Sacred Spaces: Islam

"In the sixth century of the common era, the Prophet Muhammad appeared in the Arabian Peninsula, proclaiming the message that there was only one god, called Allah, and that all people should obey Allah's requirements for their lives ... "

The article discusses the meaning of metaphors and symbols in the architectural design of Islamic architecture and mosques. The author addresses the concept of reading architecture and analyzes the symbolism of architectural ornamentation and design common to mosques around the world. Topics include the use of symbols and metaphors in Islam, the theme of paradise in Islamic architecture, and the role of prayer in the architectural design of mosques. Various design elements are explored including fountains, spatial configurations, and the use of light, water, and images of forests.

"Mosque, Arabic masjid or jāmiʿ, any house or open area of prayer in Islam. The Arabic word masjid means “a place of prostration” to God, and the same word is used in Persian, Urdu, and Turkish. Two main types of mosques can be distinguished: the masjid jāmiʿ, or “collective mosque,” a large state-controlled mosque that is the centre of community worship and the site of Friday prayer services; and smaller mosques operated privately by various groups within society ... "

"From Indonesia to the United Kingdom, the mosque in its many forms is the quintessential Islamic building. The mosque, masjid in Arabic, is the Muslim gathering place for prayer ... "

" ... I’m a scholar of Islam who researches and writes about Muslim ritual practices. The Qur’an invokes the importance of Friday as a sacred day of worship in a chapter called “Al-Jumah,” meaning the day of congregation, which is also the word for Friday in Arabic ... "

"There are no ritual objects used within Islamic services since Muslims believe that this would take away from the purpose of prayer, which is to communicate and have a personal relationship with God. ... "

"The English word "mosque" denotes a Muslim house of worship. The word evolved from the Arabic term masjid, which means "place of prostration." ... "