Abstract
This paper discusses the meaning of Islamic architecture and some of its salient characteristics. The discussion is divided into the following sections: (1) The meaning of Islamic architecture; (2) Islamic architecture as a means, not an end; (3) Two examples: the Islamic house and the mosque; (4) Pragmatism and Islamic architecture today; (5) Towards the revival of Islamic architecture. The paper seeks to enhance the awareness, both of the professionals and general readership, as to the importance of correctly conceptualizing and practicing Islamic architecture. The nature of the paper, along with its content, methodology and conclusions, is conceptual and philosophical, rather than empirical. The paper concludes that Islamic architecture is an architecture that embodies the message of Islam. It both facilitates the Muslims‘ realization of the Islamic purpose and its divine principles on earth, and promotes a lifestyle generated by such a philosophy and principles. At the core of Islamic architecture lies function with all of its dimensions: corporeal, cerebral and spiritual. The role of the form is an important one too, but only inasmuch as it supplements and enhances function.
Highlights
Much has been written and said about the meaning of Islamic architecture
Scholars considerably differed -- and they still do -- in their verdicts as to whether there is an architecture that can be called ―Islamic‖, and if there is, what is the meaning, as well as main characteristics, of such an architectural tradition
The answer to the above quandary is that Islamic architecture, as both a concept and sensory reality, exists
Summary
Much has been written and said about the meaning of Islamic architecture. scholars considerably differed -- and they still do -- in their verdicts as to whether there is an architecture that can be called ―Islamic‖, and if there is, what is the meaning, as well as main characteristics, of such an architectural tradition. The referred to encyclopaedic works on Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh islami) discuss virtually everything that Muslims might do, including matters about building, giving them a clear life orientation and guidance This way a powerful message is given, that is, neither from the Islamic spirituality nor from the people‘s actual life challenges and problems can Islamic architecture be separated, one side existing in a world and the other side existing in another completely different world. If the religion of Islam presents Muslims with a conceptual framework for architecture, which encompasses the Islamic worldview and Islamic fundamental teachings and principles, this in no way implies that the creativity and design freedom of Muslims are killed off, at worst, or stifled, at best On the contrary, they are very much stirred and encouraged to thrive through the same means, with the only difference that certain divine precepts preside over their development and use, lest some people‘s imagination and enthusiasm, at some point, become disoriented and misleading, perilous to man‘s well-being.
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