The Massalikul Jinaan Mosque in Dakar stands as a remarkable symbol of faith, culture, and community achievement. Illuminated by a stunning chandelier with over 2,000 lights, the mosque is the result of 15 years of work involving 800 laborers. It accommodates up to 30,000 worshipers—10,000 inside and another 20,000 on the vast outdoor esplanade—making it the largest mosque in Dakar and among the most significant in West Africa. Clad in Carrara marble and crowned with a gold-leaf dome, the mosque features five soaring minarets, the tallest reaching 78 meters (255 feet). Its richly adorned interior, including intricate hand-drawn decorations and giant chandeliers crafted by Moroccan artisans, reflects the fusion of Islamic architectural grandeur and Senegalese devotion. Future plans for the site include the construction of an Islamic institute, museum, and residence, reinforcing its role as a spiritual and educational center.

Built on a six-hectare plot in the Bopp district—once a swampy area donated by the Senegalese government—the mosque takes its name from a poem by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke, the revered founder of the Mouride Brotherhood. This Sufi movement, based in Touba, plays a central role in Senegal’s religious life, emphasizing service, learning, and spiritual discipline. The construction of the mosque cost over $33 million, all raised through donations, with the government contributing $11.5 million for essential infrastructure like lighting, sanitation, and roads. Project coordinator Mbackiyou Faye described the mosque as a masterpiece worthy of global recognition, comparing it to grand mosques in the Arab world. In the lead-up to the inauguration, the Brotherhood’s leader, Mountakha Mbacke, welcomed a procession of religious, political, and traditional figures. President Macky Sall was also in attendance at the mosque’s opening. Beyond its religious significance, the mosque stands as a powerful symbol of the Mourides’ growing economic and political influence in Senegal and neighboring Gambia, highlighting their ability to mobilize vast resources and inspire national pride through faith.