Health Factors in Islamic Perspectives and Its Relation to Sustainability with Case Study at Traditional Kampung Hulu Mosque, Malaysia

Abstract

The importance of this study is to analyse how health consideration integrated to the traditional mosque design in Malaysia. A literature review is conducted to understand the definition of health based on Islamic perspectives. The purpose is to identify its sustainability and relationship to the traditional mosque design. The literature study identifies three primary factors on health in the mosque design associated with natural lighting, rainwater discharge and wall openings. The qualitative analysis comprises design on natural lighting related to sun shading and indirect lighting, rainwater discharge related to rainwater deflection and leakages; and wall openings related to natural cross air ventilation and stack effect. Traditional Mosque at Kampung Hulu, Malacca is selected for the case study. The analysis shows that pyramid roof and its overhangs, open serambi (veranda) area and the recessed wall with wall openings at the ground and roof levels become the principle of the traditional mosque design in relation to the health factors. The analysis however finds the weaknesses that the mosque design does not apply window and screen louvers in the construction.