Amidst the lush green, picturesque fields of Narowal’s Khokhar village, the mighty Noor Masjid rises like an architectural marvel. With its design inspired by the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH), this awe-inspiring structure is touted as the eight most beautiful mosques in Pakistan.
It was built in 2016 by Lt. Gen. (retd) Israr Ahmed Ghumman as a tribute to his love and respect for the spiritual Sufi guide Pir Nusrat Naqshbandi, whose shrine is located right next to the mosque. Pir Naqshbandi was born on January 1, 1942 in this very village of Narowal and died on December 21, 2005 in Taxila.
Such is the appeal and reverence of this mosque that people from remote villages and towns regularly pray before it, and it also serves as a major religious tourist attraction for visitors from across the country. Masjid Noor also holds the distinction of hosting the largest Eid prayers in the entire Narowal.
The architecture of this one-acre pristine white mosque complex is nothing short of a stunning marvel. Its bright stained glass is a testament to the hard work of its artisans, while its elegant interiors are adorned with exquisite glittering chandeliers. The 30 feet high mosque is built of marble and other precious stones, while its arches are a testimony to the remarkable artistry that went into it, making it a notable landmark of Narowal town.
Noor Masjid has a capacity to accommodate around 2,500 people at a time and attracts visitors from all over Pakistan, awed by its beauty. The mosque also includes a large washroom that can accommodate up to 35 people at a time. It is also surrounded by a refreshing garden with several types of fruit trees. A library containing more than 10,000 Islamic books is also part of the mosque premises, benefiting several local students.
In addition, the public pharmacy inside offers several therapeutic services to local residents. Out-of-town guests and mosque staff have the option of staying in a shelter built within the mosque compound, where langar is served every evening to promote a sense of community. Locals and travelers alike revere this beautiful mosque in awe and visit mainly to seek peace and quiet and to see first hand what makes it so appealing.
Locals also feel that the mosque has put the area back on the map as it has been neglected for a long time. For almost five years now, Iqbal Ahmed has been traveling 10 km from his home to perform Friday prayers at the Noor Mosque every week. “Azaan in the voice of the muezzin chills my heart and intoxicates me, that’s why I visit it every Friday. Student Omar Khan says that every morning after Fajr prayers, he sits in the courtyard of the mosque and recites the Holy Quran. While the holy book calms his heart, he says, the surrounding green fields fill him with peace. “Whoever visits Narowal must visit Masjid Noor at least once,” he suggests.
Kartarpur Corridor
Narowal also has the distinction of being globally known for hosting the Kartarpur Corridor in Shakargarh tehsil – a visa-free border crossing and region between India and Pakistan. It was launched in November 2019 by the then Prime Minister Imran Khan, fulfilling a long-standing demand of Indian Sikhs to facilitate their visit to their holy site Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, which is located in the visa-free zone. The Gurdwara is located on the right bank of the Ravi River, where Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is said to have spent his last years. According to an agreement between Pakistan and India, 5,000 Sikh yatris were allowed to visit the gurdwara daily through the corridor.
A city possessing rich culture
According to legend, the town of Narowal was founded by one Baba Naro Bajwa 900 years ago. The city was then surrounded by 22 villages inhabited only by the Jat clan known as Bajwa. Syed Habib Shah’s son, Inayat Ullah Shah, assisted Naro in the development and establishment of the city. Narowal was first a municipality of Raya Khas tehsil in Sialkot district during British rule. Two tehsils, Narowal and Shakargarh, were separated from Sialkot district in 1991 to form Narowal district.
