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The Five Biggest Mosques In The USA: Size, Capacity, And Architectural Wonders

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The question of the "biggest mosque in the USA" is more complex than a simple answer, as the title depends on the metric used: facility size or worshipper capacity. As of December 2025, the undisputed largest Islamic facility in North America by sheer square footage is the Islamic Center of America (ICA) in Dearborn, Michigan, a monumental 120,000 square foot complex. However, another Detroit-area mosque, the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD), is frequently cited as having a higher prayer capacity, leading to a friendly debate over which truly holds the title of "biggest." This article dives deep into the metrics, architecture, and history of the most massive and influential mosques across the United States, providing the most current and comprehensive details available.

The growth of these grand Islamic centers reflects the long-standing and vibrant history of the Muslim community in America, which spans over a century. These mosques are not merely places of prayer, but expansive community hubs that offer educational, social, and cultural services, serving as essential pillars for millions of American Muslims today.

The Undisputed King of Size: Islamic Center of America (ICA)

The Islamic Center of America (ICA), located in Dearborn, Michigan, holds the definitive record for the largest mosque facility in North America by physical size. Opened in 2005, the ICA is an architectural marvel and a central hub for the large Shia Muslim community in the Detroit metropolitan area.

ICA Profile and Specifications

  • Location: Dearborn, Michigan
  • Facility Size: 120,000 square feet (11,000 m²)
  • Worshipper Capacity: 3,000+ worshippers
  • Architectural Style: Modern Islamic with traditional elements
  • Key Features: Two towering minarets, a 150-foot dome, and expansive prayer halls.
  • Historical Note: The ICA is also recognized as the oldest purpose-built Shia mosque in the United States, with its origins tracing back to 1963.

The ICA’s massive size is a testament to the thriving Arab and Muslim population in Dearborn, which is one of the largest concentrations outside of the Middle East. The building itself features stunning marble columns, intricate calligraphy, and a majestic central dome, creating a spiritual and aesthetic experience for visitors of all faiths. It functions as a comprehensive community center, housing a library, a banquet hall, and classrooms for religious education.

The Contender for Capacity: Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD)

The debate for the "biggest" often shifts to the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD), located in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills. While its total facility size may be smaller than the ICA, IAGD is frequently mentioned as having a larger prayer capacity, especially during major holidays like Eid.

IAGD Capacity and Community Impact

  • Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan (Detroit Metro Area)
  • Worshipper Capacity: Varies between 3,400 and almost 6,000, depending on the source and inclusion of overflow areas.
  • Community Focus: Primarily serves the diverse Sunni Muslim community of the region.
  • Longevity: The Masjid goes back more than 40 years, establishing it as a long-standing pillar of the community.

Sources citing a capacity of up to 6,000 worshippers suggest that the IAGD may accommodate more people for congregational prayer than any other mosque in the USA, particularly when utilizing all available spaces. This highlights an important distinction: the ICA is the largest single structure, but the IAGD may be the largest in terms of sheer number of people it can hold for a single prayer service. This focus on maximum capacity makes IAGD a critical entity in the discussion of America's biggest mosques.

Beyond Detroit: Other Massive and Influential US Mosques

While the Detroit area dominates the top spots for size and capacity, several other mosques across the United States stand out for their massive complexes, architectural splendor, and nationwide influence. These centers represent the diversity and growth of Islam across the American landscape, from the East Coast to the West Coast.

1. Diyanet Center of America (DCA), Maryland

The Diyanet Center of America, located in Lanham, Maryland, is perhaps the most architecturally ambitious and expensive mosque complex in the country. It is a massive 17-acre complex that cost an estimated $100 million to build, earning it the title of the most expensive mosque in the US.

  • Location: Lanham, Maryland (near Washington D.C.)
  • Distinctive Feature: Built in the classical Ottoman style, resembling 16th-century Turkish architecture.
  • Complex Size: The complex includes a cultural center, museum, conference hall, and Turkish baths, though the mosque itself has a smaller capacity of around 750 worshippers.
  • Significance: It serves as a major cultural and religious bridge, often hosting diplomatic and interfaith events.

2. King Fahad Mosque, Culver City, California

On the West Coast, the King Fahad Mosque is a significant landmark in Southern California. Its sheer size makes it one of the largest mosques in the region, serving a diverse and rapidly growing Muslim population in Los Angeles County.

  • Location: Culver City, California
  • Worshipper Capacity: 2,000 worshippers.
  • Funding: Named after King Fahad of Saudi Arabia, reflecting its international patronage.

3. Islamic Cultural Center of New York (ICCNY)

The Islamic Cultural Center of New York, often simply called the New York Mosque, is a prominent fixture in Manhattan. While not matching the square footage of the ICA, its location and cultural importance make it one of the most famous and influential mosques in the country. The ICCNY is a testament to the enduring presence of Islam in one of the world's most iconic cities.

4. Masjid Muhammad – “The Nation’s Mosque”

Located in Washington D.C., Masjid Muhammad is historically significant and often referred to as "The Nation's Mosque." It plays a vital role in national religious and political life, often hosting national Muslim events and community dialogues. Its central location near the nation's capital gives it outsized influence compared to its physical size.

5. East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Plano, Texas

Reflecting the massive population boom in the Sun Belt, the East Plano Islamic Center in Texas is another entity frequently listed among the largest mosques in the USA. The sheer scale of its operations and the size of its congregation are indicative of the rapidly expanding Muslim communities across the southern and western states.

The Final Verdict on "Biggest"

The title of the "biggest mosque in the USA" depends on how you measure it. If you are looking for the largest physical structure and facility, the Islamic Center of America (ICA) in Dearborn, Michigan, remains the clear winner with its 120,000 sq ft complex. However, if the measure is maximum prayer attendance, the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD) is a strong contender, with claims of accommodating up to 6,000 worshippers in its various prayer spaces. Regardless of the metric, these architectural and community hubs serve as powerful symbols of the deep roots and vibrant future of Islam in the United States. They are not just buildings, but centers of culture, education, and spiritual life for millions of American Muslims.

The Five Biggest Mosques in the USA: Size, Capacity, and Architectural Wonders
biggest mosque in usa
biggest mosque in usa

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