PHOTO: The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. (Photo by David Cogswell)

If the more beautiful the mosque the stronger the belief, then each of these sanctuaries deserve gold medals.  From gold to shimmering glass, their dominate features defy all engineering feats.To locals the buzz they create comes as no surprise, but if you’re unfamiliar with these majestic places of worship than you’ll want to give them your utmost attention.

Malaysia: Crystal Mosques

If you don’t believe in fairytales, you just might become a firm believer after visiting the Crystal Mosque. That’s because this architectural gem flaunts a sparkling décor, causing the mosque to appear like a majestic castle we often read about in fables. 

And with water wonderfully resting at its feet, from a distance it looks like the mosque is rising out of the depths. Elements of glass, steel and crystal are beautifully intertwined to create this unique state-of-the art sanctuary, whose beauty also floats indoors making the mosque an instant attraction. The Crystal Mosque is undeniably the star of the Islamic Heritage Park, and it is such a revered place the sanctity reflected from its mirrored walls also permeates the air.

Turkey: Sultan Ahmed Mosque

A sea of blue encompasses the high ceilings of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, giving it its name the Blue Mosque. However, its azure touches aren’t the only reason people from near and far are drawn to the site.  Unlike most mosques of its kind, it is adorned with several spires and many striking domes to match. Various tiled patterns also decorate the interior, where glimpses of Iznik noticeably beautify the Sultan Ahmed Mosque’s great halls.

From the outside, its bold presence concealed by its walls even compel the non-worshipper to pay the mosque some respect. And once you’re inside, an impressive pure world unfolds and offers a taste of history that will never be forgotten.

Mali: Great Mosque of Djenne

Have you’ve ever come across a huge building constructed out of mud?  If not, then you’ll want to pay a special visit to Mali’s great Mosque Djenne.  This place of worship is great indeed especially since it boasts a façade dressed in mud bricks. 

Around 1907 this UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed, and soon after it became an architectural masterpiece because of its innovative Sudano-Sahelian style.  Due to its fashionable muddy appearance palm trees were strategically placed around the mosque to shade it from hot African sun. Its façade also includes a courtyard used for praying outdoors, many buttresses, as well as imposing minarets that hover over the mosque’s main wall.  And if you look to the east from the prayer wall, the vibrant bazaar of Mecca is one of the Great Mosque of Djenne’s best views.

Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed steals the show and it is easy to see why.  This beautiful gold and white centerpiece of Abu Dhabi is the biggest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and one of the world’s most breathtaking structures withits 82 domes as well as 1,000 columns and numerous reflective pools — and that’s only the outside. 

Once you enter its glorious halls, look up to see glittering chandeliers made of pure 24 carat gold — among the largest in the world. You’ll also want to fix your eyes to the floor to marvel at the massive hand-woven carpet.  The Sheikh Zayed Mosque profoundly mirrors the richness of Abu Dhabi with such an exquisite décor you’ll want to explore every inch of its façade.

Al-Masjid al-Nabawi

Around 622 AD the prophet Muhammad set out to construct a building that would serve as a mosque, a learning facility as well as a court within its mud walls. Fast-forward to the late 21^st century, the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is a rectangular-shaped work of art boasting over 20 domes jutting from its roof, tall minarets punctuating the sky and porticos on all sides. 

However, the original mosque that was constructed by the Prophet was never forgotten since it quietly sits inside of the revamped glossy structure. Along with beautiful mosaics decorating its walls, Al-Masjid al- Nabawi is also the resting place of its creator. 

Singapore: Masjid Sultan

Gold domes and an elaborate design to match, the Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) is quite the showstopper that every traveler of Singapore should witness at least once.  The commissioning of the mosque was in honor of the country’s first sultan in the early 1800s, and since then it has become one of Singapore’s must-see religious sites. 

In addition to the beautiful style of its exterior, the main hall used for prayer is so outstanding that thousands of people can worship here at a time. When in Singapore why not take a trip to this fascinating building to get a dose of history and culture while soaking in Masjid Sultan’s architectural wonders.