ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE TYPOLOGIES

Islamic Architecture ARC2343

Lamya Yousuf Al-Rawahi 0312476
Literature Review

APA REFRENCE

Dr. Elizabeth L. (2013), The Art of The Islamic World, retrieved

from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/artislam/beginners-guide-islamic/a/introduction-to-islam-2

PAPER
TILTE

Mosque
architectur
e in
Malaysia:
classificatio
n of style
and
possible
influences.

METHODOL
OGY

MAIN
TOPIC(S)
OF
DISCISSI
ON

CONTENT

-Archival
research
-Literary works
-Theoretical
investigations

The article
introduces
the Islamic
religion and
its five
important
pillars

The article begins with the history

and the origin of the Islamic religion.
Explaining the life of the prophet
MOHAMMAD A.S.W.S as he was
chosen by god to be an example of
the true Muslim behavior in all
aspects of life and lead mankind into
Islam. The article then discusses the
importance of the holly KAABA
explaining that all Islamic architecture
is derived from the simple geometric
square form of the KAABA as a form
of respect and loyalty.
The article then moves to explaining
the five pillars of Islam which are:
1. The profession of faith
(SHAHADA)
2. The daily prayer ( SALAT)
3. Alms-Giving (ZAKAT)
4. Fasting during Ramadan
(SAUM)
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (HAJJ)
The article then explains the
architectural elements that exist in
every mosque worldwide no matter
their cultural, environment or
community differences, these
elements are:

Prof. Julahi W. (2012), Open Typology Architecture Of Islam,

chapter 5, New York publishing

A Beginners
Guide to
the
Architectur
e of Islam

-Archival
research
-Literary works
-Theoretical
investigations

The article
focuses on
introducing
mosque
architecture
and the
common
Islamic
architecture
typologies
in mosques
worldwide

Dr. willaim D. (2010), Islamic Architecture Typologies,

retrieved from
http://otraarquitecturaesposible.blogspot.com/2011/03/typo
logies-in-islamic-architecture-i.html

Mosque
typologies
and
mosque
architectur
e in
malaysia

-Archival
research
-Literary works
-Theoretical
investigations

The article
focuses on
the Islamic
architect
typologies
used in
Malaysia
and how
they were
inspired by
the Islamic
typologies

- The courtyard (Sahn)

- The niche (Mihrab)
- The Dome (Qubba)
- The tower (Minarat)
- Arabic calligraphy
The article talks about the religion of
Islam, the five pillars of islam And
how they are all linked to a Muslims
faith and surrender to ALLAH almighty
it also explains how the five pillars of
Islam are shown and reflected in the
common daily life activities of
Muslims worldwide and how they are
all practiced in the mosque. Then it
explains the common Islamic
architecture typologies in mosques
worldwide which are divided into 5
typologies:
- The Arabian Typology
- The Turkish Typology
- The Indian Typology
- The Chinese Typology
- The Iranian Typology
This article explains the common
Islamic architecture typologies used
in Malaysia in depth while linking
them to the Islamic architectural
typologies used worldwide and
explaining their influences on the
Islamic architectural typologies in
Malaysia, there typologies are:
- Traditional vernacular style
- Sino- eclectic style
- European classical style
- North Indian style

used world
wide

Mohammad Izwan M. (2015), Malaysian Mosque Typologies,

retrieved from www.slideshare.net/erazedrus/mosque-typology

Islamic
architectur
e

-Archival
research
-Literary works
-Theoretical
investigations

Dr. Ghafar A. (2011), The architectural Styles Of Mosques in

Malaysia, retrieved from
http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/SeminarPaper/PAPER
RIYADH.html

Revitalizing
work and
function of
mosques in
Kuala
Lumpur.

-Archival
research
-Literary works
-Theoretical
investigations

The focus
on this
article is on
the
importance
of the
mosque in
the Malay
Muslim
culture and
how it
strives to
create a
balance
between the
spiritual
aspect and
their daily
life
activities.
This article
explains the
different
typologies
of mosques
referring to
the size and
type of
activities
practiced in
the mosque.

