Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in West Africa. It is estimated that over 50% of the population is Muslim. The BBC even estimated in 2007 that slightly over 50% of the population is Muslim.
Asides being a religion, it has also influenced architecture in many parts of Africa. Majestic mosques can be found in almost every state in the country.
Here are some of the most beautiful mosques in Nigeria:
1. Bashir Uthman Tofa Mosque, Kano
The Bashir Uthman Tofa Mosque is located in Gandun Albasa, Kano. The mosque is an architectural masterpiece and beautifully finished with the finest materials.
It is also regarded as the most beautiful mosque in Nigeria. One of its best features is the four spires that cradle the mosque which can be seen as a way of, welcoming one with its imposing presence.
The mosque was named after Alhaji Bashir Uthman Tofa, a National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate in the annulled Nigeria’s June 12, 1993, presidential election.
2. Kano Central Mosque, Kano
The design of this mosque is a replica of the central mosque in Sudan. In the 1800s, the then Sultan on his way to Hajj with his caravan saw and loved the mosque and on his return, he instructed for it to be built. It became one of the first mosques in Kano and northern Nigeria.
The mosque can adequately contain thousands of worshipers inside and its surroundings especially for Fridays prayers.
The Great Mosque of Kano is said to have been shifted to a new site in 1582 by Muhammed Zaki and rebuilt yet again due to disrepair sometime between 1855 and 1883 by Sarkin Kano Abdullahi dan Dabo.
After its destruction in the 1950s, the British Government sponsored the building of a new mosque in gratitude for the Nigerian role in WWII.
3. National Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria
This mosque is located in the heart of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. It features a gold dome and four minarets.
It is a government-built prayer ground for Muslims in the Nigerian federal capital city, Abuja. The place houses some literature and gift items for first-time visitors to Nigeria. The building is a display of modern Islamic architectural masterpiece.
It is accessible but always better to make enquiries about visiting when bringing a group of tourists or visitors. However, you need the permission of the security guards to take pictures if you want to.
4. Ilorin Central Mosque
The pride of Ilorin is the Central Mosque. It is located in the centre of the city. To this day it attracts tourists due to its unusual beauty. This mosque is an ultra-modern piece of architecture and it boasts of a capacity of 20, 000 people. It also includes impressive facilities such as a well equipped multipurpose hall, an Islamic library, a car park, air-conditioners as well as modern lighting equipment.
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