The Unifying Principles of Islamic Architecture

The Unifying Principles of Islamic Architecture:

1.     Architecture as Tawhid (devotion & faith): (Unity & Uniquity (Oneness) of Allah)

“There is no god but The God/Allah and Mohammad is his Messenger /Prophet”

Notion of Tawhid: al Quran - haqiqa (formless essence) nature of space, forms, order, orients –              place man the presence of Divine Unity

Main architecture of Allah Unity & Uniquity is: Ka’bah.  It is towards which Muslims face their five daily prayers.

a.     Shahada: Ka’bah- Muslim

b.    Notion of Tawhid: al Quran - haqiqa (formless essence)

c.     Catalyst - Building Community: Mosque

Masjid At-Taqwa, Quba was the first to be built before building a community. It was the Center for Muslim Social Life. It was used for education, administration, court, public service, economic platform, and military planning, govern country, religious event. The 5 daily Solah Jamaah was held.

d.    Urban Planning/ Contex – Sunnah (Fiqh Law)- unifying city -thru’ guide to every day action and behaviour

2.     Architecture of Ihtiram: Respect, propriety or adab (good manners) to God, fellow man and oneself

a.     Shahada

b.    Muhammad pbuh- perfect eg. of propriety and praiseworthy characteristics & example - perfect good manners

c.     5 pillars: shahada, salat (prayer), zakat (alms), fasting and hajj

d.    Al Quran – guide-respect

e.     Self-conscious acts

f.     Muslim Architect- Islam as AdDin: practice Architecture -submission - Allah- strives on path of purity

g.    Islamic Architecture Symbolism: - symbolism, harmony and purity of geometry of the Ka’bah are found in sacred architecture throughout the Islamic world

h.     Respect Essence of Islam & Humanity: - building as sanctuary-Masjidil Haram & Masjidil An Nabawi