Faisal Mosque
Faisal Mosque
4.5
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Faisal Mosque is the mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. Located on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Islamabad, the mosque features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shell and is inspired by a Bedouin tent.
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- Hedia AUnited Kingdom954 contributionsThe Faisal Mosque worth visitingThe Faisal Mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan, located in the capital city, Islamabad. It is the fifth-largest mosque in the world, the largest ...located in the national capital city of Islamabad. Completed in 1986, it was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, shaped like a desert Bedouin's tent, is an iconic symbol of Islamabad throughout the world.Most of its cost (pegged at about US$120 million today) was a gift from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.the capacity is 300.000 worshipers , ranked as 6th in the world . The history of this iconic building dates back to 1966 when the late King Faisal made a historic visit to Pakistan and showed interest in building a mosque in the green city of Islamabad. Nearly three years later, in 1969, an international competition was held to choose the design of the mosque. Faisal Mosque was conceived as a symbol of friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, named in honor of the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported the project both financially and morally.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 April 2024
- Frances BYorkshire, United Kingdom2,694 contributionsBeautiful design and settingI was really keen to visit Faisal Mosque and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Being non Muslim I was unable to see its interior but the exterior is still a sight to behold. The location where the mosque sits is beautiful. It has the backdrop of the rolling hills and plenty of trees and gardens encompassing it. Its image is iconic and striking. It is very modern in design and sits perfectly in its surroundings. I caught a taxi there. It is located in the F9 sector and not too far from Centaur Mall. I really enjoyed strolling around the mosque gardens. There were lots of people also enjoying the day and plenty of stall holders selling drinks, ice creams and games to play. The atmosphere felt vibrant and friendly. There are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities given to you by the mosque. Once I had walked around it and spent time just admiring it I chose to walk back to my hotel. The walk took me past some of the embassies in Islamabad and through small areas of parkland. It was very enjoyable. The mosque looks beautiful at any time of the day but I also wanted to see it at night lit up. My return visit at night was a little disappointing because the minarets of the mosque weren’t lit. It still looked amazing though.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 June 2024
- Alex L4 contributionsMy experince and things to do when travellingFaisal Mosque – A Must-Visit in Islamabad I recently visited Faisal Mosque, and it was an experience like no other. The first thing that struck me was its unique architecture—not the traditional domed structure, but a modern, tent-like design that blends beautifully with the Margalla Hills in the background. As I walked through the massive courtyard, I felt a sense of calm and serenity. The interiors were equally impressive, with stunning calligraphy and a peaceful atmosphere. The mosque is huge, and it’s incredible to think it can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers at a time. One challenge I faced was capturing the beauty of the place without worrying about storage space on my phone. Luckily, I had TeraBoxTeraBox PRO APk installed, so I could instantly back up all my photos and videos without deleting anything. Having 1TB of free cloud storage was a lifesaver! If you're ever in Islamabad, Faisal Mosque is a must-visit. Whether you're there for prayers, photography, or simply to admire its beauty, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.Visited January 2025Travelled soloWritten 30 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Ayesha M
Birmingham, UK92 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
Went to visit Faisal Mosque for the first time with my family. The weather was hot which meant as we entered the mosque and took our shoes off the heat really got to our feet! The mosque itself is very beautiful and spacious. As it was my first and last time seeing this mosque i wanted to see the inside which is locked so you can't go in except prayer times. Parking is hard to find. Lovely scenery of the hills from the outside.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherpa20502718244
Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan1 contribution
May 2022
I love Faisal Mosque. Its a great mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. The mosque is located at the intersection of Jinnah Avenue and Faisal Avenue in the Blue Area of the city. It is an excellent example of modern Islamic architecture built with white marble from Makrana, Rajasthan, which gives it its characteristic color. It was built by the government of Pakistan over a period of four years (1974-1978) at a cost of $55 million, with funding provided by King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia as a gift to Pakistanis on their independence day. The mosque was named after King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud in recognition of his contribution to this project.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Syeda Romana Khalid
Dubai, United Arab Emirates484 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Faisal Mosque is an iconic and breathtaking structure located in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, and its unique architecture and design have made it a major landmark in the city.
The mosque was completed in 1986, and its construction was funded by the Saudi Arabian government as a gift to the Pakistani people. It is named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz, who was instrumental in providing the funds for its construction.
The mosque's design is a fusion of modern and traditional Islamic architectural styles. The main prayer hall is covered by a large white dome that is surrounded by four minarets. The mosque's design is reminiscent of a Bedouin tent, and the interior of the mosque is adorned with beautiful calligraphy and intricate geometric designs.
One of the most striking features of the mosque is its location. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Islamabad, and its white marble facade is visible from many parts of the city. The mosque's spacious courtyard can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosques in the world.
Visitors to Faisal Mosque can expect a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and there are separate areas for men and women to pray. The mosque's staff is welcoming and helpful, and they provide visitors with information about the mosque's history and significance.
