Greetings Steemians!
I hope you're all doing well and staying blessed. Today, I want to share a deeply meaningful experience with you—a visit I recently made to the magnificent Faisal Masjid, located in the peaceful capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad. Alongside this reflection, I’ve taken some pictures to capture its grace, which I hope will speak louder than my words.
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” — Aldous Huxley
But I believe, to visit a place of worship is to discover something deep inside ourselves—something universal that speaks to every soul.
Faisal Masjid is not only the biggest mosque in Pakistan, but also one of the most recognized objects in the Islamic world. This mosque designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and completed in 1986 is an architect wonder, making itself a mixture of modern setting and religious symbolism.
The shape of Faisal Masjid is not like the typically designed domes; it is more of a Bedouin tent which is proudly located at the base of Margalla Hills. It has dramatic and yet elegant identity because it has at least four tall minarets that pierce the sky. The white marble setting, the sharp angles and geometric aestheticism helps it stand out against the soft background of blue skies and green hills.
Upon arriving at the mosque, it immediately caught my eye through, the silence and serenity associated with the mosque; despite the fact that there were many visitors. The air was pregnant of something--a spiritual stillness that brooded leading to speculation. Children talked in low tones, photographers walked on tip toes and the breeze too was slacker around the Masjid. I felt that the location was talking to me.
As I stepped inside, I was welcomed by a vast prayer hall with no columns in the center. The ceiling soars above, shaped like an inverted desert tent, and sunlight filters through beautifully placed panels. Quranic calligraphy, designed by Sadequain, decorates the walls with intricate elegance.
People were sitting in quiet prayer, some reading the Quran, others simply breathing in the peace. I stood there, frozen in awe. The echo of silence in such a large space was not empty—it was full of faith.
“Places of worship are not built to impress the eyes, but to inspire the soul.” — Taken from The Architecture of Faith by William Thompson.
And truly, Faisal Masjid does both.
Outdoors I moved about the great marble courtyard. Then you have the entire Masjid in sight with the Margalla Hills in the backdrop of it; a complete display of harmony between nature, religion, and man and his imagination. I did make a few shots in various ways and tried to draw its stillness, light and size. Yet all the best photograph can show you is the feeling of being there yourself.
The mosque is not a place to pray only, there is learning, reflecting and understanding of culture. It has a library, lecture hall and even a little museum of those who are interested to learn more about Islamic history and architecture.
As I was seated on the white marble ground and stared at the sunset on the hills, I wondered how this mosque shows that it is not really about religion, but about unity. Construction King Faisal of Saudi Arabia built as a gift, this building is a symbol of relation between nations, the relation between hearts and the bridge between the earth and heaven.
Then I said a little prayer, as I went, not just over myself, but over all people who want peace, love and light in this world.
If you ever visit Islamabad, don’t miss the chance to stand in front of Faisal Masjid. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe—you’ll find something in your heart awaken when you're there.
“We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us.” — Winston Churchill
And truly, Faisal Masjid shaped me—if not my path, then at least my heart for a moment in time.
Thank you for reading. I hope my pictures can give you a glimpse of its silent, sacred beauty.
Regards,
artist1111
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