CASE STUDY OF

MOSQUES
KENGERE BENSON NYANOTI
B76/3615/2011
TH
27 JAN 2015

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Islamic Mosque Architecture.

 A mosque (masjid in Arabic) is a place for worship in Islam. Although prayers can be done
privately, either indoors or outdoors, nearly every community of Muslims dedicates a space or
building for congregational prayer.
 Looking through photographs of mosques around the world, one sees a lot of variation. Building
materials and design depend on the culture, heritage, and resources of each local Muslim
community. Yet, there are some features that nearly all mosques have in common. The parts of
a mosque are practical, and provide both continuity and a sense of tradition among Muslims
worldwide.

1.MINARET

A minaret is a slim tower rising from a mosque. They vary in height, style, and number. Minarets may be
square, round, or octagonal and are usually covered with a pointed roof. Originally used as a high point
from which to make the call to prayer (adhan), minarets remain a traditionally decorative feature of
most mosques

2.Prayer Hall

The central area for prayer is called a musalla (literally, "place for prayer"). It is deliberately quite bare.
No furniture is needed, as worshippers sit, kneel, and bow directly on the floor. There may be a few
chairs or benches to assist elderly or disabled worshippers who have difficulty with mobility. Along the
walls and pillars of the prayer hall, there are usually bookshelves to hold copies of the Qur'an, wooden
book stands (rihal), other religious reading material, and individual prayer rugs. Beyond this, the prayer
hall is otherwise a large, open space.

3.Mihrab

The mihrab is an ornamental indentation in the wall of a mosque, which marks the direction of the
qiblah. Mihrabs vary in size and color, but are usually shaped like a doorway and decorated with tiles
and calligraphy to make the space stand out.

4. Minbar

The minbar is a raised platform in the front area of a mosque, from which sermons or speeches are
given. The minbar is usually made of carved wood, stone, or brick. It includes a short staircase leading to
the top platform, which is sometimes covered by a small dome.

5.Dome
 Many mosques are decorated with a dome rooftop, particularly in the Middle East. This
architectural element holds no spiritual or symbolic significance, and is purely aesthetic. The
interior of a dome is usually highly decorated with floral, geometric and other patterns

6.Shoe Shelf

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 Rather uninspiring and purely practical, the shoe shelf is nevertheless a feature of many
mosques worldwide. Muslims remove their shoes before entering a mosque, to preserve the
cleanliness of the prayer space. Rather than dumping piles of shoes near the door, shelves are
strategically placed near mosque entrances so that visitors can neatly organize, and later find,
their shoes.

CASE STUDY 1

THE JAMIA MOSQUE IN NAIROBI

It is located in between Banda Street and Kigali Street, Nairobi, Kenya in the heart of the Central
Business District. It is the largest mosque in the country and reputably a major and important
center of Islamic practice in the East and Central African region.

The mosque is one of Kenya's most prominent religious structures, and the most important
mosque in the country. It was founded and first built by Syed Maulana Abdullah Shah between
the year 1902 and 1906. He was a very pious man and up to today he is remembered every year
by Muslims.

The Mosque has since been extended since its original construction.;
 The mosque plays a central role to Nairobi’s large Muslim population and is the location
of choice for most Muslims for the Friday prayers hence its name which refers to the
“Friday congregation”.
 The mosque institution was found in 1902 with the original structure which is an iconic.
The mosque was later extended into a modern wing in 1998 thus resulting in the current
Jamia Mosque Complex. The section of the old mosque is built in typical Islamic

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architectural style and retains a classic design with extensive use of marble and
inscriptions from the Qur’an.
 It is recognizable by its 3 silver domes, and four minarets signifying a symbolic presence
of Islam within the Central Business District and the Capital City.
 Jamia Mosque subscribes to the Sunni creed of “AhleSunnahWalJamaah” as espoused in
the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
 The core business of Jamia Mosque is facilitation of the Swalah (the five daily prayers) to
the Muslim community. Jamia Mosque also provides spiritual guidance, direction to
Muslims on pertinent national matters as well as social welfare support towards the
general well-being of the Muslim community and the general population. This is
achieved through structured Friday sermons to the congregation as well as tailor-made
intervention programmes.
 Daily Darsas

Darsas are conducted daily from Monday to Friday after Dhuhr salat by different scholars in
English, Swahili and Somali language. There are also daily Darsas conducted by the Resident
Imam before Dhuhr prayers.
 BOOKSHOP

The bookshop was established in February 2012 with the objective of providing Islamic
literature at an accessible location and affordable prices. Titles in various languages are
available including Islamic children books.
 CLOTH MAKING TECHNOLOGY

The course is suitable for people who would like to venture into self employment in the sector
of cloth making. This department admits only female students.

