Lecture 3

Architecture with Iklas (Sincerity)

Ikhlas (sincerity) in our actions and statements is of utmost importance for the acceptance of our deeds. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated that ‘Umar said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah say:

"Verily, the reward of deeds depends upon the Niyyah (intentions) and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended."

Therefore, every action that was not performed solely for Allah’s Sake, is annulled and fruitless in this life and the Hereafter.There are 2 ways to express one's submission to God:
-outward physical action
-inward action of the heart

Both expressions can be express by removing doubts from the heart, aqidah/belief is achieve. Sincerity of the heart involves practicing deep contemplative as well as constant thoughtful and spiritual feelings of nature and of man. These actions can be done in the form of prayer, meditation and by ones social behaviour.

The best way to architecturally translate the union of sincerity and purity through design motivation is to build within conformity to God's will. Not ignoring the fact that this is achieved by having the absence of human idols or that of the artwork in Islamic architecture consists of the elements of nature. By having gardens through which running waters flow gives the sense of delight. Reflection, refraction and transformation of light rays produced from the water makes the buildings more rich in terms of beauty, grace, and elegance.

Alhambra Palace, Granada

-Courtyard consist of water feature which gives the sense of sincerity and delight.

Example Of Architecture of sincerity: Integration of Mathematics where the architecture embodies the geometric proportion, harmony and balance. For example, the Karatay Madrassa (School of Sacred Science). The school acts as to response to the people's needs. It has central dome which is open to the sky. This evoke the feeling of celestial non-materiality as well as intellectual beauty.

Karatay Madrassa

Central dome of Karatay Madrassa

Architecture as Pursuit of ‘Ilm (Knowledge)

Architecture of Knowledge is one of the most prominent forms or identification of a Islamic building other than the architectural elements. These element mainly comes from the presence of Islamic writings and verses from the Quaran in the form of Islamic calligraphy.

In Islamic religion, knowledge is very important to be spread and this is applied in architecture through the inscriptions that are on the walls of the sacred buildings. These inscriptions come from the Quran and it is displayed on the walls instead of displaying any form of idols.

In Islam, calligraphy is the highest art form because it represents the writing of the divine script. The Islamic calligrapher is the most revered of artists because thier work is seen as the purest form of religious expression. The Islamic calligraphy is an empowering and sacred form of visual expression portraying the message of the Qur’an, which was revealed in the Arabic language. Architecture expressed in the form of light is visible where illuminating effects of the suns rays and moonlight reveal the inscriptions and it is a moving source of nature therefore gives one a more spiritual experience of that space.

Inscription from La Puerta del Perdon, Sevilla Cathedral, 12th century