Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, is one of the largest mosque in Pakistan. Named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, it features a striking tent-like design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. It is surrounded by the Margalla Hills, which can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers. Moreover, this national mosque of Pakistan seamlessly blends Islamic and modern architecture, serving both as a house of worship and a renowned cultural icon.
Faisal mosque information:
| Construction | 1976-1986 |
| Opened at | 1986 |
| Material | Concrete and white marble |
| Architect | Vedat Dalokay |
| Founder | King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz |
| Cost | 120Million USD |
| Style | Contemporary and Islamic architecture |
| Minaret | 4 |
| Size | 33 acres |
| Height | 90 m |
| Faisal mosque capacity | 300,000 worshippers |
| Imam | Sheikh Mohammad Attaur Rehman |
| Administration | International Islamic University, Islamabad |
| Opening time | 24 hours |
| Phone or contact number | (051) 2854860 |
Faisal mosque location
Faisal Masjid location is at Shah Faisal Avenue, near the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan. For easy access via public transport, you can use the following locations for nearby bus and metro stations:
- Faisal Mosque Bus Stand: The mosque is accessible via various bus routes that stop near the mosque or its surrounding areas.
- Metro Station Near Faisal Mosque: The Islamabad Metro’s Blue Line (F-10 to Peshawar Morr) has stations near Faisal Mosque, with the Kashmir Highway Metro Station being the closest.
Faisal Masjid, address
Shah Faisal Ave, E-8,Capital Territory 44000, Islamabad
Faisal mosque map:
To find Faisal Mosque on Google Maps, you can search for “Faisal Mosque Islamabad” directly in Google Maps.
Faisal mosque history
Shah Faisal Mosque, the famous mosque in Pakistan, was conceived in the 1960s. The mosque was named after King Faisal bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, who visited Pakistan in 1966 and promised financial support for its construction.
The Saudi government provided the majority of the funding for the construction, which started in 1976 and was finished in 1986. The mosque’s remarkable architecture distinguished it from
other traditional mosques around the world, making it a symbol of Pakistan’s Islamic identity and national pride.
Who built Faisal mosque?
Vedat Dalokay, a Turkish architect, won an international competition in 1969 for his design of the Faisal Mosque. However, Pakistani engineers and labourers constructed the mosque with financial support and encouragement from the Saudi government, particularly through King Shah Faisal bin Abdulaziz. Figuring out Dalokay’s unique and modern design, construction began in 1976 and was completed in 1986,
Why Faisal mosque is famous?
Faisal Mosque Pakistan is famous for its unique and modern design, which sets it apart from traditional Islamic architecture. Its tent-like structure features a grand, angular roof with four towering minarets, resembling a Bedouin tent.
As the biggest mosque in Pakistan, it can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers, making it a place of worship and a significant cultural landmark. Its stunning location at the foothills of the Margalla Hills adds to its beauty, attracting tourists from around the globe. The mosque’s symbolic status, blending modernity with Islamic principles, has made it an iconic symbol of Pakistan and Islamic architecture.
Faisal mosque architecture
Faisal Mosque’s architect is renowned for its modern and minimalist approach, which combines contemporary elements with traditional Islamic symbolism. Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, the mosque’s structure is inspired by a Bedouin tent, a nod to the nomadic traditions of the region, rather than the traditional dome typically found in Islamic architecture. Its triangular, tent-like roof rises sharply, creating a dramatic silhouette against the Margalla Hills.
Inspired by Turkish architecture, the mosque’s four thin towering minarets, reach 88 meters (about 288 feet) into the sky, framing the main prayer hall and emphasizing its grandeur. The absence of arches and domes in favour of clean lines and angular geometry gives this Islamabad masjid a strikingly modern appearance.
Faisal mosque interior
The Faisal masjid inside is equally stunning, featuring intricate calligraphy by Pakistani artist Sadequain and a large central chandelier. The spacious prayer hall, made from white marble, exudes simplicity and elegance, designed to accommodate over 100,000 worshippers. This fusion of modernity and tradition has made Faisal Mosque a celebrated icon of Islamic architecture and a national symbol of Pakistan.
Hotels near faisal masjid islamabad
Several well-regarded hotels near Faisal Masjid Islamabad offer convenient access to this iconic landmark. Here are a few options:
- Islamabad Serena Hotel – A luxury hotel located about a 10-minute drive from Faisal Mosque Islamabad, offering elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and extensive facilities including restaurants, a pool, and a spa.
- Marriott Islamabad – Located around 15 minutes from the mosque, this upscale hotel offers comfortable accommodations, multiple dining options, and a fitness centre, making it a popular choice for business and leisure travellers.
- Hotel One Super – A well-rated boutique hotel in the F-6 area, just a short drive from Masjid Faisal, known for its comfortable rooms, friendly service, and convenient location.
