Jamia Mosque architecture in Pakistan is gradually evolving, reflecting a balance between traditional practices and the needs of a growing urban society .Modern jamia mosques are intended to be vibrant community places that encourage social, cultural, and spiritual participation rather than only serving strictly religious purposes. This evolving role has led to a rethinking of design, where functionality, inclusivity, and modern aesthetics come together with deep-rooted Islamic principles.
Today’s mosques aim to foster a sense of belonging, offering spaces that are open, welcoming, and connected to the wider community. The DHA Phase 5 jamia mosque in Islamabad reflects this shift in design thinking. Situated in the Central Commercial Area of DHA Phase 5, this 70,000 sq. ft. under construction mosque merges classical Islamic elements with modern islamic architectural approach. Designed by LeMacon and commissioned by DHA, it is intended to serve not only as a place of worship but also as a meaningful center for the surrounding community.
Project Vision And Purpose of the DHA Phase 5 Jamia Mosque:
The client, DHA, set out to develop a mosque that extends beyond prayer incorporating a female prayer hall, a multipurpose space, which is accessible to everyone. The design was guided by a commitment to authentic Islamic identity, deliberately avoiding overly commercialized or stylized expressions.
Architectural Vision Of Jamia Mosque DHA:
Moving away from the usual rectangular shape, the mosque features a circular layout with a large central islamic architecture dome surrounded by smaller domes. This round design symbolizes unity, helps worshippers focus spiritually, and allows the mosque to be clearly seen from all direction. Inside the prayer hall, the main dome will be decorated with Islamic geometric patterns, with a dome hung lightning positioned at the center, creating a strong visual attraction. The corridor arches, inspired by the pattern and proportions of the historic Cordoba Mosque, will add depth to the structure while keeping the overall look simple and elegant.
A combination of travertine stone and locally sourced finishes gives the design both strength and a connection to the region. These materials are durable and suited to the local climate, while also reflecting the natural colors and textures of the area. Using natural materials helps the mosque feel rooted in its surroundings both structurally and historically.
Interior Layout Strategy DHA Phase 5 Jamia Mosque:
The interior of the DHA Phase 5 mosque is organized across multiple levels, ensuring each space aligns with the overall architectural and spiritual goals of the mosque.
Lower Ground Floor of the DHA Phase 5 Jamia Mosque:
The lower ground floor of the DHA Phase 5 mosque includes a separate entrance and prayer hall for women. It is thoughtfully designed to accommodate female visitors with comfort and dignity. The prayer hall provides a quiet, respectful space for women to pray. To ensure privacy and ease of access, this area has its own private entrance, so women can enter and exit comfortably without crossing through crowded zones.
First Floor of DHA Phase 5 Mosque:
The first floor of the DHA Phase 5 mosque is where the main prayer hall is located. This large, open space is the central area for worship, designed to welcome a large number of people for daily prayers. To make sure the mosque is comfortable and easy to access for everyone, a ramp has been included. This helps elderly people, wheelchair users, and others with mobility issues enter the prayer area safely and easily. This floor shows how the mosque in DHA Phase 5 combines traditional design with modern needs, making it a peaceful and welcoming space for all worshippers.
Second Floor in DHA Phase 5 Mosque:
Located above the main prayer hall, this upper floor acts as an extension of the worship area, especially during large gatherings like Friday prayers or Eid. In addition to prayer, it is designed to support community activities, such as nikkah ceremonies, Quran study circles, and religious talks.This multi-use space adds great value to the DHA Phase 5 mosque, turning it into more than just a place of worship.
It helps make the mosque a center for social connection, learning, and community bonding, meeting the spiritual and social needs of the people who live nearby. All three floors are linked by a corridor with built-in ramps, making it easy for people to move around. The ramps follow the natural slope of the land. The layout is designed to be inclusive and useful for everyone coming to pray. This makes the DHA Phase 5 jamia mosque’s second floor a flexible space for both religious and social events.
Community Features in DHA Phase 5 Mosque Design:
The mosque is designed to be open to all, with spaces that serve both prayer and community needs.
Digital Library:
The DHA Phase 5 jamia mosque also includes a computer-equipped space designed to support learning and personal growth. This area gives worshippers, especially students and young visitors, a quiet place to read, study, and access religious and educational resources online. Whether it’s reading the Quran, researching Islamic history, or using digital tools for education, this space helps turn the mosque into a center for knowledge and development, not just worship. So with this digital learning environment, the DHA Phase 5 mosque fosters both intellectual and spiritual development.
