A visit to Faisal Mosque

  

A visit to Faisal Mosque

Introduction about this Mosque

Faisal Moque.

 Faisal Mosque is the biggest mosque of Pakistan situated in the national capital Islamabad. Completed in 1986, it was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Daluke and, in the shape of a desert Bedouin tent, is a world-famous symbol of Islamabad. It is situated at the northern end of Faisal Street, creation it the northernmost end of the city and at the foot of the Margalla Hills, the westernmost slopes of the Himalayas. It is situated on an elevated plot of land against the picturesque backdrop of the Margalla Hills. This enviable position represents the great importance of the mosque and allows it to be seen for miles’ day and night. The Faisal Mosque was designed as the national mosque of Pakistan and named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported and financed the project.

The biggest mosque in Pakistan, the   Mosque was the biggest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993, when it was surpassed in size by the newly completed Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Through the 1990s, the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, made the Faisal Mosque the fourth largest in size.The momentum for the mosque started in 1966 when King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz supported the Pakistani government's initiative to shape a national mosque in Islamabad during an allowed visit to Pakistan.
An international competition was held in 1969 in which architects from 17 countries submitted 43 proposals. The winning design was by Turkish architect Vedat Daluke. Construction of the mosque was started in 1976 by the Pakistan National Construction Corporation under the leadership of Azeem Khan and funded by the government of Saudi Arabia at a cost of more than 130 million Saudi Riyals (about 120 million US dollars today). King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz played an active role in the financing, and the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him after his assassination in 1975. The mosque was completed in 1986, and was used as the headquarters of the International Islamic University. Many traditional Muslims initially criticized the design for its unorthodox design and lack of a traditional domed structure, but most of the criticism subsided when the completed mosque was built against the hills of Margalla. Size, shape and location became clear. The Faisal Mosque is the work of Turkish architect Vedat Daluke, who won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for the project. The mosque's architecture is modern and unique, and lacks the traditional domes and arches found in other mosques around the world. Shah Faisal Masjid, also known as Faisal Masjid, is located at the beginning of Margalla Hill Sector E-7 Islamabad Pakistan.
When it was founded, the mosque was

Faisal Mosque

considered the national mosque of the newly established Islamic nation and was intended to symbolize the hopes and aspirations of Pakistan. The total building covers an area of 33 acres (130,000 m2; 1,400,000 sq. ft) and the mosque dominates the Islamabad landscape. Faisal Mosque is now the fourth largest mosque in terms of size. It is a major tourist attraction and Islamic architecture is considered a modern and influential feature. Faisal Mosque has a capacity of about 300,000 worshippers. Each of the mosque's four minarets is 79 meters (259 ft) high (the tallest minaret in South Asia) and 10 by 10 meters in diameter. Instead of the traditional domes usually associated with mosques, the main prayer hall is an eight-sided concrete bowl that symbolizes a desert landscape. The structure reaches 40 meters in height, supported by four massive concrete beams, and is a stunning masterpiece. The ceiling is covered with white marble and the interior is decorated with mosaics and a magnificent Turkish-style chandelier. The hall has a seating capacity of 10,000 worshippers. The entrance is from the east side, where there is a courtyard with a portico overlooking the prayer hall. The International Islamic University is located below the central courtyard, but has now been shifted to the new campus. The mosque houses a library, lecture hall, museum and cafe. The mosque is surrounded by four high minarets, which are 90 meters high. Inspired by Turkish architecture, the minarets are slender and pointed. Shape and abstraction are derived from a square base formed by the intersection of two planes. The interior of the tent-like main hall is paved with white marble and decorated with mosaics and calligraphy by the famous Pakistani painter Sadiqi, as well as a magnificent Turkish-style chandelier. A mosaic pattern adorns the west wall and represents the word in early Kufic script, also rendered in mirror image style. Visitors are welcome, but non-Muslims are asked to avoid Fridays and prayer times.

 History

During an official visit to Pakistan in 1966, King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz supported the Pakistani government in establishing a national mosque in Islamabad.

An international competition was held in 1969 in which architects from 17 different countries participated, submitting 43 designs. The winning design came from Turkish architect Vedat Daluke. The area of the mosque site is 46 hectares and they left the implementation to Pakistani engineers and staff.

The mosque was built in 1976 with a $28 million grant from Saudi King Faisal, after whom the mosque was named. After his assassination in 1975, King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz helped raise money for the mosque, and the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him. Shah Khalid, the successor of King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz, laid the foundation stone of the mosque in October 1976 and signed the construction contract in 1978. However, the mosque was completed in 1986 and the first prayer was offered on 18 June. 1988.

Faisal Mosque is the second largest mosque in the world and its location was chosen by the Pakistani President Marshal Ayub Khan. The purpose of choosing this site was to create a modern city that existed in the past. It is situated north of the main gateway to the city, the Islamabad Highway, against the backdrop of and at the foot of the picturesque Margalla Hill. It created a focal point for the capital, controlling the panorama of the entire city and ensuring visibility day and night.

History of Faisal Mosque in Islamabad

Faisal Mosque.

The history of this famous Mosque years back to 1966 when the late Shah Faisal ended a historic visit to Pakistan and uttered interest in building a mosque in the leafy city of Islamabad. About three years later in 1969, an international competition was held to select the design of the mosque. Architects from around 17 countries submitted 43 unique proposals to become the National Mosque of Pakistan. In the end, Turkish architect Vedat Daluke won the competition and his unconventional and spectacular design for the mosque was approved.

