Faisal Mosque – Iconic Landmark of Islamabad

When we know or think about a country, sometimes a special place or its beauty comes to our mind first, rather than the country itself, and it helps in changing our attitude towards that country. Or we first learn about a special place, and then we come to know where it is located. Today, we will learn about one such place. Did you know that the sixth-largest mosque in the world is located outside the Middle East? It is located near the foothills of Margalla Hills, yes, it is the Faisal Mosque.

History of Faisal Mosque

Faisal Mosque is also known as Shah Fasal Mosque which is located in Islamabad, Pakistan. Which is built in its modern and contemporary architectural design. And which is considered to be the most unique mosque architecture in the world which is its specialty. 

Which has been given the title of National Mosque of Pakistan. So let’s know about its history. When the Prince of Saudi Arabia was on an official visit to Pakistan in 1966, Faisal-Bin-Abdul-Aziz sponsored the building of a National Mosque in Islamabad. After that, a competition was held in which the company whose design was deemed good would be given the work of this mosque. Thus, 43 designs were submitted from different countries and companies, out of which the design of the Turkish architect company Vedat Dalokay was selected. 46 acres of land were given to build this mosque.  In 1976, 28 million dollars were given by Saudi King Faisal. In 1975, he raised funds for the mosque and the road to reach it. Thus, in October 1976, Shah Khalid, the successor of King Faisal-Bin-Abdul-Aziz, laid the first stone with his own hands, and the work began. And thus, what has a beginning is also its end. The construction was completed in 1986. And the first prayer was recited with joy and faith on June 18, 1988.

Architecture

Faisal Mosque is the sixth-largest mosque in the world in terms of capacity. It can accommodate about 100,000 worshippers. Its amazing design attracts us towards it. The mosque is built in geometric design and clean lines, which look very attractive. During its construction, the architect tried to imagine the Kaaba and bring it into it. This mosque has been designed in such a way that it is like a tent built in the desert, which is in Arabia, which has an eight-sided main hall that looks like that.

The mosque seems incomplete without minarets. Faisal Mosque also has 80m (260ft) high minarets, which are at the four corners of the main hall. Which are the most towering minarets in South Asia? The main hall of the mosque is also made of white marble and calligraphy by Pakistani craftsmen.  Apart from this, the mosque also has a library, a lecture hall, a museum, and a cafe.

Conclusion

Faisal Mosque is a symbol of the faith and generosity of a king who is conscious about his religion. Thus, Faisal Mosque stands humbly in South Asia, with its beauty, charm, and diverse features. Such a place becomes an example for mankind that teaches people the lesson of unity.

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