Rawalpindi: Sheikh Sajid Mahmoud, a Pakistani entrepreneur in the late 50s, gets sunshine in the winter after offering a dour prayer at a mosque in the city of Rawalpindi. The quiet charm of a place of worship – spiritual and cultural beacons – attracts thousands of people, such as Mahmoud, especially during Ramadan.
Surrounded by busy markets and towering buildings, Markaj Jamia Masjid, or the Central Grand Mosque, is a Pakistani architectural wonder, offering retreats to followers, as well as captivating visitors with its vibrant frescoes and intricate designs, giving you a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of Lowinpi.
The foundation of the mosque was laid by Amanura Khan in 1896. Amanula Khan later became king of Afghanistan and, along with Pia Mehar Ali Shah of Gorla Sharif of Islamabad, became king of Afghanistan. Since its completion, the mosque has been a central location for Muslim worship in the city, and its numbers have increased in Ramadan.
“I come from a second generation (of believers who pray here). I am almost 60 now. (We) pray here gives us a lot of spiritual satisfaction,” Mahmoud told Arab News, explaining how the vastness of the space provides tranquility.
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Surrounded by busy markets and towering buildings, Markaji Jamia Masjid offers a glimpse into Rawalpindi’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
“Watching the sunlight, there are rows of prayer mats laid out in the courtyard. You can still get ideas. A small mosque is trapped on the side.”
Mufti Muhammad Siddiq ul Hasnain Siarbi, who guides prayers at the mosque, shares a “deep connection” with the place.
“This mosque is the largest in the Rawalpindi division and houses up to 7,000 worshipers,” he said. “The arrangements for the prayer of Tarawee (late night) during Ramadan is excellent, and there is also the grand arrangements of Iftar. Many people will also be doing itikaf (or quarantine in the last 10 days of Ramadan) here.”
The beauty of the architectural beauty of Markazi Jamia Masjid combines Mughal architecture with local design. The main prayer hall, ruled by three domes and several minarets, reflects the grandeur of traditional Mughal architecture, featuring arches and intricate floral motifs. Local adaptations inspire the mosque with a unique identity that speaks to the legacy of Rawalpindi.
The interior walls are decorated with hand-painted frescoes, some of which have been meticulously restored over the years. The fresco evokes the splendor of Mughal craftsmanship, with its detailed floral patterns and geometric symmetry. Some of the vibrant blues, reds and yellows have faded over time, but they retain their beauty and tell stories of a long period.
The spacious courtyard of the mosque is the heart of the complex where worshippers gather before entering the prayer hall. During Ramadan the places of worship are alive and lively. The open space allows for a comfortable congregation, especially between Iftar and Tarawi, and provides a welcoming environment for all.
“There’s more rush here in Ramadan. Open courtyards are comfortable for people,” said Huacas Iqbal, a jeweller who regularly visits the mosque. “Whether it’s summer or winter, it’s not a brink.”
But for Mahmoud, the mosque is a sanctuary of peace.
“The open courtyard and peaceful environment make for a special place to pray for it,” he said, explaining how the vastness of the space offers a sense of tranquility that “often lacks in small mosques.”
Markazi Jamia Masjid of Rawalpindi is not just a place of worship, but offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the city’s past. Its management, which falls under the division of Aukah and Religious Bureau of Punjab, ensures that the mosque receives maintenance every 10-15 years, and remains in an untouched state for future generations.
“Many prominent characters have prayed at this Grand Mosque, and the Imam of Haram Sharif (the Grand Mosque of Makkah) led the prayer here,” he added that all these factors are special places for the residents of the neighborhood and are an honor for Rawalpindi.
