The opulent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, set on an outcrop jutting over the Atlantic Ocean with its 689 feet (210 m) tall minaret, the second tallest minaret in the world, is the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa. Exhibiting proudly the finest Moroccan artisanship in hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble flooring and inlay, gilded cedar ceilings, and exquisite geometric mosaic tile-work, it is one of the two Moroccan mosques open to the non-Muslims. Commissioned by King Hassan II, and designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau, the construction of the mosque commenced on 12 July 1986 and was scheduled to be completed in 1969, on the occasion of commemorating the 60th birthday of the king.

However, despite hard work by 1400 men during the day and another 1100 during the night, the work could not be completed as scheduled, and subsequently, the mosque was inaugurated on 30 August 1993, which marked the eve of the birth of Prophet Muhammad and was dedicated to the Sovereign of Morocco.

The historical context of the Hassan II Mosque dates back to the death of King Mohammed V in 1961 when King Hassan II intended to construct a mausoleum in memory of the departed king, which should reflect the love and respect of the people for him. The outcome of his vision is the massive Hassan II Mosque, a great tribute to the former king that reflects the beautiful blending of traditional Moroccan architecture with 20th-century technological innovations.

Located on Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in Casablanca, the huge complex of Hassan II Mosque is nestled between the harbour and the El Hank Lighthouse, and the southern facade of the mosque faces the ten-lane boulevard that is extended to the gate of the Palace Oued el Makhazine in the middle of the city.Rising above the Atlantic Ocean like a lighthouse, the mosque was built partially on land and partially over the ocean by creating a platform, linking a natural rock outcrop reclaimed from the sea. However, for the protection of the foundations of the pillars from the sea during the construction period, a 2600 feet (800 m) long temporary pier had to be erected. Added to that, it was also necessary to build two large breakwaters to protect the mosque from the erosive action of the ocean waves.

The unusual dramatic location of the mosque truly echoes a verse from the Quran, which states that the throne of God was built upon the water. Although the worshippers can pray over the sea, they cannot see the ocean as there is no glass floor, but can feel and enjoy the oceanic breeze during the summer months through the retractable roof. However, the centrally heated central hall provides spectacular underwater views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The main prayer hall of the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25,000 devotees for prayers, and the plaza squares around it can hold another 80,000. Built to a rectangular plan, the 660 feet long (200 m) and 330 feet (100 m) wide huge prayer hall is equipped with three naves, perpendicular to the Qibla wall. The 130 feet (40 m) high central nave is larger than the 89 feet (27 m) high side naves. Crowned with 14 domes, the central hall is decorated with 50 glass chandeliers, imported from Murano, in northern Italy. Created by a team of more than 600 master craftsmen, the hall is simply spectacular with its delicately carved intricate patterns and designs in fragrant cedar wood imported from the Middle Atlas and pink granite from Agadir, a city along the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco. The mezzanine floors on either side of the hall with carved dark wood furnishings are reserved for women.

The 200 feet (60 m) high retractable roof, illuminating the hall with daytime sunlight and allowing worshippers to pray under the stars on clear nights, is covered with 300,000 cast aluminum tiles. The tiles were made by pouring liquid aluminum and aluminum alloys into the mold, which is four times lighter than the traditional glazed terracotta tile from Fez.

While the 43 feet (13 m) tall pillars in the hall are square-shaped, the gates were made of brass and titanium. In the basement of the mosque, the ablution fountains carved from local marble are arranged in the shape of a huge lotus flower.

Almost lighthouse-like in its position, the 60 storey high minaret of the Hassan II Mosque was built on the reclaimed land on the Atlantic Ocean. It is square in shape thrusting skyward and is equipped with a laser beam fitted at the top, directed towards Mecca across the sea. One-third of the minaret from the top is decorated with green tiles, and after that, the colour of the tiles changes to deep green or turquoise blue.