Later, the Pakistani government allocated about 46 hectares of land near the base of the Margalla Hills National Park for the project. The construction of the mosque was entrusted to the National Construction Company of Pakistan Limited under the supervision of Azeem Khan. The total construction cost exceeded 13 million Saudi Riyals, which was borne by the government of Saudi Arabia. But in a tragic turn of events, the Saudi prime minister was assassinated in Riyadh in March 1975. After his death, the Pakistani government decided to name the mosque and the road leading to the site after the late Shah Faisal. In October 1976, Crown Prince Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud laid the foundation stone of the mosque. Two years later in 1978, a construction agreement was signed between the two countries. Faisal Mosque was finally completed in 1986. However, the first congregational prayer was held at the site on 18 June 1988. Since then this mosque is open to the public.

Location of this Mosque.

Faisal Mosque

At the foot of the Margalla Hills, the mosque occupies a unique position in the heart of Islamabad. The mosque is located between Sector E-8 and E-7, but rises below the boundaries of Sector E-7. One of the unique features of Faisal Masjid is its location, as the backdrop of the picturesque Margalla Hills adds to the beauty of this architectural wonder. Moreover, the mosque was built on a hill, which makes the mosque look more luxurious. Faisal Masjid Location: Faisal Masjid, Shah Faisal Street, F-8, Islamabad.

Capacity

 Faisal Mosque can accommodate about 300,000 worshippers. Each of the mosque's four minarets is 79 meters (259 ft) high (the tallest minarets in South Asia) and measures 10 by 10 meters in circumference. The main areas can accommodate up to 74,000 people in the main areas, including the inner hall and courtyards. The area surrounding the mosque can accommodate up to 200 thousand people.

The interior of the Faisal Mosque is decorative.

 The interior of the tent-like main hall is decorated with white marble, mosaics and calligraphy by the famous Pakistani painter Sadiqeen. This room also has a beautiful Turkish style chandelier. A mosaic pattern also decorates the west wall and shows the word in early Kufic script. These words are six Islamic phrases that Muslims recite. Kufi script is an Arabic writing style.

 repair technician

 By means of traditional domes, Vedat Dalukay designed an eight-sided central hall that resembles an Arab Bedouin desert tent. In addition, he added four minarets at the four corners of the main hall, which are 80 meters high, which are the highest minarets in South Asia. The main building of the building is the main prayer hall, which is maintained by four concrete beams. Four extraordinary minarets are inspired by Turkish architecture. Vedat Daluke also believes that the design of the mosque represents the Kaaba in an abstract way. The entrance is from the east side where there is an inner courtyard with a balcony in front of the prayer hall. The International Islamic University was located within the main complex but has now been shifted to the new campus. The mosque still houses a library, lecture hall, museum and cafe. The interior of the tent-like main hall is decorated with white marble and is decorated with Turkish-style chandeliers, as well as mosaics and Arabic calligraphy by the famous Pakistani painter Sadequain Naqqash. A mosaic panel adorns the west wall and shows the word in early Kufic script, repeating the mirror image design.

The wall of the Qibla is covered with blue and white calligraphic tiles designed by Turkish Artist Mango Ertal. The interior of the mosque is decorated with Turkish and Pakistani inspired decorations. The mosque took an unusual route in its design by combining modern and classical Islamic architecture. This unique design adopts many elements of the Bedouin landscape, but still maintains its connection to Islamic architecture by using an Ottoman-style minaret and a square shape for the Kaaba.

Minarets

Faisal Mosque.

 The mosque's minarets are the tallest in all of South Asia, reaching a height of 79 meters. Borders 10 x 10 meters. These minarets dominate the skyline of Islamabad as they can be seen from almost every corner of the city. Loudspeakers for the call to prayer are placed on these columns.

 As it is situated in the center of Islamabad, many tourist spots and popular areas are situated on the borders of the mosque. After Faisal Masjid, the most important attraction is Murgalla National Park. This peaceful attraction is complemented by the charming surroundings of the mosque. The national park contains many hiking trails that are very popular among city dwellers. Faisal Masjid has become a place of great importance with such a long history in such a short period of time. Faisal Mosque's past, with roots in multiple Islamic cultures and traditions, serves as a symbol of the unity of the Muslim world. Today, the mosque is not just a place of prayer or a tourist attraction for the city, it serves as a reminder of the relationship that binds Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.

Tourist Attractions

Faisal Mosque.

This Masjid is not only a place of worship for residents but also recognized as one of the tourist attractions in Islamabad. People come from all over the country to experience the stunning views and impressive history of this architectural wonder. The mosque offers many tourism projects within its buildings, such as a library, museum, lecture hall, and cafe. Apart from this, the grave of late General Zia-ul-Haq is also situated in the premises of the mosque. The site accepts a large number of visitors daily, and the site sees a large influx of mourners on the anniversary of his death. Faisal Mosque is a gift from Saudi Arabia to the people of Pakistan. It is also a symbol of the strong friendship between the two countries. At the time, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was the primary source of funding of US$50 million to complete the project. Work on it began in 1976 and was completed in 1988. It is the largest mosque in Asia and has a seating capacity of 300,000 people. Until 1993, it was the largest mosque in the world, but later mosques in Saudi Arabia and Morocco took the title and now it is in third place. However, it is a unique mosque in the world because it has a university attached to it called the Islamic University where students specialize in the Islamic Constitution.

The architect of this mosque is a Turkish man named Vedat Daluke. The design of the mosque resembles the landscape of the Arabian desert in terms of its design features. The mosque features a contemporary project with eight sides of a concrete shell inspired by a Bedouin tent. It is currently the largest theater building in the world. Faisal Masjid is now one of the most standard tourist attractions in Islamabad.