- Envoy Continental Hotel – Situated in the Blue Area, this mid-range hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Shah Faisal Masjid and offers cosy rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
- Hill View Hotel – Located in F-7, close to Islamabad Mosque, this budget-friendly hotel provides comfortable accommodations and is conveniently situated for exploring the area.
These hotels range from luxury to budget options, catering to various travel needs and offering easy access to Faisal Mosque and other landmarks in Islamabad.
Restaurants near Faisal mosque
Several popular restaurants near Faisal Mosque in Islamabad offer a range of local and international cuisines, often with scenic views of the Margalla Hills. Here are a few options:
- Monal Restaurant – Located in the nearby Margalla Hills, Monal offers stunning views of Islamabad and a menu with Pakistani and continental dishes, making it a popular choice for visitors.
- La Montana – Also in the Margalla Hills, this restaurant serves a mix of Pakistani, continental, and Chinese dishes with beautiful panoramic views.
- Street 1 Café – Situated in Kohsar Market, F-6, this cosy café is known for its international cuisine, including Italian, continental, and fusion options.
- Savour Foods – A popular spot in the Blue Area for affordable and tasty Pakistani food, especially its famous pulao.
- Dera Pakhtoon – Located in Saidpur Village, Dera Pakhtoon offers authentic Pakistani and Afghani cuisine in a rustic setting close to Faisal Mosque.
These restaurants offer a mix of traditional and international flavours, along with a scenic experience close to Islamabad’s famous landmark.
Faisal mosque prayer timings
Faisal Mosque’s prayer timings typically follow the schedule for prayers in Islamabad, but they may vary slightly depending on the time of year and local moon sightings. The mosque generally follows these timings:
- Fajr (pre-dawn prayer): Around 5:00 AM (timing varies with sunrise)
- Dhuhr (midday prayer): Around 12:15 PM
- Asr (afternoon prayer): Around 3:45 PM
- Maghrib (sunset prayer): Around 5:45 PM
- Isha (night prayer): Around 7:00 PM
as the timings adjust daily based on the sun’s position and the Islamic calendar.
Faisal mosque Friday prayer time:
All prayers on Friday are according to schedule as usual. However, The Faisal mosque jumma timing is described as follows;
The Faisal masjid jumma time generally takes place around 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, depending on the time of year and local adjustments for daylight. The mosque typically holds two or more Jumu’ah prayer sessions to accommodate large crowds.
Faisal mosque events:
Faisal Mosque hosts various events throughout the year, including religious gatherings, lectures, Nikah ceremonies, and community events, especially during Islamic occasions like Ramadan, Eid, and Muharram. The mosque is managed by the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), which oversees its events, maintenance, and bookings.
How to book your events at Faisal mosque:
To book an event at Faisal Mosque, such as a Nikah (marriage) ceremony or a religious gathering, you need to contact the mosque’s administration office, which is managed by the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Nikah booking procedure
- Contact the Administration: Reach out to the mosque’s administration office. This can often be done by calling the IIUI or visiting the mosque’s main office in person.
- Submit Necessary Documents: For events like a Nikah, you may need to provide identification documents, such as CNICs of the bride and groom, and any required forms for religious ceremonies.
- Confirm Date and Availability: Check the mosque’s availability on your preferred date, as certain times of year (like Ramadan) are busier.
- Pay Any Required Fees: Some bookings, such as for Nikah ceremonies, may require no fee.
- Coordinate with Mosque Staff: For larger events, coordinate any special requirements, such as seating or audio arrangements, and directly contact the mosque’s staff.
Phone: +92 51 926 1761-5
Visitors annually:
Faisal Mosque in Islamabad attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of the most visited mosques in Pakistan. Each year, around three to four million people visit Faisal Mosque, including tourists, worshippers, and students.
A visit to Faisal Mosque offers a chance to explore its unique architecture and serene ambience at the foot of the scenic Margalla Hills. As a cultural and religious landmark, the mosque draws people from all over the world who come to admire its modern design and significance as a symbol of Islamic heritage in Pakistan.
Fun facts about Faisal mosque
Faisal Mosque is one of the most famous masjid in Pakistan and is renowned for its unique architectural design and grandeur. Often referred to as Pakistan famous mosque, it symbolizes both Islamic heritage and contemporary architectural innovation. Moreover, This biggest masjid in Pakistan represents a significant landmark and a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Faisal Masjid is an iconic structure located in Islamabad and a popular subject for essays and travel writings. For anyone seeking Faisal Masjid information in English, it’s known as the largest mosque in Pakistan and a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. Furthermore, A short essay on the Faisal Masjid would describe its unique design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, which resembles a Bedouin tent and omits traditional domes.