Shaded Zones & Green Spaces in DHA Jamia Mosque Design:
The DHA Phase 5 Jamia Mosque also features comfortable outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, reflection, and social connection. These areas include paved walkways, green landscaping, and seating zones where visitors can sit, rest, or spend time with family and friends in a calm, natural setting. The combination of shade trees, soft lighting, and carefully planned open spaces creates a peaceful environment that encourages people to pause, reflect, or engage in quiet conversation before or after prayer. These outdoor zones enhance the visitor experience and add to the beauty of the DHA Phase 5 mosque’s surroundings.
Spiritual Preparation Spaces:
The DHA Phase 5 mosque includes dedicated wudhu areas on both main floors, thoughtfully designed to help visitors prepare for prayer in comfort and privacy. These spaces are clean, well-ventilated, and equipped with modern fittings to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all worshippers. Separate facilities are provided for men and women; each located close to their respective prayer halls for convenience and ease of access. Proper drainage, and accessible features ensure that people of all ages, including the elderly and differently abled, can use these areas safely. These spaces reflect the mosque’s commitment to comfort, cleanliness, and spiritual readiness, making every step of the worship experience respectful and serene.
Environmental Integration in DHA Jamia Mosque Architecture:
To align with modern sustainability goals, the mosque incorporates several environmentally conscious features that support efficiency.
Rainwater Harvesting:
The DHA Phase 5 mosque includes a rainwater harvesting system that collects water from the building’s roof and surrounding paved surfaces. This system is designed to store and filter rainwater, making it suitable for reuse in garden irrigation, ablution areas, and general cleaning within the mosque. By using natural rainfall, the system reduces dependency on municipal water supply, helps lower water bills, and minimizes water waste. The rainwater system supports the DHA Phase 5 mosque’s goal of environmental responsibility. It also supports environmental sustainability by conserving a vital resource and promoting responsible water use in a region where water scarcity is an increasing concern.
Green Plantation Areas around the DHA Mosque:
Trees and landscaped green areas are thoughtfully placed throughout the site to enhance the environment in multiple ways. They help clean the air, reduce surrounding heat, and offer natural shade, making outdoor spaces more comfortable for visitors especially during hot weather. These green zones create a calm and refreshing atmosphere, allowing worshippers to rest, reflect, or spend quiet moments in nature before or after prayer. The presence of trees, soft grass, and native plants reduces noise, contributing to a more peaceful and welcoming environment.
These thoughtful green additions make the DHA Phase 5 mosque a more welcoming and peaceful religious site.
Solar Panels In Modern Mosque Construction:
To support energy efficiency, the DHA Phase 5 mosque will be equipped with solar panels installed on the rooftop. These panels will help generate clean, renewable energy to power essential systems such as lights, fans, and ventilation units throughout the mosque.
By reducing reliance on electricity from the main grid, this system will lower energy costs, support uninterrupted operation during power outages, and contribute to a more eco-friendly building design. Installing solar panels helps position the DHA Phase 5 mosque as a model for modern mosque sustainability. The use of solar energy also aligns with the mosque’s sustainable vision, making the DHA Phase 5 mosque a forward-thinking model of modern Islamic architecture that respects both the environment and community needs
On-Site Challenges:
The jamia mosque is being constructed on a triangular, sloped site with an elevation difference of nearly 40 feet. While this unique plot provides excellent visibility and direct access from multiple roads, it also brought technical challenges related to structure, circulation, and ground stability. To overcome these, the architects and engineers carefully adjusted the floor levels, including ramp-integrated corridors ensuring that movement between spaces remains smooth, accessible, and inclusive for all visitors, including those with limited mobility.
Now actively under construction, the DHA Phase 5 Jamia Mosque is shaping up to be much more than a traditional prayer space. It represents a new generation of modern Islamic architecture, one that is inclusive, functional, and deeply connected to its urban context. The mosque’s distinctive circular form and modern islamic architecture dome, Cordoba-inspired arches, and community-oriented features like digital learning zones, green spaces, and sustainable systems all come together to create a multi-purpose religious and civic space. As one of the most thoughtfully designed mosques in the region, the DHA Phase 5 Jamia Mosque reflects how spiritual architecture in Pakistan is evolving from purely symbolic structures to dynamic, community serving landmarks that celebrate both heritage and progress.
