Karachi—The City of Lights & Mosques

Karachi, with over 20 million residents, is not only Pakistan’s financial capital but also a melting pot of culture, history, and faith. There are more than 3,000 mosques in Karachi, ranging from historic Sufi shrines to ultra-modern marvels. These mosques are not just places of prayer—they are symbols of unity, heritage, and architecture.

Here is a closer look at the 10 most famous and largest mosques in Karachi (2023–2024):

1. Grand Jamia Masjid (Bahria Town Karachi)

Architecture & Look:

• A blend of Mughal, Persian, and Ottoman styles.
• 150 domes, including one central dome that stands 75 meters high.
• 325-ft minaret visible from miles.
• Exterior clad with Balochistan marble, earthy tone.
• Includes an Islamic University, museum, and gardens.

The Grand Jamia Mosque is a monumental project still under construction, set to become the largest mosque in Pakistan. Designed by award-winning architect Nayyar Ali Dada, it combines Persian, Mughal, and Ottoman architectural elements. Constructed with Balochistani beige marble, it gives the piece a timeless look. This mosque features an Islamic library with 500,000 books, research centers, and facilities reminiscent of an Islamic university. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens, with outdoor prayer areas and automated umbrellas inspired by Masjid an-Nabawi. This mosque will become not only a religious site but also a cultural and educational hub for the entire Muslim world.

2. Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mosque & Shrine (Clifton)

Architecture & Look:

• Shrine is a square stone structure with green flags.
• Mosque beside shrine has a white dome & two minarets.
• Spiritual landmark overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Center of Urs festivals, with strong Sufi influence.

The Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mosque sits beside the shrine of the revered 8th-century Sufi saint, Abdullah Shah Ghazi, who is often regarded as the spiritual protector of Karachi. It features a central dome and two minarets with Quranic calligraphy. It attracts thousands of devotees daily, especially during the Urs festivals. This plays a major role in Karachi’s Sufi culture and identity. The mosque’s location near the sea and its connection with the saint make it one of the most spiritually significant mosques in Karachi

3. New Memon Masjid (Bolton Market, Saddar)

•  Location: Bolton Market, Saddar
• Capacity: 10,000 worshippers
• Area: ~3,000–4,000 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1949
• Built By: Memon Community, Karachi

Architecture & Look:

• Traditional Mughal-style arches and marble façade.
• Expanded multiple times to accommodate Karachi’s growth.
• Known for hosting Nikah ceremonies, especially among the Memon community.
• A symbol of Memon heritage and unity.

One of the most historic mosques in Karachi, the New Memon Masjid was established in 1949, and it was built over what was once a cemetery. It remains an icon of Karachi’s post-independence history, where community, culture, and faith meet.

4. Masjid-e-Tooba (Gol Masjid, DHA)

• Location: Phase 2 DHA, Karachi
• Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
• Area: Plot size ~50,130 sq. ft; Built-up ~35,312 sq. ft
• Year Built: 1969
• Built By: Pakistan Defence Housing Authority | Architect: Dr. Babar Hamid Chauhan

Architecture & Look:

• One of the world’s largest single-dome mosques.
• Dome spans 65m, with no central pillars, entirely without supporting pillars
• Constructed entirely from white marble.
• One 37m high minaret complements the modernist design.

Completed in 1969, Masjid-e-Tooba—popularly called Gol Masjid—is one of the most unique mosques in the world. It was constructed with pure white marble. Its unique dome acoustics allow a whisper at one end to be heard clearly on the other. It is considered the 18th-largest mosque in the world and an architectural marvel of Pakistan.

5. Baitul Mukarram Masjid (Gulshan-e-Iqbal)

• Location: Block 8, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi
• Capacity: 4,000 worshippers
• Area: ~2,500–3,000 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1970s
• Built By: Local community trust

Architecture & Look:

• Modeled after Dhaka’s Baitul Mukarram Mosque (Bangladesh).
• Features a rectangular, modernist design.
• Houses a madrasa, library, dispensary, and hostel.
• Strong focus on community services beyond prayer.

A hub for both worship and education, Baitul Mukarram Masjid offers a madrasa for Islamic studies along with a library, dispensary, and student hostel. It also has a courtyard that expands its capacity during Jumu’ah and Eid prayers. It is a mosque with a strong community-service role, blending spirituality with education and social welfare.

6. Makki Masjid (Tariq Road, PECHS)

• Location: Tariq Road, PECHS
•  Capacity: Thousands (largest crowds in Ramadan)
• Area: ~4,000–5,000 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1970s (expanded multiple times)
• Built By: Local traders & PECHS residents

Architecture & Look:

• Large rectangular prayer hall with multiple minarets.
• Famous for Taraweeh gatherings with international Qaris.
• Crowds often spill onto Tariq Road during Eid.
• Acts as a spiritual + social center.

Located in one of Karachi’s busiest commercial areas, Makki Masjid is a spiritual centerpiece for shoppers and locals. It is known for Ramadan Taraweeh prayers with famous Qaris. It also attracts large congregations for Eid and Friday prayers. It plays a key role in community gatherings and charity events.

7. Farooq-e-Azam Masjid (Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Block 10)

• Location: Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi
• Capacity: 8,000+ worshippers
• Area: ~3,500–4,000 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1980s
• Built By: Local Gulshan residents’ committee

Architecture & Look:

• Classical Islamic dome-and-minaret design.
• Large marble courtyard for Friday prayers & Eid.
• Known for its youth engagement programs and Quran classes.

