Massalikul Jinaan Mosque
West Africa's largest mosque, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece in Dakar with a gold-leaf dome and intricate Moroccan artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience unique devotional atmosphere
Massalikul Jinaan Mosque
Best Time
Experience unique devotional atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
West Africa's largest mosque, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece in Dakar with a gold-leaf dome and intricate Moroccan artistry.
"Breath-taking, gold-plated, intricate-detailed, enormous-spacing.. Fabulous!"
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover arms & legs, head for women. Long trousers for men. :dress:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll need to remove shoes; wear easy slip-on/off footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Mosque Architecture
A breathtaking masterpiece with a Carrara marble exterior, gold-leaf dome, and five towering minarets.
Intricate Interior Details
Marvel at monumental chandeliers and exquisite decorations crafted by Moroccan artisans.
Devotional Atmosphere
Experience spellbinding salutations to God and Zikr groups, especially before evening prayers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Respect
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover arms & legs, head for women. Long trousers for men. :dress:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll need to remove shoes; wear easy slip-on/off footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Consider a Guide
Learn fascinating history and design details from a local guide.
💰 Small Donation Appreciated
Donation bins are available to support the mosque's upkeep.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover arms & legs, head for women. Long trousers for men. :dress:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll need to remove shoes; wear easy slip-on/off footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Consider a Guide
Learn fascinating history and design details from a local guide.
💰 Small Donation Appreciated
Donation bins are available to support the mosque's upkeep.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of worshippers and prayer times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Massalikul Jinaan Mosque as a breathtaking architectural marvel with a deeply serene and spellbinding atmosphere, especially during evening devotional sessions. While the grandeur and intricate details are universally admired, some found the shoe policy confusing and noted a perceived hierarchy in prayer area access.
"MASSALIKUL JINAAN (Grand Mosque)
West Africa's largest mosque (30,000 capacity). A magnificent architectural masterpiece in Grand Dakar. Features a serene, vast complex with a Carrara marble exterior, a gold-leaf dome, and five towering minarets (up to 80\text{m}).
Transport Hub: Excellent connection to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and TER lines."
hippolyte makaya
"The word to describe the great mosque is - Breath-taking. Gold-platted, intricate-detailed, enormous-spacing.. Fabulous!
To enter the mosque, you would need to be fully covered - long dress (for ladies, no tight trousers, short skirts etc) and your hair must be covered. For guys, no shorts and you shouldn’t have a hat/cap on. You’ll also be required to take off your shoes/slippers so wear something comfortable.
It’s advisable to go with a guide, who will give you information about how the mosque came to be, who created the designs (which is very interesting information!), how much was spent, etc."
francisca Akhibi
"Wow, wow, wow… and I mean that in both ways: how your commonly take the word wow in English and as yes, yes, yes in Wolof. This is stunning.
One of the nicest and most visually uplifting mosques I’ve ever been to. Heart achingly beautiful and endlessly serene. Went for a tour around 11 while it was empty, in exchange for a donation.
Lovely to see the ornate detail abound and the volunteers assist with everything. Came back in the evening for Maghreb prayer and was blown away by the zikr groups outside - I have nothing to compare it to, no recording will do it justice.
To just sit outside and absorb various salutations to God in different tones from all around you, spellbinding laments ringing out for an hour before prayer. Had never seen this anywhere in the world.
One dampener though inside, at the front of prayer area l, there were segregated sections in 3 tiers, now I don’t know what the three tiers denoted - but needless to say only people wearing the most expensive looking garments were allowed at the front. when I asked why, I was told that was the celebration area and there was a wedding party and thus they got the front reserved, which again I’d never seen before, but worth noting. Prayer is the true leveller of all levels of society so to see it, well, tiered, was odd.
Still, think the best of others and all that - stunning mosque and atmosphere before prayer was just immense."
Leon Hady
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mosque is well-connected to public transport. It has excellent connections to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and TER lines, making it easily accessible from various parts of Dakar.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark in Grand Dakar and is often referred to as the 'Grand Mosque of Dakar'. Its distinctive architecture makes it easily recognizable.
