The mosque, or masjid, is where Muslims go to worship. Just as water is essential for our bodies, the mosque can also be regarded as the heartbeat of the town where most activities happen during the glorious era of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Found in almost every country in the world, many mosques feature stunning and majestic architecture. But what about mosques that are surrounded by water? We have put together several marvellous mosques with looks that are as indispensable as its surrounding water ?
1. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei
Credit: @days2explore on Instagram
Being the tallest building in Bandar Sri Begawan, visitors of Brunei would not miss this structure as it dominates the skyline with one of its minarets. The mosque features marble minarets, pure golden domes, and a large courtyard that includes water fountains.
Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ on Flickr
From far, it looks like a haven floating on water as it is mostly surrounded by water! The mosque is built on an artificial lagoon on the banks of the Brunei River, at the very famous Kampung Ayer, Brunei’s very own “village in the water”.
2. Crystal Mosque, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Credit: Choo Yut Shing on Flickr
Crystal Masjid, built on the island of Wan Man, was constructed on the banks of the Terengganu River. It has been named as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. This could be due to the modern architecture as it is built mainly from steel, glass and crystal! ?
Credit: @appleqi on Instagram
At night, with the reflection from water, the glowing lights create a majestic view which cannot be expressed in words alone.
3. Malacca Straits Mosque, Malacca, Malaysia
Credit: @thanhdyar on Instagram
The mosque combines both Middle Eastern and Malay craftsmanship, with the most prominent feature being its 30 metre tall minaret, with a beautiful entrance. What makes this mosque stunning is not just its architecture, but also the fact that it is built on the shoreline of the Strait.
Credit: Alvin Seah on Flickr
When the tide is high, the mosque looks like it’s floating above the water!
4. Al-Rahma Mosque, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Credit: @phortraitt on Instagram
This beautiful white mosque appears to be floating as it is built on pillars. Thus, many call it the floating mosque. Constructed on the coast of the famous Red Sea, it also has one of the best views to watch the sunset. You’ll get to do your prayers with the gentle sea wind blowing softly around you! ?
Credit: @mismailicius on Instagram
5. Puchong Perdana Mosque, Selangor, Malaysia
Credit: Huo Long on Flickr
Ever seen a mosque situated right next to a lake? Visit Puchong Perdana Mosque to see the beauty of such a combination! ? You'll be blown away, seeing the way the mosque is reflected onto the calm blue waters of the lake.
Credit: @azrulazmiii on Instagram
It features a striking gold dome has even won the title of best mosque in Selangor (it's definitely not hard to see why!)
6. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco
Credit: মসজিদ- ছবি ও তথ্য on Facebook
Hassan II Mosque, rising above the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world! At 210 metres, Its minaret is also the world's tallest, topped by a laser whose light is directed towards Mecca.
Credit: Gilles Messian on Flickr
The building is built partially on land and partially over the ocean. Believers pray on a centrally heated floor, and they can see the Atlantic breaking over the rocks underneath the glass floor in the basement while feeling the sunlight through the retractable roof. It is definitely a one of a kind 4D experience! ?
Credit: Jorge Lascar on Flickr
7. Ortakoy Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Credit: Caribb on Flickr
Ortakoy Mosque is situated by the water's edge near Ortaköy pier square, which is one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. The fact that the modern Bosphorus Bridge is located just behind the mosque also brings out the lovely contrast between the old and the new.
Credit: @ckbulent on Instagram
Built in a Neo-baroque style, the interior of the mosque features tall and large windows which refract its reflection in water as well as daylight!
8. Masjid Putra, Putrajaya
Credit: Sham Hardy on Flickr
Apart from being surrounded by the Putrajaya Lake, the surround-sound system used here also adds a deeper layer of interaction with the mosque. Front row speakers are used to create the effect of all sounds originating from the direction of the imam.
Credit: Wasin Waeosri on Flickr
It's also one of the few mosques in the world to have a pink dome, which is constructed with rose-tinted granite. Guess it's not only Wednesdays that we can wear pink ?
9. Federal Territories Mosque, Malaysia
Credit: pjfncs27 on Flickr
If you thought that the mosque looks somewhat similar to one you've seen before, you're right! The mosque's design is a blend of Ottoman and Malay architectural styles, and is heavily influenced by the Blue Mosque in Turkey. ?
Credit: @methelmeth on Instagram
Walking through the grounds of this sprawling mosque will certainly make you swell with a sense of pride at the universality and beauty of Islamic tradition ?
10. Schwetzingen Mosque, Germany
Credit: Tales of a Wanderer on Flickr
One of the most unique mosques in the world, this 18th-century mosque is located within the grounds of the Schwetzingen Palace. Built by a French architect at a time when Turkish Islamic influence was extremely strong, the entire Palace itself has been called a "mini Versailles" while the mosque still retains an Islamic feel ?
Credit: Tales of a Wanderer on Flickr
Not only will the tranquil atmosphere of the gardens surrounding mosque will fill you with serenity, but you'll also get to admire the beauty of the palace grounds itself! ?
Credits: barnyz on Flickr
As you can see, there is no fear of travelling especially when mosques of all shapes and sizes exist even by the coast or a lake. Who knows, we might even see an underwater mosque in the future! Let us know in the comments if you have other beautiful mosques that you want to share with us ?