Top 10 Interesting Facts about Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Bangladesh

The new extension of the mosque, By Toufique E Joarder – Wikipedia

Top10 Interesting Facts about Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Bangladesh

Baitul Mukarram is the National Mosque of Bangladesh. It is situated at the Centre of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, the mosque was completed in 1968. It has a capacity of more than  42,000, hence ranks as the 10th largest mosque in the world. When you travel to Bangladesh, be sure to take time to include a visit to the impressive Baitul Mukarram mosque in Dhaka.

It is well known that the  Bawani family of Pakistan are the ones who had planned first to build a large mosque for a large number of devotees. Therefore, according to various sources, the owner of the Bawani Jute Mills, Pakistan’s famous industrialist Latif Bawani and his nephew Yahya Bawani took the initiative of building the Mosque. 

In 1959, it is when the initiative was taken to implement the plan, which took place by forming the ‘Baitul Mukarram Mosque Society.  However, here are some of the top 10 interesting facts that you should consider knowing if you’re planning a trip or interested in Baitul Mukarram mosque. They include the following;

1. The Mosque’s architecture

The mosque has several modern architectural features while at the same time it preserves the traditional principles of Mughal architecture. Mughal architecture has been dominant in the Indian subcontinent for a while. Baitul Mukarram’s large cube shape was modeled after that of the Ka’abah at Mecca making it a noticeable structure unlike any other mosque in Bangladesh.

 The interior is designed in such a way that it has two patios which have a roofless inner courtyard that ensures enough light and air is entering the prayer hall of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.  The mosque is also on a very high platform, which makes the  Baitul Mukarram National Mosque’s building to be eight storied and 99 feet high from the ground level.

2. It was designed by architect Abdulhusein M. Thailand

Abdulhusein Meheraly Thariani was a member of the first generation of formally trained architects in Pakistan. Amongst his most prominent works is the Baitul Mukarram which is the National Mosque of Bangladesh in Dhaka. His works can be found in three cities in three countries: Mumbai, India; Karachi, Pakistan; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is known that the then Bawani family of Pakistan had planned first to build a large mosque for a large number of devotees.

3. It is ranked as one of the largest mosques in the world

The eight-storied mosque is ranked the 10th largest mosque in the world. It can accommodate more than 40,000 people at a time for performing their prayers. It is therefore the biggest mosque in Bangladesh.

4. It is designed in the style of Ka’abah of Mecca

The structure of Baitul Mukarram resembles the Kaaba in Mecca, By আহসান হাবীব – Own work, Wikipedia

 Mukarram’s large cube shape was modeled after that of the Ka’abah at Mecca making it a noticeable structure unlike any other mosque in Bangladesh.

The Kaaba is a building at the center of Islam’s most important mosque. It is the most sacred site in Islam. It is considered by Muslims to be the Bayt Allah (‘House of God’) and is the qibla  (direction of prayer) for Muslims around the world when performing salah.

5. It is the national mosque of Bangladesh

Due to the rapid growth of the city of Dhaka in the late 1950s, the need arose for a large-capacity mosque to care for the increasing Muslim population. The Baitul Mukarram Mosque Society was established in 1959 to oversee the project. The land was therefore selected for the mosque complex close to the central business district of the city and easily accessible. Construction began on 27 January 1960 and has been carried out in phases. The mosque complex includes shops, libraries, offices, and parking areas.

6. The main prayer has verandas on three of its side

The main prayer hall has an area of 26,517 square feet with an additional mezzanine floor on the eastern side which measures 1,840 square feet. The prayer hall has verandas on three of its sides. The mihrab is rectangular instead of the more traditional semi-circular design and ornamental decoration has been kept to a minimum.

7. Its garden style is borrowed from the Mughal Gardens

The garden laid out in Baitul Mukarram is borrowed from the Mughal garden. The Mughal gardens are a type of garden built by the Mughals. However, unlike the traditional Mughal that represents the Islamic Heaven, the garden does not have the Char-Bagh system due to not having enough room for a similar garden. The future of the garden is unknown since it is likely to be removed if the Bangladeshi government decides to extend the mosque.

8. Saudi donated to the extension of the mosque

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi handed over two cheques for Tk 2.75 crore to the representatives of GBB Ltd and Siddiqui and Partners in donation from the Saudi government to complete the extension work of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
The ambassador handed over a cheque for Tk 1.38 crore to GBB Ltd and another cheque for Tk 1.37 crore to Siddiqui and Partners on October 13, 2008.

9. The mosque has about 6 Khatibs

In Islam, a khatib is a person who delivers the sermon during the Friday prayer and Eid prayers. The mosques have about 6 khatibs, which include the following; Moulana Abdur Rahman Kashghari, Mufti Amimul Ehsan, Abdul Muiz, Ubaidul Haq, Muhammad Nurruddin, Muhammad Salah Uddin, and Ruhul Amin.

10. Tourist attraction near the Mosque

Bangladesh’s national Temple is located at Palashi, Dhaka. This photo was captured on a Special Occasion. By Ruhan – Own work, Wikipedia

Baitul Mukarram Mosque may be among the top tourist attractions in Bangladesh, but some other tourist attractions are nearby the mosque. These attractions may influence tourists to visit the mosque thus increasing the number of tourists who have toured the place. These tourist attractions include the following; Dhakeshwari temple, Goalundo Ghat, Lalbagh Fort, Bangladesh National Museum, Bashundara, Jiraz Art Gallery, Queen university, and Bangladesh Kirra Shikkha Protisthan Ground.