Although this open-air style is designed to fit a massive number of worshipers, Egypt is actually relatively secular these days, and as a result it is very rare to fill up this much space, even on major Muslim holidays. Theoretically however, worshipers begin by filling up the courtyard and can then overflow into the colonnaded areas. On the left you see the mosque's minaret. The distinctive domed area in the middle of the courtyard is the sabil, a fountain for ablution.