9 Largest Mosques In Africa 2023

Here is a list of the biggest or largest mosques in Africa! The history of mosques in Africa dates back over a thousand years. The first mosques in Africa were built in the 7th century in Egypt, Tunisia, and Ethiopia, following the spread of Islam in the region. The introduction of Islam to Africa occurred through a variety of means, including trade, missionary activities, and military conquest.

The oldest surviving mosque in Africa is the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which was built in Tunisia in 670 AD. It is one of the most important Islamic buildings in North Africa and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

In West Africa, the spread of Islam was largely peaceful and occurred through trade and cultural exchange. The establishment of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires saw the construction of numerous mosques, including the famous Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, Mali, which was built in the 14th century and still stands today.

In East Africa, Islam was introduced through trade and the influence of Arab traders and settlers. The oldest mosque in East Africa is the Old Mosque of Kilwa, which was built in Tanzania in the 10th century.

Over time, the architecture of mosques in Africa has been heavily influenced by local cultures and traditions. For example, the use of coral stone in the construction of mosques in East Africa is a reflection of the region’s unique geography.

Today, mosques continue to play a central role in African society, serving as places of worship, education, and community gathering.

Here are some of the largest mosques in Africa:

1. Masjid Misr Al Kabeer, Egypt

It also known as the Egypt Grand Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Africa and third-largest in the middle east. It is considered as one of the largest in the world. It can accommodate 130,000 worshippers at a timw.

2. Djamaa el Djazaïr, Algiers, Algeria

This mosque is the second-largest in Africa and the third-largest in the world. It can hold up to 120,000 worshippers at a time.

3. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco

This mosque is the largest in Africa and the fifth-largest in the world. It can accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers at a time. 

4. Great Mosque of N’Djamena, Chad

This mosque can accommodate up to 30,000 worshippers at a time and is the largest in Chad.

5. Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo, Egypt

This mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers.

6. Kairaouine Mosque, Fes, Morocco

This mosque is the second-largest in Morocco and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers at a time.

7. Ghana National Mosque, Ghana

It is the largest mosque in West Africa. It can accommodate up to 17, 000 worshippers at a time.

8. King Fahd Mosque, Dakar, Senegal

 This mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers at a time and is the largest in Senegal.

9. Abuja National Mosque, Abuja, Nigeria

 This mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers at a time and is the largest in Nigeria.