The Grand Mosque of Hassan II, often known as the Mosque of Hassan II, is a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is Morocco’s largest mosque and the world’s third largest mosque, after Mecca’s Masjid Al-Haram and Medina’s Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque).
At 210 meters tall, the minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world; on top, laser beams aim towards Mecca, allowing worshippers to position themselves more accurately during prayers. The prayer hall can hold up to 25,000 attendees, and the esplanade can hold up to 80,000.
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The Construction of the Mosque of Hassan II
Bouygues constructed the Mosque of Hassan II, designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. The mosque is situated on a hill with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. The floor is composed of glass, allowing worshippers to look down to the ocean and pray. Marble is used to build the walls. The mosque’s roof retracts, allowing worshippers to see the stars at night. With the exception of the imported white granite columns and Murano glass chandeliers from Murano, near Venice, almost all of the materials used to construct the Mosque are Moroccan.
The Mosque of Hassan II History
The mosque concept developed following the death of King Mohammed V in 1961. King Hassan II asked the country’s most skilled artists to construct a mausoleum to honor the late King Hassan II. It took seven years to complete, and thousands of artists and laborers worked around the clock to make it happen. The structure was supposed to be completed in time for Hassan II’s 60th birthday in 1989, but it was not, so the opening was delayed. The formal opening was slated for the 11th Rabi’ Al-Awwal of Hijra 1414, on the night of Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary, August 30, 1993.
As a non-Muslim guest,
Muslims can visit the Mosque of Hassan II for regular prayer and special Friday rituals. Although the mosque is one of the few open to non-Muslims, guided tours are the only method for non-Muslims to visit, and only during specific hours. These tours are given numerous times a day in English. There is no admission price to be outside, but there is a ticket to be guided through the interior of the Hassan II Mosque.
In Hassan II mouque, Etiquette and Dress Code
Women are not obliged to cover their hair, but both men and women must wear attire that covers their shoulders and chest and is long enough to cover their legs. Shorts and sleeveless tops are strictly prohibited. It is also forbidden to smoke, eat, or drink in the mosque.
The Hassan II mosque Museum
A modest museum is connected to the mosque. The mosque’s mosaics and wood sculptures are highly crafted. There are no entrance costs.