The nationwide mosque of Pakistan is the reasonably uncommon Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The mosque and its structure gained a prestigious design award for its non-traditional form. The mosque is formed like a Bedouin tent and lacks the normal dome that crowns most different mosques. Curious to know extra concerning the sixth-largest mosque on this planet? Listed below are among the most attention-grabbing information concerning the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.
7 Attention-grabbing Information about Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan
1. The Faisal Mosque is the most important mosque in Pakistan
Positioned within the nationwide capital metropolis of Islamabad, the Faisal Mosque is the most important mosque in Pakistan. You’ll discover it on the north finish of Faisal Avenue, on the northernmost finish of the town and nestled on the foot of Margalla Hills, the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas.
2. The Faisal Mosque can maintain 300,000 worshipers
Not solely is the Faisal Mosque the most important mosque in Pakistan, however it’s also the most important in South Asia and the sixth largest mosque on this planet by way of capability. Mixed the construction covers an space of 33 acres (130,000 m2; 1,400,000 sq ft), and may maintain 300,000 worshipers. In reality, the Faisal Mosque was the most important mosque on this planet from 1986 till 1993 when the newly accomplished Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco overtook it. Subsequent expansions of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, through the Nineties relegated Faisal Mosque to fourth place by way of dimension. Right this moment, nonetheless, it ranks sixth.
3. The Faisal Mosque doesn’t have a dome
The Faisal Mosque takes its identify from the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported and financed the venture. King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz gave a grant of $28 million to finance the development of the mosque, which is the nationwide mosque of Pakistan. Development of the mosque started in 1976 and it was accomplished in 1986. Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay designed the mosque which has an uncommon design because it doesn’t characteristic a dome. The mosque is formed like a Bedouin tent, and 4 260 toes (79 m) tall minarets encompass it. The design options eight-sided shell formed sloping roofs that kind a triangular worship corridor which might maintain 10,000 worshippers.
4. The Faisal Mosque is not only a mosque
The mosque homes a library, lecture corridor, museum and cafe. The primary courtyard of the mosque as soon as housed the Worldwide Islamic College.
5. The Faisal Mosque’s design is award-winning
Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay, gained the Aga Khan Award for Structure for the Faisal Mosque attributable to its fashionable and distinctive design missing each the normal domes and arches of most different mosques all over the world. Nevertheless, some conservative Muslims criticised the design at first due to its unconventional and non-traditional look, however most criticisms ended once they noticed the finished mosque set towards the Margalla Hills.
6. The Faisal Mosque’s inside is ornate
White marble and mosaics and calligraphy by the well-known Pakistani artist Sadequain adorn the inside of the primary tent-shaped corridor. This corridor additionally homes a surprising Turkish-style chandelier. The mosaic sample additionally decorates the west wall and has the Kalimah written in early Kufic script. The Kalimah are six Islamic phrases recited by Muslims. Kufic script is a mode of Arabic script.
7. The Faisal Mosque options Islamic structure types
Turkish artist Mengu Ertel designed the attractive blue and white calligraphic tiles that adorn the Qibla Wall – the wall within the mosque that faces Mecca. The inside of the mosque makes use of Turkish and Pakistani-inspired decorations and combines modern and traditional Islamic structure types.
