The house of worship for Muslims is the high spot of cultural architecture, accentuating historical significance and a definition of sheer magnificence.
Islam was spread by Arab traders to Asia in the 7th century and in entirety, Asia is now home to the largest Muslim population. Mosques are erected as a holy ground for gathering and worship but some is built to honour the founders of Islam in the country. Asian mosques are self-explanatory as the most visited travel venues in the world.
Crystal Mosque. Photo from Adobe Stock
Crystal Mosque
Living up to its namesake, this sleek and modern mosque is one of the top attractions in Malaysia. The architecture of this riverside mosque is often gleaming and reflected off the waters, displaying refined works of Islamic engineering. Coated with steel, glass and crystals, the majestic exterior shines without fail in daylight and nighttime. Completed in 2008, this mosque can accommodate up to 700 worshippers at a given time.
Highlight:The mosque uses solar panel cells to power its facilities
Location: Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Photo from Adobe Stock
Great Mosque of Xi’an
Founded in the 8th century, the Great Mosque is the largest Islamic place of worship in the country. Intertwining both classic Chinese architecture and Islamic influences, the Great Mosque has a series of pavilion surrounded by four courtyards and spirit walls decorated with Islamic art, inscriptions of birds, objects and text both in Chinese and Arabic. As for the minaret, a three-storey octagonal pagoda is believed to be used to call for prayer.
Highlight: Built to honour the founders of Islam in China
Location: Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Jama Masjid. Photo from Adobe Stock
Jama Masjid
One of India’s biggest places of worship is built by a Mughal emperor back in the 1650s. The mosque’s longer name, Masjid-i Jahānnumā, also translates to “world-reflecting mosque”, fitting to its elevated location with a broad view of the city. The Indo-Islamic architectural style mosque has three great gates (one is a royal entrance), four towers and two distinguished minarets built with red sandstone and white marble.
Highlight: Houses the relics of Prophet Muhammad including the Quran written on deerskin
Location: Central Delhi, Delhi, India
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Photo from Adobe Stock
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
The opulence of the iconic colossal structure can be seen from anywhere in the city of Brunei. Uniquely combining Mughal architecture and Malay designs, the mosque has marble minarets, golden dome, marble bridge, a courtyard, floral gardens and crystal chandeliers from England. Completed in 1958, a lagoon is even artificially made around the mosque to give it a mirror image.
Highlight: The main dome is covered in pure gold
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Text by Jessy Wong
