Islamic Architecture 101: Some Basics

» Haruna - Islamic Architecture or Architecture of the Islamic World?

It is irritating when one reads most literature on Islamic Architecture and sees references made to arches and domes of various shapes and texture. Or sees how most western writers limit the scope of Islamic Architecture to mere decorations, mural and caligraphy. Such approach in my opinion is devoid of the spritual aspect of the religion of Islam. When one sees the heading "Islamic Architecture", one tends to expect an architecture whose design criteria, space coordination, functional disposition and structural composition are atleast guided if not dictated by Islamic injunctions, doctrines, as laid down in the Holy Quran, the Hadith or Ijma'i.
If architecture is to maintain its objective of providing conduicive envelop for efficient performance of the intended function, the architecture of a house for instance can only be referred to as Islamic in my view if it helps to make the occupant live as a true Muslim, and makes it condiucive for the occupant to perform his or her living in accordance with the stipulations of the three sources of Islamic injuctions earlier mentioned above. Since Islam is a complete way of life, every element of the functions of an architecture that is said to be Islamic, should have its justification from the religious dictates.
Most of what is published, rather focus on the type of architecture that is found in the Islamic world or regions, not minding whether it is influenced by the Islamic injunctions or perhaps the pre-islamic era living style of the inhabitants.
Arches and domes are more regional than spiritual elements, as they are as common in mosques as they are in churches. In fact the Holy prophet Muhammad frawned at non-functional and non-essential expenditure in buildings. An example of such frawning can be found in Sunnah of Abu-Dawood, Hadith No. 5218 as narrated by Anas Ibn Malik.

-- posted by Haruna

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» AliaHas - Re: Islamic Architecture or Architecture of the Islamic World?

In response to message posted by Haruna:

Thank you Haruna for posting these important comments. I would like to address a few of the things you mentioned in your discussion on the study of Islamic Architecture.

First you mention "...most western writers limit the scope of Islamic Architecture to mere decorations, mural and caligraphy. Such approach in my opinion is devoid of the spritual aspect of the religion of Islam."
I think the point made here is interesting and important, that Islamic Architecture is deeper than mere symbols, but I think while it isn't right to separate (or even ignore) the study of Islam from the the study of its architecture you can't separate the actual architecture(forms, materials, etc) from that study either. That probably wasn't all that clear but my point is that you can't blame historians for focusing to a certain degree on the architectural qualities because that is a big part of what architectural history is about. Just as Islamic beliefs were carried from region to region many of these symbols were also carried from region to region and how can a historian not focus on that, whatever his or her background.

"Arches and domes are more regional than spiritual elements, as they are as common in mosques as they are in churches."
Its true that domes and arches can be found in churches but thats true of all architectural forms throughout history-- that it gets borrowed and used in new ways and often evolves. Domes and arches go back much farther than churches, however to me there is no mistaking a mosque for a church because of the way that these forms are used.

I think the following point you made is also important:
" Most of what is published, rather focus on the type of architecture that is found in the Islamic world or regions, not minding whether it is influenced by the Islamic injunctions or perhaps the pre-islamic era living style of the inhabitants"
I have to disagree though because I have read books and articles which discuss these issues. It all depends on whether what you are reading is meant to be an in-depth study or an introductory lesson on architecture.

Lastly you stated "In fact the Holy prophet Muhammad frawned at non-functional and non-essential expenditure in buildings. An example of such frawning can be found in Sunnah of Abu-Dawood, Hadith No. 5218 as narrated by Anas Ibn Malik."
I'm not familiar with any discussion on that issue but I don't see how that could be true. One of the earliest Islamic monuments, the Dome of the Rock, is one of the most ornate buildings on earth (in my opinion of course). If anything deserves to have extra expenditures it is the mosque. We have a great legacy of Islamic Architecture which only compliments and testifies to the greatness of our religion. I can't really imagine an Islamic history without it.
thanks again for your comments,
Alia

-- posted by AliaHas

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» Haruna - Re: Re: Islamic Architecture or Architecture of the Islamic Worl

In response to message posted by AliaHas:

Thank you for your prompt response to my humble contribution. The purpose of every intellectual discourse is to stimulate thinking through reading or hearing divergent views or even same views expressed in different ways. We both agreed on the fundamental points I raised with regards the incompleteness of the definitions given to Islamic Architecture. While I hold the opinion that it is only the subjective (forms, materials etc.) that is being emphasized, you are asserting that this subjective aspect “cannot be separated from that study either”. Perhaps my submission was more of a pessimist’s approach, like saying …a bottle half empty, while yours is more optimist… like referring to the same thing as….a bottle half filled.

Indeed, I absolutely agree with you that one ‘can’t separate the actual architecture (forms, materials etc.) from that study either’ so long as the ..etc.. includes function (the objective), which is the central theme of my reservation. So long as it is architecture, as distinct from arts, the central issue is its functionality. And functionality in my view also encompasses rationality. I only emphasized that if that what both you and I agree to as ‘actual architecture’ is to wear the adjective ‘Islamic’ then it should have its source of inspiration, guiding principles and all known criteria derived from the three sources (Quran, Hadith and Ijma’I) of Islamic injunctions.

Secondly, glad that you confirmed ‘that architectural forms throughout history…that it gets borrowed and used in new ways’. You have thereby re-affirmed my anxiety that the borrowing trend may derail the originality of the Islamic approach to it. And where such a borrowing adventure grossly contradicts any of the teachings of Islam, the resultant architecture can be said to be anything but Islamic. Going back to history, churches (with arches and domes) perhaps pre-date mosques. Perhaps these features were later borrowed and ‘used in new ways’. Such features may equally be referred to as Christian.

The life, practices and the cardinal teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in general focused on simplicity, peace and modesty as typified by the architecture of the Ka’abah (simple cube). Further more, let us go back to the times of the Prophet’s life in Medina. The structure of the Prophet’s mosque reveals that the emphasis was more on functionality, rather than exotic forms even at the then level of technology. Certainly, those features of the Dome of the Rock are great architectural qualities, but I am still searching for their Islamic relevance.
Thank you for sharing my thoughts.

-- posted by Haruna

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