Famous Mosques Around the World and Their Prayer Customs

1. Masjid al-Haram (Mecca, Saudi Arabia)

• World's largest mosque, housing the Kaaba
• Custom: Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba as part of prayer
• Unique feature: Prayers occur continuously, 24/7

2. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina, Saudi Arabia)

• Contains the tomb of Prophet Muhammad
• Custom: Visitors pray in the Rawdah (Prophet's original mosque area)
• Belief: Prayer here is rewarded 1,000 times more than elsewhere

3. Al-Aqsa Mosque (Jerusalem)

• Third holiest site in Islam
• Custom: Special importance given to the first two rak'ahs of Fajr prayer
• Unique feature: Prayers often conducted under heightened security

4. Blue Mosque (Istanbul, Turkey)

• Known for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles
• Custom: Shoes must be removed and stored before entering
• Unique feature: Tourist visits restricted during prayer times

5. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

• One of the world's largest mosques
• Custom: Guided prayer meditation sessions offered
• Unique feature: Houses the world's largest hand-knotted carpet

6. Badshahi Mosque (Lahore, Pakistan)

• One of the world's largest courtyard mosques
• Custom: Special Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers attract thousands
• Unique feature: Quranic verses and Ahadith inscribed on the walls

7. Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali)

• World's largest mud-brick building
• Custom: Annual community re-plastering event
• Unique feature: Women traditionally pray at home

8. Masjid Negara (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

• Symbolizes Malaysia's independence
• Custom: Interactive touch-screen Quran available for visitors
• Unique feature: Umbrella-like roof symbolizing the five pillars of Islam

9. Imam Reza Shrine (Mashhad, Iran)

• Largest mosque by dimension in the world
• Custom: Shi'a pilgrims pray facing both the Qibla and the shrine
• Unique feature: Separate prayer areas for Sunni and Shi'a Muslims

10. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Istanbul, Turkey)

• Former Byzantine church converted to a mosque
• Custom: Prayers held while preserving historical Christian elements
• Unique feature: Blends Islamic and Christian architectural elements

Common Prayer Customs Across Famous Mosques

1. Removal of shoes before entering prayer areas
2. Provision of prayer mats or carpeted prayer halls
3. Separate prayer spaces for men and women
4. Amplification of the call to prayer (Adhan) from minarets
5. Special arrangements for large congregations during Friday prayers

Unique Aspects of Prayer in Famous Mosques

1. Use of advanced technology (e.g., air conditioning, sound systems)
2. Multilingual services to accommodate international visitors
3. Extended prayer times to accommodate large numbers of worshippers
4. Special prayer services during Islamic holy months and festivals
5. Integration of local cultural elements in architecture and decoration

Conclusion

These famous mosques, while adhering to the fundamental principles of Islamic prayer, each offer unique experiences shaped by their history, culture, and local customs. They stand as testaments to the diversity and unity of the global Muslim community, inviting worshippers to connect with Allah in some of the world's most beautiful and historically significant settings.