Faisal Mosque

About this place

Faisal Mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan in Islamabad, at the foot of the Margalla Hills, and the sixth-largest mosque in the world. It is named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Its design breaks with the traditional mosque form, as it has no dome but eight concrete sides that recall a Bedouin tent, and it can be seen from much of the capital. It was designed by the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, and building began in 1976 with a $28 million grant from King Faisal, with the mosque established in 1986. Its capacity is given as 300,000 worshippers. Its four minarets stand 90 m tall and look like slim sharp pencils against the green hills. From afar you see the white building with the hills behind it, then reach a broad marble courtyard before the hall and its sloping roof. The place is at its most magical at and after sunset, when the minarets are lit. This is a place of worship, so keep quiet and avoid prayer times if you are only visiting. It is about 5 km in a straight line from the Pakistan Monument and easy to reach by taxi. Dress modestly, women should cover their hair, and take off your shoes before the courtyard. Entry to the hall itself may be limited for non-Muslims.