Pakistan's Faisal Mosque: Fifth-largest mosque in the world

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (RECENT, OCTOBER: Faisal Mosque is the largest place of worship in Pakistan which offers a unique atmosphere to the community. Anadolu Agency Video News videoed Faisal Mosque on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Islamabad, and interview with mosque imam Mohammed Nouman and visitor Abdurrahman Khan. The mosque stands out for offering a peaceful sanctuary away from the city, catering to individuals seeking calm environment, families looking to spend quality time together, book enthusiasts, and students looking for a quiet place to study. The mosque enriches the overall experience of its visitors by offering a wide range of facilities such as a library, conference hall, gift shop, museum and cafe. With its large courtyard, lush green garden and recreational areas, Faisal Mosque also serves as a social meeting space for the people. It is possible to see people having picnics with their families, going for a walk or resting in the courtyard or around the mosque every day. According to Imam Mohammed Nouman Faisal Mosque can host more than 100 thousand people with its inner and outer space for praying. The construction of the Faisal Mosque which took 10 years, started in 1976 after a $28 million grant from Saudi King Faisal, whose name the mosque bears. The iconic structure has a design that differs from classical Islamic architecture designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, and it is one of the largest mosques in the world, which has become a symbol of both the capital and the country. It is also the largest within South Asia. The mosque, is decorated with four minarets inspired by Turkish architecture, covers an area of 130 thousand square metres. (Footage by Muhammet Nazım Taşcı/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)