Islam is the world’s second-largest and fastest-growing religion. According to the 2024 “World Population Review” survey, the overall population of Muslims is more than two billion, and many researchers predict that Muslims will outnumber Christians in 2050. Moreover, Islam has made great artistic and architectural contributions to the world. 

In addition, the holiest sites in Islam are popular with pilgrims, mostly in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, and tourists alike. These Islamic places are more than just architecture; they symbolise spiritual purity and important historical events. Let’s explore the top several holy Muslim sites that hold immense significance in the hearts of Muslims worldwide.

Masjid Ul-Haram, Makkah

The Grand Masjid or the Al-Masjid Al-Haram is the first holiest and Muslim pilgrimage site in the world. It holds a deep significance in the Muslim world. Masjid-ul-Haram is the largest Masjid in the world; Millions of worshipers from all around the world visit the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia to see this magnificent mosque every year. Moreover, Muslims from all around the globe perform prayer to face the Kaaba, which is a sign of unity and devotion to Allah. Also, millions of Muslims visit Masjid ul-Haram to seek forgiveness and take blessings from Allah Almighty. As Kaaba is also known as the “House of Allah.” When Muslims fulfil their spiritual obligations and get closer to Allah Almighty. 

Additionally, the Masjid-ul-Haram covers an area of 356,800 square meters, during the period of Hajj 2024 around 2 to 3 million people worship in the Masjid and it is the largest gathering of people for worship anywhere in the world. While 1.5 to 2 million pilgrims visit and perform their religious duty in Ramadan 2024. The beauty of Makkah gives you strength and people become more faithful while visiting this beautiful Islamic pilgrimage site.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madina

After Masjid-ul-Haram, the second sacred place in Islam is the Prophet’s Mosque, or Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, located in Madina. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built it, and it is now one of the largest mosques in the world. The place holds huge religious importance for Muslims because this is the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions are graved. Moreover, the Mosque show the architectural values of Islamic culture and tradition. Millions of Muslims visit this beautiful mosque annually.

Furthermore, this magnificent mosque is open throughout the whole year and is a sacred destination for pilgrims who perform the Hajj or Umrah. During the month of Ramadan 2024, approximately 1 million devotees visit the Prophet’s Mosque to show love or devotion to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). You may also visit this beautiful mosque and spend quality time, learning Islamic teaching by getting Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025. 

Masjid-Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem

Masjid al-Aqsa is the third most sacred Muslim site in Islam and Muslims’ first Qibla. Masjid al-Aqsa sits in the Old City of Jerusalem. People also call it the Qibla mosque, the Dome of the Rock, or Baith al-Muqaddas (House of Holiness). Moreover, it was here that in around 621 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came on the night journey (Miraj Shareef) from Makkah riding on the Buraq.

Allah called His beloved Prophet Muhammad to meet Him from this mosque, as stated in Surah Al-Isra 17:1.

سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَآ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ

Glory be to the One Who took His servant Muhammad by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in his Hadith about the three sacred mosques. 

لاَ تُشَدُّ الرِّحَالُ إِلاَّ إِلَى ثَلاَثَةِ مَسَاجِدَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ، وَمَسْجِدِ الرَّسُولِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى ‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem).” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1189]

Shrine Imam Ali, Iraq

Imam Ali (R.A.) ‘s shrine is in Najaf, Iraq. Najaf is the third holiest site for Shi’a Muslims after Makkah and Madinah. It is also the final resting place of Hazrat Ali (R.A.). He is the first Imam of Shia Muslims after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the Sunnis regard him as the fourth Caliph. Some important key facts of Shrine Imam Ali (R.A.) are mentioned below. 

  • Approximately 4 to 6 million visitors visit this Islamic holy site annually.
  • During the Arbaeen peak period, around 7 to 8 million pilgrims visit this site
  • The total area of the shrine complex is around 18,000 square meters, where all the visitors gather to the love and devotion of Imam Ali (R.A.).

Masjid Qubbat As-Sakhrah, Jerusalem

Masjid Qubbat As-Sakhrah, also known as the Dome of the Rock, sits on the Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem and holds great importance as Islam’s sacred site. People consider it the most controversial property in the world because it is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The debate is over the foundation stone inside the structure, which is the rock under the dome.

Furthermore, this building is a beautiful example of early Islamic construction. The Dome of the Rock features a beautiful golden dome and is renowned for its vivid colors and intricate designs. Builders completed the Dome of the Rock in 691 CE. It is one of the greatest works of Islamic art and has been an important place for centuries. People from all over the world come to this holy site to learn about its history and see how beautiful it is.

The Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali

The Great Mosque became one of the most important buildings in town. It was situated in Mali and is a mud brick building considered a success of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural manner. Over the ages, the Great Mosque has served as the heart of Mali’s religious and cultural life and the town of Djenne. Here are some key signs of the Great Mosque of Djenne.

  •  It is in the floodplain of the Bani River in the city of Djenne
  • The most recent structure of the Great Mosque was built in 1907
  • It is also a world heritage site and one of the most renowned landmarks in Africa
  • Every year, a one-of-a-kind event called the Crépissage de la Grand Mosque (Plastering of the Great Mosque) takes place there
  • Annually, around 20,000 to 30,000 visitors, visit this Islamic place.

Masjid-e-Quba, Madina

The Masjid-e-Quba lies on the outskirts of Madina, where the Prophet (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (may ALLAH be pleased with him) first stayed after emigrating from Makkah. it is a very holy site for Muslims. They arrived on the 12th Rabi al-Awwal, fourteen years after the Prophethood, and this date marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijra).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid the first stones of Masjid-e-Quba himself when he arrived in Medina after emigrating from Makkah. He established this mosque, making it the first mosque built in Islam. This beautiful Islam sacred site attracts 1 to 2 million visitors annually. 

Masjid-e-Qiblatain, Madina

Masjid-e-Qiblatain (Mosque of the Two Qiblas) is an Islam holy site in the Madina. The mosque holds historical significance for Muslims because, in Rajab 2 AH, the revelation of the Holy Quran changed the Qibla from Bait-al-Maqqadis in Jerusalem to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. During namaz, the Prophet (PBUH) led his Companions while facing the Holy Kaaba, following the revelation in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 2:144.

“We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer]. Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And ALLAH is not unaware of what they do”.

Sultan Ahmed Masjid, Istanbul

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey. Its construction was completed in 1616. It is also called the “Blue Mosque” for the exquisite blue-coloured titles beautifying its interior. Moreover, it is a well-known tourist destination in Istanbul and one of the most sacred Muslim sites in the world. The total area of this beautiful mosque is approximately 7,500 square meters. 

Sultan Ahmed Masjid continues to function as a mosque today. When the people performed the prayer, the men still kneeled on the red carpet of the mosque. Approximately 3 to 4 million visitors visit this beautiful mosque every year.  

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Turkey

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has creative architecture, a rich history, religious significance, and remarkable features that have stood strong for centuries. It was the biggest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Moreover, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-built church, having been built three times in the same location. The wonders of the world’s architectural history include stunning domes that appear to hang in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics. 

In addition, a believer is moved to worship by seeing the mosque’s breathtaking beauty and how it masterfully manipulates space, light, and colour. Every year, millions of visitors visit this Islam holy place. Hagia Sophia is situated on the first hill of Istanbul, at the tip of the ancient peninsula, flanked by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn on three sides.

Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

The Hassan II Mosque is situated in Casablanca, Morocco. It was completed in 1993 and it is the 7th largest masjid in the world. Its minaret is about 210 meters tall which makes it the world’s tallest minaret. The masjid can host 105,000 worshipers at one time.

Moreover, its dramatic location, overhanging the ocean’s waves, reminds me of a verse in the Quran that says God’s throne was built on the water. Believers pray on a floor that can be heated when needed and feel the breeze through a roof that can be pulled back in the summer.

Selimiye Mosque, Turkey

The Selimiye Mosque stands in Edirne, Turkey, and was completed in 1575 in the Ottoman tradition. Sultan Selim II commissioned the mosque, and architect Mimar Sinan designed it. Many consider it a masterwork of Islamic architecture. The masjid complex contains a hospital, library, baths, school and a madrassa.

Conclusion

The holiest Muslim sites in the world are important for its spiritual and historical reasons. From the grand Masjid-ul-Haram in Makkah, where millions of people perform Hajj and Umrah annually, to the peaceful Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, these holy places are very important to the Islamic faith. You can also visit these holy Islamic places and perform Umrah by availing yourself of Cheap Umrah Packages 2024. Moreover, The Shrine of Imam Ali in Iran and Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem are two more examples of Islam’s rich spiritual history. Each site is a stunning example of architecture and a shining example of Islam’s deep, unifying spirit, attracting millions of devout pilgrims annually.