A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. It serves as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer as well as center for information, education, refuge, even dispute settlement.
Here are 7 largest mosques in Southeast Asia in term of capacity to accommodate people.
1. Istiqlal Mosque - Indonesia
Istiqlal Mosque is located in Jakarta, Indonesia with the capacity of 200,000 people, the largest in Southeast Asia. In terms of building structure and land coverage, Istiqlal is also the largest in Southeast Asia and fourth largest in the world, with 95,000 m2 of area.
It was completed in 1978, to commemorate 33 years of Indonesia’s independence, as nation’s gratitude for God’s blessings. It is named “Istiqlal”, an Arabic word for “independence”. Many world leaders have visited this mosques during their diplomatic visits, including U.S. President Barrack Obama, Prince Charles from Great Britain.
2. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque (Grand Mosque Cotabato) - Philippines
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is the largest mosque in the Philippines with the capacity of 60,000 people. It is located in Cotabato City, Philippines and built in 2011.
The development of this mosque was funded by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam at reported cost US$48 million to help the emerging Muslim population in the Southern Philippines.
3. Great Mosque of Surabaya - Indonesia
Al Akbar National Mosque or commonly known as Great Mosque of Surabaya is located in Surabaya, East Java Province, Indonesia. Built in 2000, this mosque can accommodate up to 59,000 people in its 18,800 m2 area. It also has a tower equipped with a lift that opened for the public. From this tower we can enjoy the view of beautiful Surabaya city, especially at night time
4. Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque - Indonesia
With the total building area reaches 43,500 m2, it can accommodate up to 40,000 people. With Mahakam river banks in the foreground, this mosque stands on a land area of the former sawmill owned by PT Inhutani I, who lated donated to the Government of East Kalimantan Province.
5. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque - Indonesia
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is located in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Built in 1881, this mosque can accommodate up to 30,000 people. The mosque is survived the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed more than 230,000 people. Thousands also found refuge within their walls.
6. Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque - Malaysia
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque also known as Iron Mosque is located in Putrajaya, Malaysia. With 73,795 m2 total area, the mosque can accommodate up to 34,000 people. The construction was completed in 2009 and officially opened by 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Monarch and Head of State) Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
7. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque - Malaysia
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque is located Shah Alam, capital city of Selangor State, Malaysia. It is also known as The Blue Mosque for the magnificent blue dome, which is the mosque’s trademark, measures 51.2 metres in diameter. Completed in 1988, the mosque can fit up to 24,000 worshippers at a time. http://www.itc.gov.my/mosque/masjid-sultan-salahuddin-abdul-aziz-shah-state-mosque/
