When you start searching for things to do in Islamabad – or even search ‘Pakistan’ as part of your travel plans; no doubt one of the first images to come up is the iconic and beautiful Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
As soon as I saw the photos I wanted to visit! Islamabad is a great starting point for your travel in Pakistan and it is an easy city to get around and explore. (Plus, it has the added bonus of being very different to Pakistan’s other larger cities of Karachi and Lahore). Visiting the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad must be on your travel list. It is one of those places that really feels like an honour to visit.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
About the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad
Not only is the Faisal Mosque the largest mosque in Pakistan, but it is also the largest in South Asia and the sixth largest mosque in the world in terms of capacity! The mosque can hold close to 300,000 worshipers at one time.
The main prayer hall and inner courtyards can hold approximately 74,000 people, while the mosque grounds have a capacity of almost 200,000 people!
The structure and grounds cover an area of 33 acres (130,000 m2; 1,400,000 sq ft). Historically the Faisal Mosque was the largest mosque in the world. It held the title of the largest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993 when the newly completed Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco overtook it.
Since then, expansions of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia in the 1990s have regulated Pakistan’s Faisal Mosque to sixth place in terms of size.
Construction and history of the Faisal Mosque Islamabad
The Faisal Mosque takes its name from the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported and financed the project. King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz gave a grant of $28 million USD to finance the construction of the mosque as the national mosque of Pakistan.
Construction began in 1976 and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad was completed in 1986. The mosque was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and is designed in a contemporary Arabic style.
- Fact: The mosque design is recognised worldwide as a unique design as it doesn’t feature a dome.
Instead, the mosque is shaped like a Bedouin tent surrounded by four 79m tall minarets. The design features eight-sided shell shaped sloping roofs that form a triangular Prayer Hall.
Can non-Muslims visit the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad?
Yes! It really feels like an honour to visit such a beautiful mosque. Tourists and non-Muslims can visit the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. However, tourists and non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter the main Prayer Hall.
Do you need to buy a ticket to visit the Faisal Mosque?
Faisal Mosque has no tickets or entrance fees.
Faisal Mosque Islamabad opening hours and visiting days
Tourists and non-Muslim visitors are welcome to visit the Faisal Mosque Islamabad, but non-Muslims are requested to avoid prayer times and Fridays.
As far as the visiting days are concerned, the masjid is open all days of the week.
Planning your visit
Here are some tips that will help you make the most of your visit to the Faisal Mosque Islamabad:
- Wear modest clothing: The Faisal Mosque is a religious site, and it is respectful to dress appropriately. Make sure to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
- Women: A head covering is required before entering the mosque.
- Remove your shoes: You are required to remove your shoes before entering the Mosque. Make sure to wear socks or have a pair of clean socks with you.
- Photography: Taking photographs in the main courtyard is fine (as long as you are respectful). Photography is not allowed in the main hall.
- Prayer Hall: Tourists and non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter the main Prayer Hall.
Where to stay in Islamabad
These are places we have stayed in Islamabad and can recommend as a good base for your visit to Pakistan.
- Islamabad: Shelton’s Rezidor Islamabad
A good base for exploring Islamabad with breakfast included. Located in the F-7 Sector neighbourhood in Islamabad.
- Islamabad: Grand Peace House II
A simple accommodation in Islamabad but very close to the best cheese paratha!
Why we recommend you visit Faisal Mosque in Islamabad!
The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is one of the most beautiful and unique mosques in the world! Without doubt it is a must-visit if while in Islamabad.
We hope this guide will be helpful in planning your visit to the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. And if you have any further questions or enjoyed your visit to the Faisal Mosque, let us know in the comments below!
More about travel planning for Pakistan and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. (We love the flexible cancellation policy!).
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more from travel in South Asia
- Taking an overnight train in Pakistan from Islamabad to Karachi.
- How to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: And can you use it at the Wagah Border?
- Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
- Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan.
- Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
- How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
- Our complete packing list for travel in India.