Description:
A mosque is an Islamic holy place. Masjid is an Arabic word whose lexical Bengali meaning is 'place of prostration'. Muslims come to the mosque and offer their daily prayers to seek the pleasure of God. There are many Muslim countries in the world and these countries have some historic mosques. Our Bangladesh is also an independent country and we also have some historical mosques among which Baitul Mukarram Mosque is one of them, it is also our national mosque.
Location:
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque is located in Paltan, the heart of the capital Dhaka. It is a famous mosque so one can easily come to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque from anywhere in Dhaka.
History:
The mosque was designed by architect Abdul Hussain M. Thariyani. In 1959, the then owner of Bawani Jute Mills, Haji Abdul Latif Bawani, proposed the construction of a large mosque in Dhaka to the then military administrator of East Pakistan, Major General Umrao Khan. Umrao Khan agreed to help build this mosque. In the same year 'Baitul Mukarram Masjid Committee' was established and 8.30 acres of land was selected between New Dhaka and Old Dhaka. At that time there was a huge pond at the present site of the mosque. It was known as 'Paltan Pond'. The pond was filled and on 27 January 1960 the then President of Pakistan Ayub Khan started the work. Prayers were held for the first time on Friday, January 1963.
The plan included areas for shops, offices, libraries and parking within the complex. Although for Muslims the dome carries the tradition of the mosque, this architecture does not maintain that tradition. A domeless mosque on the roof of its main prayer space was certainly a unique experiment. The mosque was built when the country was part of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The mosque was expanded in 2008 with a grant from the Saudi government.
Attractions:
Architecture:
The mosque simultaneously has several modern architectural features while preserving the traditional principles of Mughal architecture that dominated the Indian subcontinent for some time. Baitul Mukarram is a large cube modeled after Mecca Sharif in Arabia. It is a remarkable formation in Bangladesh. It is not similar to any other mosque in Bangladesh.
Interior decoration:
The Baitul Mukarram Mosque has two open courtyards. Which helps to let in enough light and air when praying at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The prayer space is rectangular instead of semi-circular. The mihrab of the main prayer room is rectangular in shape surrounded by balconies on three sides, with an area of 2463.51 square meters. Excessive ornamentation has been avoided throughout the mosque. Excessive ornamentation is avoided throughout the mosque, since reduced ornamentation is characteristic of modern architecture.
What To Do:
Mosque building:
Baitul Mukarram Mosque has 8 floors. On the ground floor there is a market and a large market. Prayers are offered on every floor from the second floor to the sixth floor. At present, a total of 40,000 Muslims can pray together in the main mosque and the north, south and east Sahan. Inside the mosque there is a separate prayer room and library for women with ablution facilities. 1st floor area is 26,517 sq.ft, 2nd floor area is 10,660 sq.ft, 3rd floor area is 10,723 sq.ft, 4th floor area is 7370 sq.ft, 5th floor area is 6,925 sq.ft and 6th floor area is 7438 sq.ft. An additional 39,899 square feet of prayer space is offered during Jumma and Eid. Women have a 6,382 square feet prayer space, located on the north side of the mosque's three floors. 6,425 square feet is used for men's washrooms. 880 sq. ft. used for women's lavatory. The entrance to the mosque is 99 feet above the road.
Why go to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque:
It is a religious place. The heart of Muslims is the mosque. Also non-Muslims or followers of other religions can also visit this place. Its architecture will soothe any tourist's mind.
Conclusion:
Every Friday, many people come from far and wide to offer Friday prayers in this mosque. Around 40000 people can perform Namaz at this mosque. Many local and foreign tourists come to visit Baitul Mukarram National Mosque every day. All in all Baitul Mukarram National Mosque is an extraordinary place.
