Symbolizing the strong ties between the two countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will soon construct a grand mosque named after King Salman bin Abdul Aziz at the new campus of the International Islamic University (IIU) in Islamabad, according to the reports published by local and international media outlets.
Here’s what we know about the mosque so far.
King Salman Mosque – A Magnificent Addition to the Green City of Islamabad
SAUDI ARABIA TO ENDOW KING SALMAN BIN ABDUL AZIZ GRAND MOSQUE TO #IIUhttps://t.co/dmIJ2F0in6 pic.twitter.com/EhTO2LBVTJ
— IIUI (@IIUI_OFFICIAL) May 1, 2021
The majestic King Salman mosque will be a part of a large complex comprising research and cultural centre, a museum, and an auditorium named after Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for conferences. The foundation of the mosque is expected to be laid down later this year.
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has decided to lay the foundation of the King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Mosque within this year, with a capacity of 12,000 worshippers at the new campus of the International Islamic University,” International Islamic University rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai told Arab News. “This is not just going to be a mosque but will have a huge complex with a research and cultural centre for scholars and students.”
The inner halls of the mosque will have enough space to accommodate as many as 4,000 male and 2,000 female worshippers, whereas the outer yard will have the capacity for additional 6,000 people.
It is also worth mentioning the new campus of International Islamic University is situated in Sector H-12 of Islamabad, covering an area of 704 acres.
“The research centre will focus on the Arabic language, Islamic culture and heritage. The centre will be equipped with digital technology to provide online Arabic courses from Islamabad to the whole world,” Dr Yasinzai continued.
The university official also said Saudi Arabia will further contribute to the King Salman Mosque by sending 15 professors from the top universities in the country to teach Arabic language, Shariah law and other Islamic disciplines to students in Pakistan. Not only that, but other Muslim countries will also make intellectual contributions to the new centre.
Moreover, the kingdom has also announced 250 fully-funded scholarships for qualified and deserving students.
The design of the new mosque will be an outstanding representation of Islamic architecture and art. Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, President International Islamic University Islamabad Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi said the concept of the proposed model was inspired by a verse from the Holy Quran.
This is not the first time a Saudi king has gifted a grand mosque to Pakistan.
In 1966, late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia made a historic visit to the country and showed interest in constructing a mosque in Islamabad. The foundation of the magnificent tent-shaped Faisal Mosque was laid by King Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud in October 1976 against the lush green backdrop of Margalla Hills following the tragic assassination of his predecessor.
The construction of the postcard-worthy landmark was finally completed in 1986 while the first prayer congregation at Faisal Mosque was held on June 18, 1988.
Earlier this year, the iconic landmark designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay was ranked among the top 50 beautiful buildings in the world. It also enjoys the status of being the largest mosque in Pakistan and the fourth largest mosque in the world.
Owing to its mesmerizing beauty and exceptional architecture, Faisal Mosque is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Islamabad. Now, the up-and-coming King Salman Mosque is also expected to draw a large number of worshippers, students, scholars and visitors.
“This grand mosque will have the capacity to accommodate 10,000 men and 2,000 women,” Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Adviser on Religious Harmony Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi told Arab News. “It will be yet another monument of the Saudi-Pak friendship and lead to better progress in the bilateral relations of the two countries,” he added while thanking the Saudi government for this extraordinary gift.
To learn more about the construction and design of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Mosque in Islamabad, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the leading real estate and lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
In the meantime, you can check out our comprehensive guide on the largest mosques in Pakistan, explore the glorious Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore, and learn all about the historic Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta.
Please note that this blog will be updated as more information is released, so make sure to check back frequently.
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