IIU takes control of Faisal Masjid from CDA
Pak Chronicle Report
Islamabad
Getting possession of stated-administrated mosques illegally by some religious group has been a common phenomenon in the past and one would be astonished to note that Faisal Masjid which is icon of Pakistan is being controlled by International Islamic University (IIU).
Revelation into this effect was made by Ministry of Interior in the National Assembly during its ongoing session.
“Capital Development Authority (CDA) is administrative department of Faisal Mosque. International Islamic University has occupied Masjid illegally,” stated Interior Ministry in reply to a question asked by MNA Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali.
The MNA in question hour on Friday had asked from Ministry of Interior to state: the name of administrative department of Faisal Mosque, Islamabad besides asking whether it is a fact that the administrative affairs of Faisal Mosque being carried out under the semi-Government set up; if so, the reasons thereof; and whether there is any code of conduct for the visitors of Faisal Mosque, Islamabad?.
Replying to this query Minister for Interior Ijaz Ahmad Shah stated that there is a serious confusion regarding custodianship of the Masjid had already been brought in the notice of Senate Standing Committee.
He said that Faisal Masjid is being maintained by CDA occupied by International Islamic University (Dawah Academy). So it is under administration of the Federal Government.
According to the Inferior Minister Shah foreign delegate/ visitors are allowed on request of concerned Ministry / Department through Public Relation Directorate, CDA.
However, for the general public there no such code of conduct. They are allowed to enter in to Main Hall of the Masjid during prayer times only.
The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is located on the foothills of Margalla Hill. The Masjid features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shill, inspired by a Bedouin tent design.
The mosque is a major tourist attraction in Pakistan, Islamabad in particular and it is referred as contemporary and influential feature of Islamic Architecture.
According to Wikipedia the construction of the mosque began in 1976 after a $120 million grant from Saudi Arabia’s king Faisal whose name the mosque bears. The unconventional design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay was selected after an international competition. Without a typical dome the mosque is shaped like a Bedouin tent, surrounded by four 260 feet (79 m) tall minarets. The design features eight-sided shell shaped sloping roofs forming a triangular worship hall which can hold 10,000 worshippers.
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