Egypt has built the second biggest mosque in Africa amid deepening economic hardship.

The 800 million Egyptian pound (R463 million) Islamic Cultural Centre is located in the new administrative capital city called New Cairo. The centre includes the Grand Mosque, which covers 19,000sq m and can house at least 107,000 worshippers.

Egyptian state media have celebrated the mosque for breaking three world records – having the largest pulpit, the main chandelier being the largest and heaviest and having four levels.

But the unveiling of this mosque has not sat well with some Egyptians and social media users.

It has received backlash as millions of Egyptians are struggling with the soaring prices of essentials and to put food on the table. The lavish amount of money spent and unveiling also comes during the holy fasting month of Ramadaan; a time for Muslims to learn moderation and to experience what millions of hungry people feel.