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Case Study 2 Analysis
National Mosque (Masjid Negara, Kuala
Lumpur)

http://debrisson.free.fr/images/malaysia/negara.jpg

Introduction
The National Mosque of Malaysia is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, which was built
between 1963 and 27th Auguest 1965 that holds the symbol of greatness of Islam as the official
religion in Malaysia. The building has a capacity of 15,000 people and is situated among 13acres
(53,000m2) of beautiful gardens. The entire area of the mosque is surrounded partly by concrete
walls and another part by decorative fencing. The National Mosque symbolizes the spirit of unity
and tolerance. This building is very significant as holds the unity of the main 3 races in Malaysia,
which the mosque was designed by a Malay, built by the Chinese and Indians and funded by the
contribution of Muslims, Christians, Buddhist and Hindus.
Architecture
Roof
At first glance, the tower measuring 245 feet high looks like a rocket that shapes like a closed
umbrella while the roof of the mosque looks like an open umbrella. The mosque previously
underwent major renovations in 1987, and was once pink concrete roof is now clad in green and
blue tiles. The roof measuring 84 feet high has a diameter of over 200ft and is supported by 16
pillars measuring over 3 feet in diameter. The pillars are paved with terrazzo. In the middle of
the roof there is an aluminium panel engraved with verses shape like door but has been modified
as curved arch. These is one of the most striking feature of the mosque, as it is uniquely different

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and outstanding compared to other mosque that has a onion dome, but it this National Mosque it
resembles a partly-opened umbrella like roof which symbolizes under the protection of Allah.

Close up view of the roof tiles cladded in blue and green.

http://www.traveladventures.org/countries/malaysia/images/masjid-negara10.jpg

Today, the National Mosque continues to stand sleek and stylish with the modern design that
embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art calligraphy and Malay
architecture symbolism. Since its completion on 27th August 1965, the National Mosque has
became a majestic symbol for Islam in Malaysia.

The Prayer Hall

The prayer hall has reinforced concrete wall garnished with Italian marble. There are nine sliding
aluminium doors along the three parts of the wall. Several written verses from the Quran are
placed across the all above the interior part of the door of the prayer hall. The writing measures
2ft high and woven with gold and blue shiny mosaic. The concrete roof in the shape of opened
umbrella is decorated with glass mosaic and white gold.

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The interior of the prayer hall.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYodUYPrfMU/T-fy4imvNKI/AAAAAAAAC3c/K_fGKl5ty8Y/s1600/P1110340+-+edit.jpg

Spaces
Religious classes for children and adults, public seminal and social functions such as weddings
and festival celebrations are often held in its many function rooms, which are situated in the
mosque complex.

Site plan of the National Mosque

https://www.islam.gov.my/en/bhg/national-mosque/main

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Plan of the National Mosque
https://www.islam.gov.my/en/bhg/national-mosque/main

Elevation of the National Mosque

https://www.islam.gov.my/en/bhg/national-mosque/main

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Perspective view of the National Mosque entrance
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/94161760.jpg

7 Unifying Principles of Islamic Architecture

Tawhid: Unity and Uniquity of Allah

Prayer Hall
The prayer hall is the space where the Muslims congregate to perform their prayers facing the
"Qiblah" which is the direction of 'KA'BAH' in Mecca. This is a common direction during the
prayers as it signifies that Islam is the religion of Unity : One God, One Final Prophet
Muhammad. This prayer hall can accomodate up to 3000 prayers at one time with a floor area of
23,409 square feet.

Entrance
The entrance of this mosque is quite unique as the walls are tiled in marbles and can be accessed
from 3 different direction through 9glass doors, uniting the prayers into one space.

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Muslim prayers that were gathered into one space
to perform their prayers in the National Mosque
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Inside_masjid_negara.JPG

Dikr : Remembrance
An islamic building should be a remembrance of Allah as it is an act and a process of being
reminisced. Therefore, most of the islamic buildings are usually covered with repeated geometric
form ornaments that includes nature or Quranic inscriptions surrounding the building.

Quranic inscriptions located at the entrance.

http://cdn1.vtourist.com/4/6104093-National_Mosque_Masjid_Negara_KL_Malaysia_Kuala_Lumpur.jpg?version=2

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Quranic inscriptions and sculptures made out of steel, appearing
to look elegantly as a respect and remembrance to Allah.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dLT98yu4SB8/SxDc2lp7vnI/AAAAAAAADGk/tnol9AJeV68/s1600/national+mosque+kuala+lumpur+4.JPG

Uniformly arranged pillars in rhythmic precision.

Photo by : Lee Wan Teen

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Haya : Modesty
Modesty was illustrated in this mosque through the usage of geometrical screenings. In
architecture, modesty is to preserve the dignity of the Muslims, where it not only serves as a
private screening but also an aesthic feature as well as an environmental feature.

