GRONZY — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh headed the Saudi delegation to the opening of what is being billed as the largest mosque in Europe on Friday.

Al-Asheikh was received by Salah Mezhiev, adviser to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and Chechnya’s supreme mufti as well as other officials.

Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa delivered the first Friday sermon to be given in the mosque.

Kadyrov welcomed the Saudi delegation and congratulated the Kingdom’s leadership on the success of this year’s Haj.

The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, also attended the event.

Named after Prophet Muhammad, the marble-decorated mosque has capacity for more than 30,000 people.

At the opening ceremony, Kadyrov said the mosque — located in Shali, a town of 54,000 just outside the regional capital Grozny — was "unique in its design, and majestic in its size and beauty".

The mosque's grounds, planted with flowers and sprinkled with fountains, can host an additional 70,000 worshipers, local authorities said. — SPA with agencies