Taxis are readily available in Dakar and can take you directly to the Massalikul Jinaan Mosque. It's advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, the mosque is a major hub, and there are likely designated areas or nearby options for vehicles, especially for those using public transport connections.
For tourists, utilizing the BRT or TER lines is a convenient and efficient way to reach the mosque, offering a glimpse into local transportation. Taxis are also a comfortable option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter the Massalikul Jinaan Mosque. It is open to visitors for prayer and exploration.
The mosque is generally open for prayer and visits throughout the day. However, it's best to check for specific prayer times, especially for Maghreb prayer in the evening. +1
Yes, non-Muslims are welcome to visit the Massalikul Jinaan Mosque, provided they adhere to the dress code and show respect for the religious site.
Visitors must dress modestly. Women should wear long dresses or skirts covering their legs and arms, and a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers and avoid shorts.
Yes, shoes must be removed before entering the prayer areas. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The mosque has an impressive capacity of 30,000 worshippers, with 15,000 inside and another 15,000 on the esplanade.
It features a Carrara marble exterior, a stunning gold-leaf dome, and five towering minarets, with intricate decorations by Moroccan artisans.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and prayer times. Avoid intrusive photography.
The name translates to 'The Paths to Paradise' and is inspired by a poem by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke, the founder of the Mouride Brotherhood.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere before evening prayers as spellbinding, with diverse devotional recitations and Zikr groups.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the mosque itself. However, you can find various food options in the surrounding areas of Dakar.
Dakar offers a range of Senegalese cuisine, from local street food to more formal restaurants. You can find fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional dishes.
While eating is not permitted inside the prayer halls, there are usually areas outside or nearby where you can enjoy a meal respectfully.
As Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, halal food is widely available throughout Dakar.
It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside the main prayer areas to maintain the sanctity of the mosque.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its grand minarets and dome, as well as the intricately decorated interior, offer stunning photographic opportunities.
While some drone footage exists, it's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near the mosque.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Evenings offer a unique ambiance with the mosque lit up.
Be mindful of worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer times or of individuals without their consent. Respectful photography is key.
Yes, the detailed chandeliers and Moroccan-inspired decorations are highly photogenic. Ensure your flash is off if photographing inside.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children to explore comfortably. While there are no specific child-focused activities, the experience of witnessing a large, active place of worship can be a valuable cultural lesson. Remember to keep noise levels down and supervise children closely to maintain the serene atmosphere.
🕌 Religious Visitors
Adhering strictly to the dress code and prayer etiquette is essential. The mosque's name, 'Paths to Paradise,' and its connection to Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke add layers of spiritual significance for those familiar with the Mouride tradition.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the intricate chandeliers and the detailed craftsmanship provide excellent subjects. Remember to be discreet and respectful when photographing, avoiding prayer times and individuals. While drone footage exists,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels
The mosque's name, 'Massalikul Jinaan,' translates to 'The Paths to Paradise,' a title derived from a significant poem by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke, the revered founder of the Mouride Brotherhood. This spiritual connection imbues the structure with deep meaning for its followers.
With a total capacity for 30,000 worshippers (15,000 inside and 15,000 on the esplanade), it's not just a place of worship but a significant landmark in Dakar, attracting visitors interested in both its religious and architectural significance.
Visitor Etiquette and Experience
Many visitors suggest hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the mosque's history, construction, and the significance of its design elements.
An often-mentioned unique aspect of the visitor experience is the atmosphere before evening prayers, particularly the Maghreb prayer. Visitors describe spellbinding devotional recitations and Zikr groups, creating an immersive and moving spiritual ambiance unlike anywhere else.
Transportation and Accessibility
For those preferring private transport, taxis are readily available throughout Dakar and can take visitors directly to the mosque. It's always a good practice to negotiate the fare before commencing the journey.
The mosque's prominent location in Grand Dakar ensures it's a well-known destination, easily identifiable and reachable, contributing to its status as a key landmark for visitors exploring the Senegalese capital.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit