Cascading domes, thin minarets, and intricate art are just some of the features that make Masjids such outstanding structures. With the spread of Islam, Masjids have also evolved and with the fusion of architectural styles from different cultures, the effects of globalization are evident.
Masjids around the world have a rich history and are central to the Islamic faith. Although Masjids are a place where praising (namazi) can gather to pray, they are also highly regarded for their elaborate architecture.
Famous for their structures, architecture and history, we see some of the most beautiful Masjids in Pakistan.
Pakistan has some of the most impressive, largest and most beautiful Masjids in the world. Tourists from all over the world visit Pakistan to study the beauty and art that explains the historical significance of each Masjid.
List of Most Beautiful and Famous Masjids in Pakistan
- Faisal Masjid
- Badshahi Masjid
- Tooba Masjid
- Wazir Khan Masjid
- Mahabat Khan Masjid
- Shah Jahan Masjid
- Grand Jamia Masjid
- Moti Masjid
Faisal Masjid
Designed by a Turkish architect, Faisal Masjid is shaped like a Bedouin tent in the desert and is an iconic symbol in the capital. A piece of contemporary and influential Islamic architecture that can accommodate more than 300,000 praisers (namazi) in its arcades, courtyard and adjacent grounds.
The architectural nod of the Masjid is positioned towards the Kaaba. Unlike the traditional Masjid design, it does not have a dome, the minaret is based on the traditional Turkish design, slender and pencil-shaped. If you are traveling and looking for accommodation in Islamabad, there are some surprises, but affordable Islamabad hotels and the best guesthouses in Islamabad.
Badshahi Masjid
An impressive building located in the heart of West Lahore which has been one of the most visited places in Lahore. It is visited by many celebrities and public figures, including the Princess of Wales, Diana and most recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
It represents the grandeur of the Mughal era. It was built by the 6th Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and completed in 1673. The art in the arches, stucco tracery and intricate frescoes, adorned with red sandstone and marble inlays are all that makes it so fascinating.
With an elaborate courtyard and red brick structure, it was Pakistan’s first largest Masjid until the Faisal Masjid took its title. The courtyard of the Masjid has a capacity of 100,000 Praisers (namazi). Being in the ideal Allama Iqbal park with other historical monuments has made it a top and most popular tourist attraction in Lahore.
Tooba Masjid
Single dome Masjid located in the Korangi area of Karachi, also known as Gol Masjid.
Its distinctive architecture built with pure white marble was designed by Pakistani Architect Dr. Babar Hamid Chauhan and engineering services were performed by Zaheer Haider Naqvi.
The Masjid’s main prayer hall can accommodate up to 5,000 Praisers (namazi) . This one of the most attractive Masjids in Pakistan is located in Karachi, Sindh province. It was built in 1969 and is the 18th largest Masjid in the world.
Wazir Khan Masjid
Located in Lahore, Wazir Khan is famous for its extensive tile work. It is described as “a mole on the cheek in Lahore”. It is one of the most visited historical places in Pakistan.
It was built during the seven-year reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, commissioned by the Mughal governor of Lahore called Shaikh Ilum Uddin Ansari, commonly known as Wazir Khan. Construction began in 1634 and was completed in 1635. As it is located in the abbey in the center of Lahore, it can easily be reached through the Delhi Gate.
The Masjid’s distinctive onion-shaped domes and mosaic-covered minarets, made up of brightly colored tiles, represent his true art. It is not just a place of Praising (namaz), it is more than art engraved with beautiful calligraphic verses from the Holy Quran and Persian poetry with floral designs.
Shah Jahan Masjid
As the name implies, built during the reign of Mughal King Shah Jahan. It is known that the Masjid was gifited to the villagers for their hospitality during their royal visit.
The design was influenced by the Timurid architectural styles of Central Asia, from which Sindh’s previous rulers, the Tarkhans, had hailed before the region was annexed by the Mughals in 1592.
Located in the provincial town of Thatta, 60 miles from Karachi, Sindh province.
Famous for its 100 domes and the only Masjid in the world to have many domes, they are made of red bricks, each decorated with a mosaic of radiant blue and white tiles; It is known for a notable echo which means that the prayer can be heard from anywhere in the building.
It has been included in the tentative UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993. Construction of the Masjid was completed in 1647.
Grand Jamia Masjid
The next famous Masjid on our list is the Grand Jamia Masjid, which is located in the Bahria city of Lahore, and is among the largest in the world. A beautiful and striking piece of traditional yet modern architecture and design. Lahore has some of the best architects in Pakistan.
The Masjid is a very recent addition to the city and can accommodate at least 70,000 Praisers (namazi). It is the third largest Masjid in Pakistan and the seventh largest in the world.
A stunning addition to the Lahore skyline, the impressive structure of which was designed by Nayyar Ali Dada in 2014. The interior design of the Masjid is covered with over four million hand-made Multan tiles. What adds to its great beauty is that it is decorated with bespoke Turkish rugs and 50 chandeliers imported from Iran. To top it off, it also has an Islamic heritage museum with rare Quranic collections, an Islamic library and an Islamic art gallery.
The cost of this mega Masjid was about 40 million dollars and can host a total of 95 thousand faithful. It was inaugurated on 6 October 2014 on Eid-ul-Adha day.
Moti Masjid
The pearl of Lahore. The most fascinating thing about the masjid is that it has many associated stories, myths and mysteries. This small Masjid is known for having spirits and ghosts. The Masjid was also built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1645.
It is called Moti Masjid or Pearl Masjid due to its pearl white color and small size. Shah Jahan built three Moti Masjids, the first in Lahore, the second in the Agra Fort in 1654 and the third in the Red Fort of Delhi in 1662. All these Masjids are called Moti Masjid.
Over time, through globalization and the advent of Islam, the world has seen an evolution in the architectural styles of Masjids blending different cultures.
These are some of the best options from our side that you must visit once you are in Pakistan. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Keep yourself updated, follow Landster Blogs – the best property blog in Pakistan, to stay up-to-date about the latest real estate, construction and lifestyle trends in the country
