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Kabul – the vibrant capital of Afghanistan, is known for its cultural heritage and rich history. Home to buildings with stunning architecture, vibrant bazaars, a bustling street life, and historic sites like museums and gardens – the city has plenty to offer to its residents and tourists. Moreover, Afghanistan has a Muslim population of approximately 99.8%, which makes Kabul a Muslim-majority city. So, you're likely to find a mosque in every nook of the city.
Kabul is home to some of the most magnificent mosques that also carry historic significance. So, whether you're visiting the bustling city as a tourist or have recently moved to Kabul, here are some of the most popular mosques in Kabul you must visit, including all the necessary details you need to know before you visit:
The Abdul Rehman Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Afghanistan. The mosque is also known as the Grand Mosque of Kabul. The mosque was built by an Afghan businessman – Haji Abdul Rehman, and is named after him. The mosque is located within the main commercial area of Kabul – Deh Afghanan near Zarnegar Park. The building has three portions and is built on 3.5 acres of land with a separate prayer area for women.
The mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshippers simultaneously and also has a madrassa and library with a vast number of books that you can read to enhance your knowledge about Islam. Although the construction of the mosque started in 2001, it saved several delays. The mosque was inaugurated in July 2012 by former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The mosque features 20 domes, with each dome having a hand-made brass chandelier with hundreds of bulbs illuminating the gorgeous prayer halls. Moreover, the Quran verses decorating its interior add to the mosque's beauty.
The largest dome of the mosque is located above the main prayer hall, with a golden finish on the exterior. It is one of the most popular mosques in the city. If you're planning on visiting the Abdul Rehman Mosque, make sure to cover yourself and carry a headscarf with covered clothing if you're a woman. The mosque may be closed for visitors during prayer times. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Pul-e-Khishti mosque is the largest mosque in the city of Kabul. Located in the main old Kabul, the mosque is easily identifiable by its large blue dome. The mosque dates back to the eighteenth century but was mainly rebuilt under Zahir Shah's tenure in the late 1960s. The mosque has been damaged several times due to the Afghan war and has undergone several restorations. The current design of the mosque features modern architecture with some hints of traditional Afghan tiling.
The mosque is popular for being one of the most beautiful mosques in the heart of Kabul. If you're visiting as a tourist, plan your visits accordingly, as the majority of the mosques in Kabul are closed to visitors during prayer times. Moreover, make sure to respect the local culture and dress appropriately in clothing that covers your entire body during your visit. A headscarf for women is mandatory.
The Eid Gah mosque is the second largest mosque in Kabul. It is one of the most popular and major mosques in the city, with huge crowds praying in congregation on Eid. The mosque is located near the Mahmud Khan Bridge and the national stadium on the eastern side of Kabul. The mosque has a huge crowd, and it is used as a parking lot for trucks that import and export goods to and from Peshawar, Pakistan. The ground can also be used by worshippers for parking their vehicles. Although the history of the mosque is uncertain, most experts believe the mosque was built on the orders of Babur, a Muslim warrior who, after invading India, had asked for a mosque to be built for the glory of Islam.
Babur made his warriors collect exquisite stones from India and nearby areas for the construction of the Eid Gah Mosque. The mosque is said to have been designed by Persian architects. The mosque has been a popular site for religious festivals, state functions, and religious ceremonies, with many kings and emirs having visited it. The mosque was also where the Emir of Afghanistan – Habibullah, made the official announcement of his country's independence in 1919. The mosque greatly reflects historic Muslim architecture and heritage. Several pilgrims from far-fetched cities and areas of Afghanistan also offer their visits to the mosque.
The mosque has four minarets at the front and is painted in white and yellow beige. The mosque has 18 dark archways, excluding the central area of 3 archways. The main courtyard of the mosque is also huge and capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers as it does twice a year on Eid. The mosque, due to its historical significance and popularity, is a must-visit if you're in Kabul. The mosque is located approximately 25m from the ruined building of Kandahar University.
Shah-Do Shahmshira translates to the mosque of the king of two swords. Although not the largest mosque in Kabul, the Shah-do Shahmshira is a two-story yellow-painted mosque in Kabul. The mosque was built in 1920 during the reign of Amanullah Khan. Located near the Kabul River on the Andarabi road, the mosque is not difficult to find as it is located in the heart of Kabul. The mosque's design is said to have been inspired by the popular Ortakoy Mosque in Istanbul. Shahmshira mosque is also known for its unique architecture with its Italian decorative stucco that is commonly referred to as 'Afghan Baroque".
Located in the Karte Sakhi area in Kabul, the Sakhi Shah-e-Mardan mosque is a mosque of great importance to every Muslim. It is believed that the shrine is where the clock of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was brought with a visit from Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The shrine is beautifully decorated and features glazed tiles inspired by a neo-Safavid Persian style. The mosque has a total of 6 domes, with five of the mosques being added later in 1919, 2008, and 2016.
Sakhi Shah-e Mardan mosque has also undergone several restorations over the years after being damaged during the war. However, the stunning architecture of the mosque and shrine still stands out, and the mosque remains a popular spot for tourists and visitors due to its historical importance. Moreover, many religious pilgrims also pay their visits to the mosque because it is one of the most famous shrines in Afghanistan. The gorgeous blue exterior of the mosque stands out from afar. Moreover, the building also has other inscriptions that add to its design, such as Quranic excerpts, prayers, Hadith, and Islamic poetry.
| Fajr | Duhur | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:09 | 11:50 | 15:36 | 18:52 | 20:32 |