With its towering minarets and wide prayer halls, Farooq-e-Azam Masjid is a landmark in Gulshan. It hosts Islamic seminars, Quran recitations, and community iftars. It is known for its role in Quran teaching and Islamic education.

8. Masjid-e-Khadija (Gulistan-e-Jauhar)

•  Location: Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi
• Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
• Area: ~2,500 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1990s
• Built By: Local community & donors

Architecture & Look:

• Modern two-story structure with a dome & tall minarets.
• Separate section for women worshippers.

Mosque hosts Islamic lectures, youth circles, and Quran recitation events. It is a modern mosque that serves the fast-growing residential hub of Jauhar, offering spacious halls and a women’s prayer area. It is known for its youth engagement programs. It also hosts regular Quran classes and Islamic lectures.

9. Bahadurabad Jama Masjid (Bahadurabad)

• Location: Bahadurabad, Karachi
• Capacity: Thousands
• Area: ~3,000 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1970s
• Built By: Local business community

Architecture & Look:

• Traditional stone and marble mosque with domes.
• Strongly tied to Dawat-e-Islami & Deobandi traditions.
• Famous for Eid congregations & large community

This centrally located mosque is a key landmark in the Bahadurabad area. It serves as a hub for lectures and community charity events. The mosque is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and accessibility.

10. Masjid-e-Ayesha (DHA Karachi)

• Location: DHA Karachi
• Capacity: 3,000+ worshippers
• Area: ~2,000–2,500 sq. yards
• Year Built: 1990s
• Built By: Defence Housing Authority

Architecture & Look:

• Elegant white marble and modern design elements with clean lines.
• Features a central dome and 2 symmetrical minarets.
• Calm and peaceful ambiance, popular for Quran circles.

One of the most beautiful mosques in Karachi DHA, it is popular among youth due to its Quran study circles and halaqas. It is known for its serene prayer environment.

Final Thoughts

The mosques in Karachi are both architectural treasures and spiritual sanctuaries, from the grandeur of the Grand Jamia Mosque in Bahria Town to the spiritual heart of Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mosque. They represent Karachi’s rich history, religious devotion, and community spirit. Visiting these mosques is a journey of faith and an exploration of art, architecture, and culture in Pakistan’s largest city. The mosques in Karachi reflect centuries of Islamic art and modern ingenuity. Each mosque is more than a prayer place—it’s a cultural and architectural landmark.

FAQ: 10 Must-See Mosques in Karachi for Architecture & Faith

Q1: What is Karachi known for? A1: Karachi is known as Pakistan’s financial capital and a vibrant melting pot of culture, history, and faith. It’s also famously dubbed the “City of Lights & Mosques,” housing over 3,000 mosques.

Q2: How many residents does Karachi have, and what is the significance of its mosques? A2: Karachi has over 20 million residents. Its more than 3,000 mosques, ranging from historic Sufi shrines to ultra-modern marvels, are not just places of prayer but also symbols of unity, heritage, and architectural brilliance.

Q3: Which is the largest mosque in Karachi, and how does it compare globally? A3: The Grand Jamia Masjid in Bahria Town Karachi is set to become the largest mosque in Pakistan. With a capacity for 800,000 worshippers, it is currently projected to be the 3rd largest mosque in the world.

Q4: What are some key architectural features and facilities of the Grand Jamia Masjid? A4: The Grand Jamia Masjid features a blend of Mughal, Persian, and Ottoman architectural styles. It boasts 150 domes (including a 75-meter central dome) and a 325-ft minaret. Its exterior is clad with Balochistan marble. The complex will also include an Islamic University with a library of 500,000 books, research centers, a museum, and landscaped gardens with automated umbrellas.

Q5: Is the Grand Jamia Masjid in Bahria Town Karachi fully completed? A5: No, construction began in 2015, and it is still under expansion, envisioned to become a major religious, cultural, and educational hub.

Q6: Who was Abdullah Shah Ghazi, and what is the significance of his shrine and mosque in Clifton? A6: Abdullah Shah Ghazi was an 8th-century Sufi saint, revered as the spiritual protector of Karachi. His shrine and the adjacent mosque are significant spiritual landmarks near the Arabian Sea, attracting thousands of devotees daily, especially during Urs festivals, and playing a major role in Karachi’s Sufi culture.

Q7: What is unique about Masjid-e-Tooba (Gol Masjid)? A7: Masjid-e-Tooba, also known as Gol Masjid, completed in 1969, is one of the world’s largest single-dome mosques. Its 65-meter dome is constructed entirely without supporting pillars. Built with pure white marble, it is famous for its unique acoustics, allowing a whisper at one end to be heard clearly at the other. It’s considered the 18th-largest mosque in the world.

Q8: What is the historical importance of the New Memon Masjid? A8: Established in 1949 over a former cemetery, the New Memon Masjid is one of the most historic mosques in Karachi. It features traditional Mughal-style arches and a marble façade. It remains an icon of Karachi’s post-independence history, a symbol of Memon heritage and unity, and is known for hosting Nikah ceremonies, especially among the Memon community.

Q9: Where is Baitul Mukarram Masjid (Gulshan-e-Iqbal) located? A1: Baitul Mukarram Masjid is located in Block 8, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.

Q10: What is the capacity of Baitul Mukarram Masjid? A2: The mosque has a capacity for 4,000 worshippers. Its courtyard also expands the capacity, especially during Jumu’ah (Friday) and Eid prayers.