Project 1 ~ Research Timeline Analysis

- Individual 

- Group timeline

The 7 Principles of Islamic Architecture ~ Part 3

The 7 Principles of Islamic Architecture

1. Architecture as Tawhid: Unity & Uniquity
    of Allah)

2. Architecture of Ihtiram: Respect

3. Architecture with Ikhlas: Sincerity

4. Architecture as Pursuit of ‘Ilm:
    Knowledge

5. Architecture for Iqtisad: Balance

6. Architecture of Haya’: Modesty

7. Architecture as Dikr: Remembrance


Architecture for Iqtisad: Balance

In Islamic architecture, achieving perfect balance is key and therefore the functional and spritual elements will provide stability for the soul. 

Balance is achieved through the essential considerations in the nature of aesthetics and have found the profound impact on the Islamic architecture.

As Prophet Muhammad has said, 

“the best way is the middle way...do good deeds properly,

                           sincerely and moderately...and always adopt a middle, moderate
                               regular course whereby you will reach your target (paradise).“

The Taj Mahal is the perfect example of balance in Islamic architecture

Islamic scriptures and ornaments that shows balance and symmetry 

The 'golden ratio' diagram shows how to achievement of balance in architecture

Architecture for Haya: Modesty

Modesty and shyness play a special part between the affairs of the Creator and the created.  All prophets and Messengers encouraged modesty, as the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him said:

“Indeed from the teachings of the first prophets which has reached you is, ‘If you do not have shyness, then do as you please.” (Al-Bukhari)

Islamic ethics considers modesty as more than just a question of how a person dresses, and more than just modesty in front of people; rather it is reflected in a Muslim’s speech, dress, and conduct: in public in regards to people, and in private in regards to God.

In Islamic architecture, to preserve ones dignity; a screen or a secret sanctuary is placed in the mosque

Projecting oriel window in Spain

Egyptian styled projecting oriel window (Mashrabiya)

Architecture as Dkir: Remembrance 

The 'remembrance' is played within the Islamic architecture is by the harmonious repetition present in mosques. The harmonious applies to the spaces can offer a sense of rhythmic precision and that it can signifies a chanting like continuous representation of God's innumerable attributes.