Shah Faisal Mosque located in Islamabad in the foothills of Margalla hills is considered the 6th biggest mosque in the world but in South Asia, it is the biggest mosque. It is attractive and scrumptious and the person sight to behold. Faisal mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan.
Shah Faisal Mosque was named by the name late King of Shah Faisal to honor his commitment to the construction of the Faisal Mosque that was designed by the Turkish architect. It was gifted by the late King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia to the Pakistan government.
Faisal Mosque is the major tourist point and the center of tourist attraction in Pakistan that represents a dominant piece of Islamic architecture. Thousands of visitors all over the world come to visit this historic place.
The mosque consists of eight concrete shells on its eight sides and provides a tent-shaped landmark is situated against the lush green Margalla hills. Due to its inspiring design and elegant look of interior finishing, it has become the most visited place in Pakistan.
Faisal Mosque is the perfect blend of both Islamic and traditional architecture. The structure of the building is angular consisting of pools, fountains, tall minarets, and well-manicured courtyards.
In the below section, Faisal mosque history and some other amazing facts are described regarding the location and much more.
History
In 1966, the late King Shah Faisal come on a historic trip to Pakistan. He showed interest to build the mosque that is an iconic building in the green city, Islamabad. Approximately, three years later in 1969, an international competition for mosques designs was held. In this competition, 17 countries participated and almost 43 proposals regarding unique mosque design were submitted.
Later on, this building turns into the international mosque of Pakistan. Finally, in the competition, an architect named Vedat Dalokay who belongs to turkey won the competition. His mosque design has approved that turns into a wonderful mosque.
After the approval of the design, the government of Pakistan choose the land that was located at the base of Margalla hills for this project. The construction of this project was assigned to the National Construction Limited of Pakistan that was supervised by the Azim Khan.
The whole expenses of this building were paid by Saudi Arabia. From the reports, it has come to know that the total cost was about SAR. 13 crores.
However, after some appalling incidents, the Saudi premiere was murdered in March 1975 in Riyadh. After this incident, the Pakistani government decided to give the name to the mosque and road site that was followed by late king Shah Faisal.
In 1976, the successor of late King Shah Faisal named King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz Al Saudi restarted the construction of the Mosque. After two years in 1978, an agreement related to the construction of Mosque was signed by both countries.
Finally, in 1986, the construction of the iconic building Faisal Mosque was completed. However, on June 18, 1988, the first prayer congregation on the premises was detained. After that, the mosque was made open to the public.
Location
The astonishing Faisal Mosque is located in Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Faisal Mosque’s exact location is described below.
Faisal Mosque comes in the Shah Faisal Ave, Sector E – 8 of Islamabad. It is known that it was planned to construct on uplifted pieces of land that come in the foothills of Margalla hills.
That is the reason that it is easily visible from different spots of the city for example Daman – e – Koh is another famous place in Islamabad. But, inside area and architect done on mosque make it more beautiful. If you want to see it completely, then you should visit the Faisal Mosque.
Surrounded Capacity
Shah Faisal mosque is built up in 10 Canal area. Shah Faisal Mosque’s capacity for worshipers is also notable. It can accommodate almost 300, 000 worshipers. Each minaret of the mosque has a height of 79 meters. These minarets are considered the largest minaret in south Asia.
The circumference of minarets is 10 x 10 meters. The main area including the inner hall and courtyards of the mosque can hold approximately 74, 000 people (visitors). The grounds of the mosque can hold almost, 20, 000 people.
Architecture
The architecture of Shah Faisal Mosque is exceptional, unique, and more adorable than the other mosques in the World. the iconic and historic building consists of a unique triangular design that was inspired by the Bedouin tents erected in the middle of deserts.
The most important feature of the Faisal mosque is that it didn’t contain the traditional dome that is generally surrounded by minarets. Instead of a traditional dome, it consists of a tent-like design with sharp angles that comprises eight sides of a shell that are made of concrete.
In the entire mosque, white marble is used that gives it a spectacular look. The area that is surrounded by the main structure is especially remarkable. In the ground of the mosque, green courtyards, fountains, and porticoes are available that give it an elegant look.
At the entrance of the mosque, a circular pool is available. It leads to bigger pools and the staircase for the main prayer hall.
Popular Places near Faisal Mosque
Some of the popular places in Islamabad near Faisal Mosque that capture the attention of visitors are listed below.
- Margalla Greens Golf Club is located near the Faisal Mosque at a distance of 3.3 Kilometers.
- Jinnah Supper Market is 3.3 Kilometer far from Faisal mosque. The visitors mostly visit this market when come to see Faisal Mosque.
- The famous mall of Islamabad “Centaurus Mall” is 3.5 Kilometer from the Faisal mosque.
- Japanese Children Park is also 3.8 kilometers away from the Faisal mosque.
- Islamabad zoo is located at 3.9 Kilometer distance from the Faisal Mosque.
- Fatimah Jinnah Park is near Faisal Mosque having a distance from it of 6.8 kilometers.
- Islamabad Marriot Hotel is at a distance of 7.3 kilometers from the Faisal Mosque.
- A popular place in Islamabad “Daman e Koh” is also near to Faisal Mosque having a distance of 7.6 kilometers. Most of the visitors also visit this place when they come to visit the Faisal mosque.
- Another national and heritage place known as Pakistan Monument is at a distance of 8.2 Kilometers from the Faisal mosque.
If you have the plan to visit the mosque, you should also visit the above-mentioned beautiful and popular places of Islamabad to make your trip more memorable and amazing.
Faisal Mosque Facts
- Faisal mosque is the biggest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia.
- Its design was presented by the Turkish architect named Vedat Dalokay.
- Faisal Mosque was completed in 1986 and the first prayer was made in 1988.
