Islamabad, May 16, 1980; Today marks a remarkable day in Pakistan’s religious and cultural history — the day when Faisal Mosque, the spiritual symbol and architectural pride of Islamabad, hosted its very first Friday prayer. This spiritually uplifting moment occurred on 1st Rajab 1400 AH, while the mosque was still under construction, yet the manifestation of unity and faith was complete.

The prayer was led by Sheikh Muhammad Ali Al-Harkan, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League. Among those in attendance were President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, distinguished delegates of the Islamic Foreign Ministers’ Conference, diplomats, and thousands of worshippers.

The idea of Faisal Mosque was born during the 1966 visit of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. In 1969, an international design competition was held, in which Vedat Dalokay, a Turkish architect, presented the winning design. Initially, the unconventional tent-shaped structure—deviating from traditional domes and arches—faced criticism. However, as the mosque began to rise at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, even critics were left in awe.

Construction began in 1976 with generous financial support from the Saudi government, costing approximately 10 million Saudi Riyals (around $12 million USD). The mosque was completed in 1986, and later, the International Islamic University was established within its premises.

Covering 5,000 square meters, Faisal Mosque can accommodate up to 300,000 worshippers at a time. It stands as one of the largest mosques in the Muslim world and the largest in South Asia. Its design is a fusion of modernist aesthetics with traditional Arabic, Turkish, and South Asian architectural elements. The central hall, shaped like a Bedouin tent, is supported by four towering, slender minarets reflecting Turkish influence.

Inside, a magnificent chandelier and the calligraphy of Sadequain, one of Pakistan’s most renowned artists, elevate the spiritual and artistic aura of the mosque. The walls feature intricate mosaics of Quranic verses, beginning with the Kufic script on the western wall.

Perched at the end of Islamabad’s main avenue, nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, Faisal Mosque is not just a place of worship — it is the most iconic symbol of Islamabad. A spiritual, cultural, and architectural landmark, it draws countless worshippers and visitors alike.

The first Friday prayer held on May 16, 1980, at Faisal Mosque represents a historic, spiritual, and national milestone. It commemorates the inauguration of a mosque that has become a beacon of Muslim unity, Islamic identity, and architectural excellence.