World | Pakistan
Islamabad's gigantic icon
As you enter Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, the first visible landmark, which can be seen from around the city is Shah Faisal Mosque, named after the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
- By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 December 9, 2006
- The King Faisal mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan named after the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
- Image Credit: Asghar Khan/Gulf News
Islamabad: As you enter Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, the first visible landmark, which can be seen from around the city is Shah Faisal Mosque, named after the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
Once in the city, it is difficult to resist visiting this most important landmark deemed the largest mosque in the subcontinent and also called the National Mosque of Pakistan. More than 100,000 people can offer prayers here.
It was an awe-inspiring view as we approached the mosque from Faisal Avenue also named after the late King Faisal. It has been a favourite visiting spot for the world's leading personalities and dignitaries during their visits to Islamabad.
While school students go on educational trips to this mosque, families and newly married couples also make it a point to visit this mosque and offer prayers. Of course, foreign visitors also include it in their tour itineraries.
Parking is free near the mosque but you have to pay for your shoes which you leave at the entrance gates of the mosque.
As you approach the main building of the mosque built in the backdrop of Islamabad's famous Margalla Hills, you come across a number of photographers who offer to take your picture or make a video of your tour of the mosque. You can consult them in case you forget to take your camera along.
You can also visit a small mausoleum of the late President of Pakistan General Zia-ul-Haq, which is located in the lush green lawns right outside the mosque.
I could not believe my eyes when I saw the grand size of the mosque. It was gigantic. But, it was not well-maintained. The granite floor of the huge courtyard of the mosque was fading and probably needs to be replaced to keep up with the grandeur of the mosque.
Although there was a bookshop and some bookstalls on the ground floor of the mosque, there was no information available related to the mosque.
"Sorry, we have not received any pamphlets or brochures for many years," replied a salesman at the bookshop when asked about any material about the mosque.
Also, there was no guide to give you a tour of the mosque. You are on your own unless you have hired the services of a tour operator. But even then, it is worth a trip. It is advisable to surf the internet to get to know about the mosque.
While visiting the mosque, you should be properly dressed. No shorts or sleeveless shirts. For women, it is advisable to wear full dress and cover the head with a scarf. Taking pictures is not prohibited but avoid taking pictures during prayers.
Faisal Mosque was designed by renowned Turkish architect Vedat Daloskay and funded by the late King Faisal. The design was selected after an international competition was organised in 1969.
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