On the Arabian Peninsula, mosques reflect many pre-Islamic architectural elements: large, open entrances; long stones or rocks along the entryway; and tall wooden or stone pillars. Arab style mosques are common in Egypt, India, Turkey, and other countries in North Africa and Southwest Asia.

Chinese mosques are greatly influenced by Buddhist and Hindu architectural designs. These mosques tend to have ornate statues at the entryways, and stone sculptures around the base. Many Chinese mosques contain calligraphy on the outer walls. Sometimes the calligraphy is carved directly into the wall. In other cases, the writing is displayed on highly stylized scrolls.