Dhaka - The City of Mosques Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is often referred to as the ‘City of Mosques’ due to its vast number of historic and contemporary mosques that can be found throughout its streets and alleys. Among these, the Al Mustafa Mosque in the Vatara area stands out with its unique design and spiritual significance.
Al Mustafa Mosque- A Visual and Spiritual Marvel Situated on Madani Avenue, near the entrance of United University and bordered by Bashundhara Residential Area, Al Mustafa Mosque is unlike any other. One of its most striking features is its resemblance to the Holy Kaaba, with its black exterior and golden inscriptions of the names of Allah and His beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Even from afar, its beauty is captivating, and above it, in large golden lettering, the declaration of faith “La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah (PBUH)” is prominently displayed.
Modern Design with Traditional Purpose Located in the United City of Dhaka’s 100 Feet Road area, Al Mustafa Mosque is a five-story building uniquely designed to allow natural light to fill the space without traditional windows. Unlike most other mosques, worshippers on every floor can see the Imam during prayers, creating a sense of unity. Additionally, there is a dedicated prayer area for women, and the mosque can accommodate around 11,000 people at a time.
Amenities and Features of Al Mustafa Mosque The mosque is equipped with modern amenities, including two escalators and beautifully crafted chandeliers, although they have yet to be activated. Imported carpets from China line the floors, and the basement has parking facilities for 105 cars, offering convenience for worshippers arriving by vehicle. The construction cost of Al Mustafa Mosque is said to have exceeded 3 billion BDT, making it a significant architectural investment in the city.
A Glimpse into Dhaka’s Historical Journey as the City of Mosques Dhaka’s transformation into the ‘City of Mosques’ didn’t happen overnight. In 1832, George Henry Walter, the then magistrate of Dhaka, reported that there were 153 mosques in the city. Over time, this number has significantly increased, with famous mosques such as Binat Bibi Mosque, Musa Khan Mosque, Chawk Bazar Shahi Mosque, Kartalab Khan Mosque, Tara Mosque, Lalbagh Shahi Mosque, and the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, among others, enriching Dhaka’s religious landscape.
The Echo of the Adhan From the mosques of Dhaka, the call to prayer, or Adhan, resounds, touching the hearts of all Muslims and drawing them closer to the Almighty. This profound connection has been beautifully captured by poets like Kaikobad and our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who wrote: “Bury me beside the mosque, my brother, so I can hear the call to prayer from my grave.”