In the heart of United City along Madani Avenue, Dhaka, rises a golden dome that quietly commands attention— through grandeur and scale, and also through its serene geometry and majestic presence. This is Masjid Al Mustafa, an architectural landmark that redefines what a contemporary mosque can be. Designed by architect Faisal Mahbub, the masjid merges classical Islamic principles with modernist principle, standing as a symbol of both spiritual reflection and thoughtful design.
More than just a place of worship, Masjid Al Mustafa is a cultural centerpiece envisioned to serve a growing and diverse community within the expansive urban development of United City. It is where architectural intent, religious functionality, and civic responsibility converge, making it one of the most compelling new structures in Dhaka.
The design philosophy behind Masjid Al Mustafa is rooted in a balance between tradition and modernity.
Architect Faisal Mahbub explains that the project began with a singular idea: to create a spiritual sanctuary that honors Islamic architectural heritage while remaining relevant to contemporary sensibilities.
“We wanted to design a mosque that feels timeless—rooted in heritage, yet open to modern interpretations,”
said Mahbub. “The inspiration came from Islamic geometry, light, and proportion, but we distilled those elements to their essence.”
The mosque avoids the excessive ornamentation often found in traditional mosque design, opting instead for a minimalist language—clean lines, rhythmic repetition, and natural light. It embraces the power of simplicity as a sacred aesthetic.
The most striking feature of the mosque is its omnipresent golden dome, which acts as a visual anchor for the entire complex. This one appears to float—an effect achieved through careful engineering and a deep understanding of spatial dynamics.
“The dome is not just an aesthetic decision—it’s symbolic,”
Mahbub elaborated. “Gold was chosen not only for its visual resonance but for its ability to reflect light, literally and metaphorically. It stands as a beacon of clarity and transcendence.”
Beneath the dome, the prayer hall opens up in a radial configuration that enhances acoustics and visual focus toward the mihrab, which is subtly detailed with Arabic calligraphy and geometric motifs. These elements are sparingly used, in keeping with the mosque’s meditative design language.
The architectural form of Masjid Al Mustafa is derived from a modular grid, which serves both spiritual and practical purposes. The modularity allows for optimal natural ventilation and daylight, two features central to the mosque’s sustainability goals. It also introduces spatial rhythm, guiding the worshipper inward toward stillness and concentration.
This design is visually pleasing but functionally inclusive. The mosque featuresq prayer spaces for women, dignified and equal in ambiance and spatial quality. Wheelchair-accessible ramps and thoughtfully located entrances ensure ease of movement for all users.
“Inclusivity was a core part of the brief,” said Mahbub. “It’s essential that a mosque—especially one at the heart of a city—welcomes every individual without hierarchy.” Constructing such a precise structure came with challenges. According to Mahbub, the greatest difficulty was maintaining simplicity through the construction process. “The cleaner a design appears, the more complex it is to build,” he said.
The dome, in particular, demanded custom fabrication techniques and meticulous attention to surface continuity.
Close collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and artisans was vital to preserving design integrity. Every material, from the stone flooring to the dome’s metallic surface, was chosen for its ability to evoke a sense of calm and permanence.
Masjid Al Mustafa is more than an architectural project—it is a vision realized through the leadership and support of United Real Estate, the developers behind United City. According to Sheikh Mohammed Faruk Hossain, CEO of United Real Estate, the mosque is central to their broader mission of creating integrated, livable urban environments.
“At United City, we are building a future where community, spirituality, and sustainability coexist,” said Hossain. “Masjid Al Mustafa embodies those values. It’s not only a place of prayer, but a space of reflection, dialogue, and unity.”
Positioned strategically within United City’s master plan, the mosque offers easy access to residents, office workers, and visitors. As the urban area continues to grow with educational institutions, corporate headquarters, and residential zones, the mosque provides a spiritual equilibrium.
Masjid Al Mustafa sets a new precedent for mosque design in Bangladesh.
By choosing clarity over clutter, it proves that contemporary architecture can respectfully interpret Islamic principles without losing spiritual impact.
Subtle calligraphy lines the interior walls, composed by local artisans, while light wells and skylights trace the movement of the sun, invoking a celestial rhythm within the mosque’s quiet interiors.
The minaret is designed as a sculptural counterpart to the dome. Unlike traditional minarets that dominate the skyline, this one is slender, understated, and luminous at night. It will serve both a symbolic and functional purpose—housing speakers for the adhan and acting as a visual compass for the faithful.
In a city as dynamic and densely built as Dhaka, Masjid Al Mustafa is a breath of calm air. It is a model for how religious architecture can be relevant, respectful, and responsive. With its restrained elegance, spiritual clarity, and community-driven design, the mosque has already begun to influence how future religious and civic buildings may be imagined.
As architect Faisal Mahbub and United Real Estate continue to redefine Dhaka’s urban and cultural landscape, Masjid Al Mustafa stands quietly but confidently—a golden dome not just of worship, but of architectural aspiration.
