Pakistan Opens World's 7th Largest Mosque
“The mosque will become a symbol of Pakistan across the Muslim World,” Bahria Town chairman Malik Riaz told the Express Tribune on Thursday, October 9.
Inaugurated earlier this week by the former president Asif Ali Zardari, Bahria Town Grand Jamia Masjid welcomed worshippers on the first day of `Eid Al-Adha.
The Grand Jamia Masjid, which has a total capacity of 70,000, accommodates 25,000 worshippers at its main hall.
With 21 domes and four 165 feet high minarets, the mosque was acknowledged as the world's seventh largest mosque and the largest in Pakistan.
Designed by Nayyar Ali Dada, it has a marbled floor and decorated with tailor-made chandeliers and its ornate halls have been beautified with 4,000,000 mosaic tiles.
The second floor of the mosque that follows the traditional Mughal architecture has been dedicated to women.
“I am very glad there is a space reserved for women at the mosque. I plan on visiting often,” said Sana Javed, a student.
An Islamic art gallery and a religious school that are located in the basement of the mosque will be opened within few months.
Bahria residents have cheered the new grand mosque that will offer a place for thousands of worshippers who suffer from the small sizes of mosque in the town.
Pakistan, home of 180 million people, is a Sunni majority country with 85 percent Sunnis.
Shiites make up 10 percent of the total population.
A recent survey by Gallop Pakistan, one of most prestigious survey firms in the country, showed that about 71% of Pakistanis trust scholars against only 29% who consider secular politicians more trustworthy.
Source: On Islam
