the oldest mosques that are present in the world. One may wish to explore and visit such places by contacting itimaar.co.UK
All these mosques could be easily visited if one plans to spend few Islamic Holidays at these places of high religious significance.
1. Masjid al-Haram: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Masjid al-Haram or the Great Mosque of Mecca is the oldest and the largest mosque in the world. Every Muslim is required to perform the five obligatory rituals in Islam during his/her lifetime and going on Hajj Pilgrimage to visit the holy Kaabah, which is surrounded by Masjid al-Haram, is one of them. As a daily ritual also, Muslims face towards the direction of Kaabah in Mecca while performing Salah or daily prayers.
2. Quba Mosque: Madina, Saudi Arabia
After the arrival of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to Madina, the foundation of Quba Mosque was laid. Though it went through a major renovation in the 20th century, a new building was constructed in its place which was designed by Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed. This mosque remains inundated with worshippers all the year round from all parts of the world particularly in the pious month of Ramadan.
3. Al-Masjid al Nabawi: Madinah, Saudi Arabia
The second most acclaimed mosque and also the holiest site after Masjid al-Haram is the Al-Masjid al Nabawi. It is situated next to the house of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This mosque also served as the community centre, a religious centre, and the court. This mosque is also the place in the Arabian Peninsula which was first to introduce electric lights in 1909. The chief reason to visit this Masjid, still remains its connection with the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
4. Masjid al-Qiblatayn: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Masjid al- Qiblatayn is the only mosque in the world that has more than one Mihrab or prayer niche. It was the single place where all the worshippers changed their praying direction when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) received the divine order (Wahi). This place thus has two prayer niches/Qiblas, also indicating towards its name - Qiblatayn.
5. Huaisheng Mosque: Guangzhou, China
The first mosque to be built outside Arabian Peninsula is the Huaisheng Mosque or the Lighthouse Mosque. This mosque was called the Lighthouse mosque as it's 36 meters tall round tower worked as the beacon for sailors. This mosque was rebuilt in 1350 and again in 1695.
6. Jawatha Mosque: Al-Kilabiyah, Saudi Arabia
Jawatha Mosque was built by members of Bani Abdul Qays tribe, who were viewers of the rise of Islam. The second most Friday-congregation of Islam took place at this mosque, the first one being held at the Prophet's mosque. It is also believed by some of the historians that the Hajr Al Aswad or the Black Stone that was stolen by the Qarmatians was kept inside the Jawatha Mosque for more than 20 years. To explore this exquisite mosque and many such places in and around Saudi Arabia one can book various packages for Islamic tours.
7. Masjid al-Kufa: Kufa, Iraq
Being the ancient and the most important visiting place in Kufa-Iraq, Masjid al-Kufa is considered as one of the greatest mosques in the world of Islam. For shias, it stands at number fourth in its sacredness after Masjid Al Haram, Prophets (PBUH) Mosque in Madinah and Masjid e Aqsa in Jerusalem.
It is believed that at the suggestion of Salman al-Farsi (RA) when Muslims first entered Kufa in the period of Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, the mosque was rebuilt. Today, the interior of the mosque is adorned with verses from the Quran. It is also believed that Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) was martyred in its mihrab in this mosque.
8. Al-Aqsa Mosque: Jerusalem
Also known as the Bayt al-Muqadas, this is the third most recognized religious site in Islam and is located in Jerusalem. Al Aqsa comprises of the silver dome of the Rock, four minarets, and the seventeen gates. Al Aqsa tours will bring you to this mosque site stretched over an extensive area of 35 acres. The site of the mosque in the old city of Jerusalem, where the compound of this mosque lies, has been chosen as the World Heritage site by the United Nations.
9. Jamia Masjid Banbhore: Pakistan
This mosque is the oldest in Pakistan situated in the Banbhore district and to visit this famous masjid, many travel agents offer cheap flights to Pakistan. This ancient mosque that dates back to 727 AD is now in ruins. The era when this Masjid was built was the same when Sindh was conquered and Islam became the largest religion in the adjoining areas as many people accepted Islam. This mosque is located in the Thatta district, 65 kilometers from Karachi.[no-sidebar]
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