Screenings that is used as an architecture aesthetic and environmental

feature on the outside but as a private screening on the indoors of
the mosque. This image illustrates the night view of the lit up screening.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/94161618

Ikhlas : Sincerity
Ikhlas was demonstrated as a sign of sincerity through an outward physical actions of the body
for example prayers and also inward actions of the heart where it is achieved by removing doubts
from thoughts. Sincerity is expressed through the inner heart that involves deep contemplative of

spiritual nature of man.

Actions of sincerity performed through outward physical

actions of the body for prayers.

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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Inside_masjid_negara.JPG

Architecturally expressed and translated through the union of sincerity and purity
of design where a space is constructed in the absence of human imaginary and
idols the arts of geometric ornamentation
https://www.islam.gov.my/en/bhg/national-mosque/main

Iqtisad : Balance
Balance is achieved through the structural plan of this mosque in terms of golden ration,
proportion and spatial sequences. As shown in the diagram, the form of this building is basically
quite simple and basic where it is almost symmetrical to each site of the plan as well as the
elevation. The structural plan is a sequence shaped, hypostyle mosque, meaning it is a flat roof
supported by columns.

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Plan and elevation achieving balance through symmetrical axis.
https://www.islam.gov.my/en/bhg/national-mosque/main

Ilm : Knowledge
Knowledge is also illustrated and expressed through Islamic architecture. This can usually be
seen in the architecture of inscriptions where calligraphy is written or carved in a sacred
language in Arabic. The Arabic callagraphy is to celebrate the aesthetic of islamic scripts across
the Islamic world through a visible form by revealing ilm' and wisdom words of Quran.

Quranic inscriptions at the entrance

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dLT98yu4SB8/SxDc2lp7vnI/AAAAAAAADGk/tnol9AJeV68/s1600/national+mosque+kuala+lumpur+4.JPG

In islam, knowledge is also known as the light of truth. Many architecture has manipulated light
as an expression through illuminating effects of sun rays and moon light. This reveals intricacy
on wall inscriptions or ornament as a moving point source of natural sunlight, that adds
individuality and a sensory experience of architectural spaces as it is driven of the quality of light
and shadow that determines an individual's perception.
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Manipulated lighting qualities by the screening wall from the
natural lightings, adding individuality and sensory experience
of the space.
http://images.travelpod.com/tw_slides/ta00/d47/e72/visiting-the-national-mosque-kuala-lumpur.jpg

Lighting qualities inside the prayer hall through the

natural lighting transmitted through the screenings and stained glass.
http://images.travelpod.com/tw_slides/ta00/bb4/f2e/2-e-inside-the-national-mosque-bangi.jpg

Ihtiram : Respect
Respect means propriety or adab (good manners), a positive feeling of esteem or deference for a
person or other entity, and also specific actions and conduct representative of that esteem. In
Islam, respect is translated in ihtiram in a sense of showing respect or behaving in a good manner
towards God, Allah; to fellow mankind and to oneself. In forms of architecture, it illustrates
symbolism, harmony and the purity of geometric shapes of the Ka'bah which are found in scared

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architecture throughout the Islamic World. In the National Mosque, geometric shapes of screen
walls could be found nearly every corner of the building.

Screen walls in geometric shapes

http://blog.audioguidemalaysia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Promo-7_31.jpg

Conclusion
In conclusion, my personal experience towards the National Mosque is indescribable as it is an
iconic and a very symbolic building by having its own uniqueness and individual character. In
my personal opinion, the moment we first stepped into the entrance, the verandah gives us a very
open and welcoming feeling due to its columns which were arranged uniformly across the
walkway, which is quite different from the Middle East that usually applies courtyards within the
mosque compound. Compensation were made by replacing one of the famous Malay architecture
element, the verandah in the absence of courtyard.

The architecture of the mosque is a bold and modern approach with the usage of reinforced
concrete. A mix of Islamic, malay and modern architecture, this mosque is uniquely different
compared to the Middle East. This is because the unique feature of this mosque is that it uses an
open umbrella concept which does not have the usual domes on the roof structure of the
building. The umbrella is a synonymous with the tropics which reminiscent of the roof structure.
The water features surrounding the compound gives a very serene and calm feeling where one
can relax their mind and souls during their prayers.

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The verandah view with the uniformedly arranged column
layout in rhytmtic precision as a remembrance act to God.
Photo By: Lee Wan Teen

Photo by : Lee Wan Teen

Night perspective view of the lighted up mosque with screen walls.

http://www.light-cibles.com/img/reference/696/nationalmosque1.JPG

Refrences:
https://www.islam.gov.my/en/bhg/national-mosque/main

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