Introduction
The history of Islam is closely tied to the sacred spaces where believers have gathered for centuries to pray, learn, and connect with their communities. Among these, mosques hold a central place—not only as houses of worship but also as centers of culture, education, and governance. Some of the oldest mosques in the Islamic world still stand today, reflecting both the spiritual and architectural heritage of early Islamic civilization.
From the first mosque in Islam built during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to ancient mosques across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, these sites tell stories of faith, history, and resilience. In this blog, we explore the top 10 oldest mosques in the world, their historical significance, and why they remain symbols of Islamic identity even today.
1. Quba Mosque – Medina, Saudi Arabia
The Quba Mosque is widely recognized as the first mosque in the Islamic world. Built in 622 CE when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated from Mecca to Medina during the Hijrah, it holds immense historical and spiritual significance.
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History: The Prophet himself laid the foundation stone of Quba Mosque, and it was later expanded by Caliph Uthman ibn Affan.
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Significance: It is mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:108) as a mosque founded on piety.
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Architecture: While the original structure was simple, modern renovations have transformed it into a grand mosque with white domes and spacious prayer halls.
Muslims who visit Medina often consider it highly recommended to pray at Quba Mosque, as it carries great spiritual rewards.
2. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) – Medina, Saudi Arabia
Built in 622 CE shortly after Quba, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi was established by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself in Medina.
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History: Initially a simple structure of palm trunks and mud walls, it became the center of Islamic governance, learning, and community life.
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Significance: It houses the Prophet’s tomb, along with those of Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). It is the second holiest mosque in Islam after the Kaaba.
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Architecture: Over centuries, rulers expanded it, adding the iconic green dome and minarets. Today, it can accommodate over a million worshippers.
This mosque is one of the most visited religious sites in the world.
3. Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque) – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Although the Kaaba predates Islam, the formal structure of Al-Masjid al-Haram developed after the Prophet’s time, making it one of the oldest mosques in Islam.
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History: The Kaaba, built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (peace be upon them), became the qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims.
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Significance: It is the holiest site in Islam, hosting the annual pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah.
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Architecture: From the early Caliphate period to the Ottoman and modern Saudi expansions, it has become the world’s largest mosque.
It remains the heart of Islamic worship, visited by millions each year.
4. Al-Aqsa Mosque – Jerusalem, Palestine
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most historic mosques in Islam, dating back to the 7th century during the Umayyad Caliphate.
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History: Built under Caliph Abd al-Malik and completed by his son Al-Walid, it stands on the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary).
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Significance: It is the third holiest mosque in Islam and was the first qiblah before the Kaaba. It is also associated with the Prophet’s Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).
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Architecture: The mosque has undergone several renovations due to earthquakes and invasions but still preserves its iconic silver dome and wide prayer hall.
Its spiritual and political significance remains vital for Muslims worldwide.
5. The Great Mosque of Kairouan – Tunisia
Founded in 670 CE by Uqba ibn Nafi, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa.
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History: Kairouan was a major center of Islamic scholarship, and this mosque became a model for later Maghrebi mosques.
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Significance: It served as a hub for learning, with one of the earliest Islamic universities attached to it.
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Architecture: The mosque features a massive minaret, marble columns, and a vast courtyard showcasing early Islamic art and architecture.
It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Islamic civilization.
6. Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus) – Syria
The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, completed in 715 CE, is one of the most ancient mosques in Islamic history.
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History: Built by Caliph al-Walid I on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist, whose relics are still preserved inside.
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Significance: It was a model for many early mosques and continues to be an active place of worship.
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Architecture: Known for its vast courtyard, mosaic decorations, and towering minarets.
It remains one of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture.
7. The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As – Cairo, Egypt
Built in 641 CE after the Muslim conquest of Egypt, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is the first mosque in Africa.
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History: Originally a modest prayer hall, it became the nucleus of the city of Fustat, which later merged into Cairo.
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Significance: It marked the beginning of Islam in Africa and remains a key site of Egyptian Islamic history.
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Architecture: Expanded over centuries, today it has colonnaded courtyards and arched prayer halls.
8. Great Mosque of Sana’a – Yemen
The Great Mosque of Sana’a, built in the 7th century during the Prophet’s lifetime, is one of the oldest mosques still in use.
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History: According to tradition, it was commissioned by a companion of the Prophet.
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Significance: It served as a center for teaching Qur’an and Islamic sciences in Yemen.
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Architecture: Built with local stone and mud-brick, with later expansions incorporating Yemeni-Islamic art.
9. Al-Zaytuna Mosque – Tunis, Tunisia
The Al-Zaytuna Mosque, founded in 698 CE, is one of the most important historical mosques in North Africa.
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History: It became an intellectual hub, with the University of Ez-Zitouna attached to it, one of the oldest universities in the world.
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Significance: Generations of scholars studied here, influencing Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and science.
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Architecture: Famous for its Andalusian-style minaret, marble columns, and vast library.
10. Great Mosque of Xi’an – China
While Islam spread rapidly in the Middle East and North Africa, it also reached China early on. The Great Mosque of Xi’an, built in 742 CE, is one of the oldest mosques outside the Arab world.
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History: Established during the Tang dynasty, it reflects the early arrival of Islam in East Asia.
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Significance: It shows how Islam adapted to different cultures while preserving its essence.
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Architecture: Unique for combining Chinese architectural elements with Islamic functions—courtyards, calligraphy, and prayer halls.
Why These Mosques Matter
These ancient mosques in the Islamic world are not just monuments of stone and art; they are living testimonies of faith, history, and resilience. They highlight:
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The rapid spread of Islam across continents.
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The architectural innovations blending Islamic principles with local cultures.
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The importance of mosques as centers of worship, education, and community life.
FAQs
1. Which is the oldest mosque in the world?
The Quba Mosque in Medina is recognized as the first mosque in Islam, built in 622 CE.
2. What is the oldest mosque still in use?
The Great Mosque of Sana’a in Yemen, built during the Prophet’s lifetime, remains in active use.
3. What are the top 3 holiest mosques in Islam?
Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
4. Which is the first mosque in Africa?
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in Egypt, built in 641 CE, was the first mosque in Africa.
5. Are the oldest mosques UNESCO heritage sites?
Yes, several including the Great Mosque of Kairouan and Umayyad Mosque are UNESCO-listed.