Ruins of Songo Mnara: Songo Mnara Northeast Mosque

The main prayer room is almost square (7.75 x 7.68m), with a 20-degree qibla. It might have held between 75 and 80 worshipers. Four octagonal columns on square bases, which formed a double transverse arcade with engaged columns on the side walls and left the mihrab open to view on its center axis, supported the flat roof. The southern arcade, which is only partially complete, features large arches with the customary apex nick and finely cut porites coral. There were side chambers or verandas to the east and west of the mosque that could have accommodated an additional 115 worshipers by way of side doors. The southern room, which was approached by three stone steps, an extraordinary triple transverse arcade, and two arched doors, served as the entrance to the prayer hall. The well, tank, rubbing stone, and two steps to access the southern room from the west are located in the southwest corner.

The mihrab, which is still visible in some places, was especially ornate, featuring an inner trefoliate arch, six double herringbone-decorated jamb orders, and an apse with carved blind niches. It was supported by an arcade with a fluted semi-dome.

The largest and most ornate mosque in Songo Mnara is found in the town's northeastern corner rather than in the center. Archaeologists referred to it as the Main Mosque and the Great Mosque. Its identification as the Friday or Congregational mosque is based more on the scale of the building as a whole than on concrete proof of the presence of a minbar, which could have been made of wood.