- Modern vernacular style

- Modernistic style
- Postmodern revivalism
This particular article explains the
different architecture typologies used
in mosques in Malaysia and how they
are chosen to fit the needs of its
Muslim users of the community.
The community activities varies from
the age of the users of the mosque to
the Malay history and tradition as well
as the time of the year, such activities
include:
- Marriage ceremonies
- Mini shops promoting young
local Muslim artists
- Kids playground
- Iftar ( fast breaking during
Ramadan)

There are two types of mosques

depending on the activities held in
that particular mosque that would
then determine the size of the
mosque. these mosques are:
- The Jamaa Masjid:
This types of masjid has a
large floor plan due to its large
community and the type of
activities held within the
mosque such as Iftar, Friday

prayer, marriage ceremonies,

and Friday speeches
The Masjid:
This type of mosque hs a small
floor plan, it is only used by a
small ethnic group in the city
for prayer.

Q1. What type of architecture style is commonly used in Malaysia?

The most common architectural style mosque used in Malaysia is the Arabian hypostyle typology,
Indian typology and the Chinese typology.

Q2. What type of architectural styles are used in mosques in Malaysia?

Most of the mosques in Malaysia are influenced by the Arabian, chinned and Indian typologies due
to their diversity in race and culture as well as the British revolution that brought powerful men to
Malaysia who have made their mark in trading and businesses thus allowing them to build
monuments such as mosques. Most of the wealthy men were Indian and Chinese thus the large
influence on the architecture typologies of Malaysian mosques.

Q3. What type of architectural style was used in the Al-Hasanah mosque?
The type of architectural typology used in this particular mosque is the Arabian hypostyle typology
with the Indian typology.

Q4. From all of the architectural elements of an Islamic mosque, what

elements were used in this mosque?
Q5: why where these elements used?
The use of a large sahn ( courtyard) outside and inside the mosque. The inner courtyard is used to
accommodate worshipers during prayer and Friday speech. While the outer sahn is used as a
playground for kids and as a suq.

The use of the large dome in the middle of the inner sahn as well as the use of two large tall
minaret to initiate the azan and spread the Friday speech.
The use of the columns as pathways to different parts of the mosque such as the inner prayer hall,
the mens wodhu area and the womans wodu area.
The use of a larger iwan facing the main entrance leading to the main prayer hall is an indication
of the importance of the prayer hall space.
The use of decorative calligraphies within the inner large dome of the mosque on top on the main
prayer hall as a reminder of the great purpose in life which is to serve god the creator.

Q6. Do the typologies used in the mosque reflect or spread an image and a
message ?
Yes they do, each architectural element and architectural typology used within the mosque was
not just for the purpose of beautifying the mosque but it all hade a hidden meaning and a clear
message.
The use of the Arabian hypostyle typology requires the use of many columns, thus was done to
represent the five pillars of Islam in which every Muslim must obey and follow. The columns were
placed in a path leading to the main prayer hall thus symbolizing the Muslims obedience to god
and the five pillars of Islam thus securing his or her place in Jannah (the large prayer hall). The
columns were also used as a way to break the solid walls and allow light and air to flow through
constantly reminding the Muslim of the vision of Jannah.

Q7. Are the typologies used in the mosque effected by the community?

Yes they are, the malay community combine their daily worship with their daily community
activities

Q8. According to the classification of the mosques according the size and
community, what type of mosque would this be?
It would be a large congregational mosque due to its size and the type of activities performed
within it such as Friday prayers, Friday speech, outdoor soque and Ramadhan fests.

Q9: As a member of the community, pleas explain how does the mosque play
a huge role in your daily life activities?
As an imam the mosque is where I come to pray and help the young members of the
community by giving them advice, collecting zakat and teaching the quraan as well as
guiding the umah with the Friday prayer and speech
As a student and a young creator I come to the mosque to ask the imam for advice I
also use the suq to showcase my creativity and inspire the younger generation.
As a mother the mosque is where I take my kids to play in the playground it is safe
and I can keep an eye on them while selling food in the suq. I also help organize the
iftar during ceremonies and Ramadhan.
Q10: Does the mosque provide a balance between religion and life? Does
this effect the community?

Yes, the mosque does provide a unique a stable balance between religion and daily life activities
this effects the community by making it well rounded and focused on the true religion of Islam and
the teachings of the prophet Mohammad A.S.W.S growing the children and the community on the
right path.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: