Lecture 2

Architecture of Tawhid (devotion & faith): [Unity & Uniquity (Oneness) of Allah]

The term tawhid, is an important cornerstone in the conceptual framework for Islamic architecture. It means asserting the unity or oneness of Allah. Tawhid is the Islamic concept of monotheism. The word tawhid is derived from the words wahid and ahad which mean “one”, “unique” and “peerless”. Based on the concept of tawhid, Muslims believe that God cannot be held equal in any way or degree to any other being or concept. Maintaining that there is no God except Allah and that there is nothing comparable to Him constitutes the essence of tawhid and the essence of Islam. Thus, declaring God’s oneness, tawhid, together with Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood (shahadah), is the first requirement for one who wishes to embrace the Islamic religion. Shirk, or associating anybody or anything with God making it comparable to Him, is the opposite of tawhid. It is the gravest sin which God vowed never to forgive.

Notion of Tawhid: al Quran - haqiqa (formless essence) revelation/enlightenment - nature of
                           space, forms, order, orients – place man the presence of Divine Unity.
Main architecture of Allah Unity & Uniquity is: Ka’bah : towards which Muslims face their five daily

                                                                                prayers

The Kaaba

Called: Holy Ka'bah - cube shape, Ancient House, Al-Bait Al-Haram, Abraham's Building & 

Qibla- prayer faces it, Continuously-Visited House.

Al-Masjid al-Haram, the most sacredmosque in Islam, is built around the Kaaba. Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. From any given point in the world, the direction facing the Kaaba is called the Qibla.

Construction & Reconstruction of Ka'bah:

Scholars and historians say that the Kaba has been reconstructed between five to 12 times.

The very first construction of the Kaba was done by Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Allah says in the Quran that this was the first house that was built for humanity to worship Allah. After this, Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) rebuilt the Kaba. The measurements of the Kaba's Ibrahimic foundation are as follows:

-the eastern wall was 48 feet and 6 inches

-the Hateem side wall was 33 feet

-the side between the black stone and the Yemeni corner was 30 feet

-the Western side was 46.5 feet

Following this, there were several constructions before the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) time.

Virtue of Ka'bah

Architecture of Ihtiram (Respect, propriety or adab): [good manners to God, fellow man and oneself]

Architecture of Ithiram is the presence of showing respect, propriety and good manners to Allah, to fellow mankind and to oneself. The Muslims follow the 5 pillars which are shahada, salat, zakat,fasting and haji which encourages and shows respect to the faith and God. By following these actions, it helps to purify oneself and also builds up inner and outer spiritual fulfilment which finally submit ones own will to Allah. Prophet Muhammad Allah S.A.W is the perfect example of propriety and praiseworthy characteristics. The Al Quran is a guide to practice respect as a virtue for the sake of Allah.

Architecture of Ihtiram are greatly shown through symbolism. The harmony and the purity of geometric shapes of the Ka'Bah can be found in all sacred Islamic architecture throughout the Islamic world. God made the Ka’bah (the cube), the Sacred House, a symbol for mankind. The Cube Geometry linked the idea of ‘centre'. The idea thus is the fundamental of the traditional architecture.

Ka'bah:

i: each face of the cube corresponding to the primary directions -zenith and nadir

ii: whilst the four corners point towards the cardinal points of the universe.

iii: Ka`bah - the underlying point of convergence between essential cosmic principles and mosque  

    architecture in the world.

Pure/Divine Cube Geometry

Architecture of Ihtiram is also shown through respecting the essence of Islam & humanity: example of building as sanctuary- Masjidil Haram & Masjidil An Nabawi: 

i: Conservation of Par excellence

ii: Waqf – stop, contain and preserve - religious endowment -a voluntary & irrevocable dedication of  

               one's wealth or a portion of it -cash or kind - benefits - community in general- permanent 

               donation. Once - created, it can never be donated as a gift, inherited

iii: Sanctuary – Sheltered Court Yard- Suffah, gallery, porticos surround courtyard. Housing for the 

    Sufis, homeless