Overall, Faisal Mosque is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Islamabad. Its unique architecture and stunning location make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Whether you are a Muslim or not, a visit to Faisal Mosque is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that you will never forget.
The mosque was completed in 1986, and its construction was funded by the Saudi Arabian government as a gift to the Pakistani people. It is named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz, who was instrumental in providing the funds for its construction.
The mosque's design is a fusion of modern and traditional Islamic architectural styles. The main prayer hall is covered by a large white dome that is surrounded by four minarets. The mosque's design is reminiscent of a Bedouin tent, and the interior of the mosque is adorned with beautiful calligraphy and intricate geometric designs.
One of the most striking features of the mosque is its location. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Islamabad, and its white marble facade is visible from many parts of the city. The mosque's spacious courtyard can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosques in the world.
Visitors to Faisal Mosque can expect a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and there are separate areas for men and women to pray. The mosque's staff is welcoming and helpful, and they provide visitors with information about the mosque's history and significance.
Overall, Faisal Mosque is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Islamabad. Its unique architecture and stunning location make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Whether you are a Muslim or not, a visit to Faisal Mosque is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that you will never forget.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
les aventures de i
Rawalpindi, Pakistan5 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
A most to do do. The most is so beautiful outside and inside. Be aware that you cannot enter with pack bag inside if the mosque. I recommend you to go to the sunrise time or in evening after the sunset for the best pictures ;) please wear descent clothes .
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PakistanGuidedTours
Lahore, Pakistan597 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
A major tourist attraction in Pakistan, the mosque is a contemporary and influential piece of Islamic architecture. It is beautiful mosque in Islamabad, which was built by the funding of Saudi Government. King Faisal gave a big donation to build this beautiful mosque under the foot Hills of Margalla. It looks like a bedouin tent in the desert. It is a mosque without any dome. The name of this mosque is on the name of former/Ex- King of Saudi Arabia Shah Faisal.
The impetus for the mosque began in 1966 when King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz supported the initiative of the Pakistani Government to build a national mosque in Islamabad during an official visit to Pakistan. In 1969, an international competition was held in which architects from 17 countries submitted 43 proposals. The total cost of construction was USD$120 million. The winner architect was a Turkish Vedat Dalokay, it was started in 1976 & completed in 10 years & established in 1986. It is a worthseeing mosque. Main hall is very beautiful that is mostly opened during the prayer time.
The impetus for the mosque began in 1966 when King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz supported the initiative of the Pakistani Government to build a national mosque in Islamabad during an official visit to Pakistan. In 1969, an international competition was held in which architects from 17 countries submitted 43 proposals. The total cost of construction was USD$120 million. The winner architect was a Turkish Vedat Dalokay, it was started in 1976 & completed in 10 years & established in 1986. It is a worthseeing mosque. Main hall is very beautiful that is mostly opened during the prayer time.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trituty
Singapore, Singapore157 contributions
Oct 2019
This gigantic mosque was a gift from the Saudi King, but as you enter it, it becomes much less impressive. The main hall only opens up at the designated prayer times for the congregational prayer, closed to visitors at all other times. As a woman, the only area that you can come to pray is outside the main hall, it was not even covered. Please bring your own prayer garb if you intend to pray here outside of the jemaah timing. During the jemaah timing, ladies can head up (past the secuirty guard at the staircase) to the second floor of the main prayer hall.
Also, the toilets and ablution area were not as well maintained as i hoped it would be. There was a cleaner on duty, but she seems to struggle with the human traffic coming in and out and people wetting the floor with water on purpose. There are a few shared slippers for entry into the toilets but they are pretty ew.
Also, we were stopped from using our DSLR, even though we did not take it to the main prayer hall and were standing outside in the courtyard and taking some time lapse. So be wary when carrying your camera, you might just be unlucky enough to get stopped.
Also, the toilets and ablution area were not as well maintained as i hoped it would be. There was a cleaner on duty, but she seems to struggle with the human traffic coming in and out and people wetting the floor with water on purpose. There are a few shared slippers for entry into the toilets but they are pretty ew.
Also, we were stopped from using our DSLR, even though we did not take it to the main prayer hall and were standing outside in the courtyard and taking some time lapse. So be wary when carrying your camera, you might just be unlucky enough to get stopped.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben B
Islamabad, Pakistan144 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Go out of respect for your host country and respect the site when you are there.
It is a beautiful place to catch the sunrise ( and the sunset, too, I would assume). The sheer size of the place will awe you.
We weren’t able to go inside because the doors were locked. We did wear appropriate head and body coverings just in case. We aren’t quite sure why the place was locked. Maybe it just open during some or all prayer times or the times are just restricted due to COVID. Even our wonderful Google Translate and local couldn’t help us figure out why. Still, it’s worth taking off your shoes at the entrance (10 rupees each to keep them safe) and walking the immense property.
NOTE: If you go early in the morning, don’t be put off by the trash on the grounds near the parking lot. It’s from the free meals served to the poor and then it’s further exacerbated by the crows and rhesus monkeys that scavenge overnight and add to the mess.
TIP: if you’re a history buff, grab an online or in-person guide. You’ll have lots of questions that aren’t answered by signage.
TIP: if your kids need a place to run, the main grassy area by the parking lot would be excellent. Out of respect for the place of worship, while the wide, expansive, flat areas of the mosque itself might look tempting for running and climbing, please observe the signs asking for quiet behavior.
Good for a “went to Islamabad, saw the Big mosque” experience.
It is a beautiful place to catch the sunrise ( and the sunset, too, I would assume). The sheer size of the place will awe you.
We weren’t able to go inside because the doors were locked. We did wear appropriate head and body coverings just in case. We aren’t quite sure why the place was locked. Maybe it just open during some or all prayer times or the times are just restricted due to COVID. Even our wonderful Google Translate and local couldn’t help us figure out why. Still, it’s worth taking off your shoes at the entrance (10 rupees each to keep them safe) and walking the immense property.
NOTE: If you go early in the morning, don’t be put off by the trash on the grounds near the parking lot. It’s from the free meals served to the poor and then it’s further exacerbated by the crows and rhesus monkeys that scavenge overnight and add to the mess.
TIP: if you’re a history buff, grab an online or in-person guide. You’ll have lots of questions that aren’t answered by signage.
TIP: if your kids need a place to run, the main grassy area by the parking lot would be excellent. Out of respect for the place of worship, while the wide, expansive, flat areas of the mosque itself might look tempting for running and climbing, please observe the signs asking for quiet behavior.
Good for a “went to Islamabad, saw the Big mosque” experience.
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert
11 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Islamabad, is the capital & modern city of Pakistan, no doubt it is very beautiful city and a well planned city. There are many worthseeing places like Saidpur village, Shah Allan Ditta Caves/Buddha caves, Rawal lake, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, Lok virsa museum, Natural history museum, National Faisal Mosque, Damn-e-koh, Monal, Administrative buildings like Presidential house, Prime Minister house, Parliament house, Supreme Court of Pakistan's building, many beautiful parks are all worth seeing plus shopping malls, markets and food points. Maqbool is just like a hand book of Pakistan. Highly recommended!
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B Q
Birmingham, UK98 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
A house of God is supposed to be a safe, hygienic and peaceful place. This masjid was far from any of those things. From a distant, the masjid was magnificent, but the happy moment of our group visit soon wore off as soon as you enter.
Firstly, the entrance of the masjid are filled with people selling, begging, and people shouting unnecessary and inappropriate comments. None of the management challenged this.
People come to the masjid to pray and should not be clutching onto their children and their belongings, in fear. Why aren’t the management of this masjid not doing more to make this place more secure?
The areas of wudhu and salah were appallingly filthy. The carpets were so dirty we could actually see the dirt in the carpet. Our salah definitely wasn’t accepted. Salah requires a clean place to worship.
We were discreetly allowed to visit the inside of the mosque which was absolutely lovely.
It was just so disappointing that the mosque isn’t managed well by the people with responsibility.
Firstly, the entrance of the masjid are filled with people selling, begging, and people shouting unnecessary and inappropriate comments. None of the management challenged this.
People come to the masjid to pray and should not be clutching onto their children and their belongings, in fear. Why aren’t the management of this masjid not doing more to make this place more secure?
The areas of wudhu and salah were appallingly filthy. The carpets were so dirty we could actually see the dirt in the carpet. Our salah definitely wasn’t accepted. Salah requires a clean place to worship.
We were discreetly allowed to visit the inside of the mosque which was absolutely lovely.
It was just so disappointing that the mosque isn’t managed well by the people with responsibility.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Londonister
London, UK112 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
One of the top tourist places to visit in Islamabad. We visited just as it started to pour down with heavy rain. Which made for a rather wet and slippery walk around the mosque. It is the 5th largest mosque in the world. Unfortunately we couldn’t enter the mosque as it was prayer time, so could only see the exterior and look through the doors.
There is a small shop selling souvenirs, gifts etc. Lots of steps up to the mosque which maybe an issue for those with buggies or accessibility issues, there might be a lift.
There is a small shop selling souvenirs, gifts etc. Lots of steps up to the mosque which maybe an issue for those with buggies or accessibility issues, there might be a lift.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Assalamu alikum, How to apply for azan in faisal masjid? Its my dream, i am having 6
years of experience in teaching recitation for the holy Quran in Maqamat ul Sauwtiyyah wal Quraniyyah, but never got the chance for Azan in faisal mosque.
Written 20 August 2024
و عليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
Just trying reaching out for the management committee and business least who deals with various matters. I know they have a dedicated person for Azan and very particular about the voice quality and arabic accent .
Not sure if you are arabic speaking or asian , but try .
May Allah grant you this opportunity to call for prayers there ameen .
Written 14 September 2024
Nikah procedure is basically free, but you may voluntarily donate some gift.
Written 19 September 2022
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