Faisal Mosque attractive place for visitors

Faisal Mosque Islamabad a symbol of Islamic Art and Architecture has become one of an attractive place for the visitors from all over the country as well as for large number of foreigners.
Around 4,000 people visit the Mosque during the five working days, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and more than 20,000 people visit the scenefull Mosque here in the Federal Capital. An official of Dawah Academy Information Center, working under International Islamic University Islamabad, told APP that the center provides documentaries of Mosques and cassettes of “Khutbat-e-Juma” (Friday sermons). He claimed that around 30,000 people visit the center during a month.
Khadim-e-Faisal Mosque Qari Gulzar Ahmed Madni who is also librarian of the public library set up by Dawah Academy in the Mosque, said hundreds of books on Islam and its history are available in the library.
He said around hundred people daily visit the library and benefitted from the collection of books available there. He said the Academy has also set up a book stall where books are sold on discount rates. A gift shop has also been set up in the Mosque which attracts a large number of people, he said adding, the shop sells Pure Honey, Dates and several other Islamic models etc.
The Shoe keeper who has got the contract of Rs 3.5 million per year, said around 4000 people daily come here from all over the country.
He said that foreigners also come in large number and take keen interest in its architecture. He added that on the Holidays the number of visitors increases to a large extend and families, students and people from organization all around the country came in groups to visit the mosque.
Abstract paintings to be displayed in press preview: An exhibition of abstract paintings on feminine sensitivities will be displayed in a press preview here on April 12 by Riffat Ara Baig at Gallery Louvre.
The solo show entitled ‘Feminine Feel’ will be open for general public on April 13 featuring the rhythm of vibrant colors and creative ethos that make a wonderful combination for Riffat Ara Baig to express the world of emotions and happenings around herself. The artist who paints nature also explored the contemporary medium of etching on paper for this recent collection. Riffat Ara Baig completed her graduation from the University of Punjab in 1995 and showed her creative genius with portrayal offeminine emotions that depict some incomplete and unfulfilled aspirations.
The expressionistic figurative artist creates images that reveal their meaningful presence in rhythmic flow of lines and curves.
Exploring the medium etching on paper, she deals with the technique using sharp and bold colors to attract viewers as well as to reflect intense feelings.
According to the artist, “Women of our society are yet to find emotional pathways to express themselves without any fear and societal pressure. Even in the present age, mostly the female painters are hesitant to paint figurative or to portray the feminine feelings, deprivation and the emotional deficits.”