This is one of the largest prayer halls in the country and its foundation was set by Quli Qutb Shah who insisted soil from Mecca be brought to make bricks to put in the arch, and thus the name of the prayer hall. Though Shah put the foundation, it was completed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and took 77 years to be completed. Its arched facades are carved out of a single piece of granite. It has no entry fee and is open to visitors from 4am to 9.30pm seven days a week. However, visitors are expected to dress conservatively and women are additionally expected to cover their head with a scarf to enter the mosque.