Saudi Arabia is well-known for its diverse culture and rich history. Visitors to the nation can view major ancient landmarks, heritage sites, and stunning natural beauty. The country is also famous for being the birthplace of Islam.
Aside from that, mosques in Saudi Arabia have significant religious importance. The Annual Pilgrimage (Hajj) includes many rites and rituals surrounding these mosques, such as circling them, running in their corridors end to end, and praying at these mosques. Many of these mosques are also part of the ziyarats that tourists or visitors do on trips to the kingdom.
Every year, many pilgrims visit Masjid Al Haram to perform the Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims visiting the nation should not overlook several other gorgeous mosques. Many of these mosques have become significant religious and cultural symbols that draw tourists worldwide to worship.
The Hajj and Umrah bring pilgrims into mosques, filling them to their maximum capacity. It’s also important to note that Makkah and Madinah, which are the primary religious sites, only allow Muslims to enter the city’s premises. At times, you have to get a permit to enter Makkah as well.
When traveling to these places, it is always important to stay connected for information about your trip, communicate with your loved ones, and understand the language and culture of the kingdom. Therefore, it is important to have a dedicated prepaid data SIM card for tourists. You don’t necessarily need a Hajj or Umrah Visa to perform pilgrimage anymore. You can now perform Hajj or Umrah with your tourist Visa, too.
Masjid al-Haram
Now that you’ve planned to make the trip to the kingdom, here’s a look at the most beautiful mosques in Saudi Arabia.
Masjid al-Haram is the biggest mosque on earth. Situated in Mecca, the mosque surrounds the Kaba, the holiest place in Islam.
It was constructed in 638 AD and has been subjected to several alterations and reconstructions since then. It is currently a beautiful fusion of classic and modern architecture.
It has a space capable of accommodating 4 million worshipers during the annual Hajj pilgrimage and covers an area of 356,800 square meters; hence, it is an excellent wonder with its sheer size and ornate geometric designs.
Because of the size of the mosque and the city being developed with Haram as the center, it isn’t easy to find parking near the mosque. On average, you can find parking near Haram, 1–5 km from the mosque.
Because of its religious significance, millions of pilgrims visit the mosque to worship and conduct Hajj and Umrah.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Located in Medina, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Arabic, the name for “The Prophet’s Mosque” in English, is the second holy mosque after Haram and has been erected where the prophet built the first mosque.
Its most distinguishing feature is its green dome, positioned in the tower’s center. In the green dome are the graves of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and other Islamic leaders, Abu Bakr and Umar.
The mosque is built over an area of 170,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 1 million worshippers at a time.
Quba Mosque
A historically significant building, Quba Mosque is situated in Medina. It is one of the world’s most ancient mosques and has great historical importance in Islam.
Its design is simple but represents the early Islamic architectural style, while its surroundings make it a calm place to pray and reflect.
The Prophet Muhammad is said to have prayed here on his way to Medina, making it a landmark of early Islamic construction and devotion.
King Fahd Mosque
King Fahd Mosque is the biggest mosque in Jeddah. It was created by a famous Egyptian architect who constructed over 10 mosques in the region, and it is now widely regarded as the leading modern competence in Islamic architecture.
It has an area of 9,700 square meters, 2,464 dedicated to the praying area. The mosque is notable for its spectacular domes, the tallest of which is over 20 meters wide and over 40 meters tall, and its minaret, which reaches 60 meters into the sky.
Masjid al-Qiblatain
Masjid al-Qiblatayn is yet another jewel in Medina’s crown. This famous mosque located in Medina served as a testament to how prayer direction changed from Jerusalem to Mecca.
The mosque’s design combines early Islamic and Ottoman qualities, thus giving it special cultural importance. Its eye-catching twin minarets and unusual architectural style attest to this watershed period in Islamic practice.
The Floating Mosque in Jeddah
One of the most notable mosques in Saudi Arabia, the Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque, which can be termed “The Floating Mosque,” is situated at the edge of the Red Sea.
When the water is at high tide, its design makes it look like it is floating in the air, creating wonderful scenery. Its tranquil setting with stunning ocean scenery ensures that this mosque is a desirable site for reflection and prayers.
The Floating Mosque, with its complex design and calm atmosphere, should be on any tourist’s list to visit in Jeddah.
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque in Riyadh
One of the kingdom’s biggest and grandest mosques is located in Riyadh’s capital.
The new mosque is famous among devotees and tourists due to its impressive modern architecture and enormous prayer rooms. Its intricate interior design and beautiful calligraphy make it a significant building in an urban setting.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy peace in their surroundings and understand the cultural as well as religious essence of the mosque.
If you’re still considering whether to visit Saudi Arabia, book an appointment with Etimad for your VISA now.
Mosques in Saudi Arabia mark great places of worship and amazing architecture, displaying their culture and religion. These still evoke wonder and respect for their loveliness and meaning, drawing people from all over the globe. They store the heritage and culture of the Muslim world and mark great symbolism for both the religion and the Arab world.
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