Mosque or ‘Masjid’ in Arabic, holds a special place in Islam, besides being the central place of prayers five times a day, and Friday congregations for Muslims, they provide people of an area with a chance to discuss social and religious issues. In addition to that, it creates a sense of brotherhood among Muslims, eliminating prevalent class differences, that otherwise prohibit intermingling of the higher and lower social classes. These places of Worship also give them the feeling that all are equal before the Almighty Allah.

Mosques are strictly demarcated areas (smaller portion) in larger complexes with certain restrictions, like a place designated as a mosque, remains a mosque forever. Apart from that, it is forbidden for Muslims to enter it without performing wuzu (ablution), plus you have to take off your shoes/slippers while entering it. Non- Muslims are not allowed entry into Mosques, apart from a few in the world that have historical significance that include a few in Turkey, Pakistan and Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi. In a recent development, Saudi Arabia has allowed entry for non- Muslims into four mosques to promote Islamic architecture.

There are numerous huge, beautiful mosques around the world, reflecting Islamic architectural marvels but some stand out owing to their size and religious sanctity which can be ranked on a scale of 1-5 owing to their size, architecture and capacity to hold people offering prayers.

Jamkaran Mosque: Jamkaran Mosque is another huge Mosque located in Qom, Iran, able to support up to 800,000 worshippers at a single time. One of the finest pieces of Islamic architecture are visible in this place of worship, where you can’t help but get spellbound.

Faisal Mosque: Faisal Mosque; located in Islamabad, Pakistan is a true marvel of architecture, constructed like a tent, it was the largest mosque in the world from the point of its construction until 1993, when it was overtaken by Hassan Mosque in Morocco and later expansions of the Haramain (Makkah and Madinah), led to it hitting the fourth place. It can support somewhat between 100,000- 200,000 worshippers at a single time.

Al- Nabawi: This is the second most respected site in the Islamic world, after the Al Haraam mosque owing to the fact that, this is the final resting place for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with companions Abu Bakr and Umer (May God be pleased with them). Situated in Madinah, It can support 600,000 people during normal times, increased to 1 million during Hajj period. You can increase your spirituality by visiting this revered site with cheap ramadan umrah packages during the Holy month. Further expansions have been planned to house up to 1.6 million worshippers in the courtyard.

Shrine of Imam Raza: It is amongst the largest mosques in the world, located in Mash’had, Iran, also, the most respectable site for Shiite Muslims after the Masjid Al Haram and Nabawi. It can simultaneously house 0.7 million worshippers at a single instance.

Al Haraam: Biggest and most sanctified mosque in the Islamic world, located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, it can host up to 4 million people at a time which can be experienced during Hajj, using cheap Hajj packages from your hometown. Further renovations and expansions are in place, due to be completed soon, after which its capacity would increase four folds.

Author Bio: Ali prolifically writes on various topics of interest, transcending religion, politics, travel, history, fitness, health and so forth.