4.Architecture as Pursuit of ilm: Knowledge

4.Architecture as Pursuit of ilm: Knowledge

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

4.Architecture with Persuit of ilm: Knowledge

Pursuit of knowledge is revealed in the numerous structures that Muslim architect erected for their communities to absorb and extent Islam teachings. Ornamentation and carvings acquires a precise and skilled artist in the geometrical laws. The mosque served as an educational seeking point, where people gather and receive/trade knowledge.The knowledge of ornamentation and carvings has been spread and applied in the construction of Islamic architecture as shown in the illustration above. The knowledge of geometrical system, architectural technology and the Islamic calligraphy has been improved and still being widely used in the modern age.

The Calligraphy on the wall of the mosque depict the importance of ilmu to the prayer.

3.Architecture as Ikhlas: Sincerity

3.Architecture as Ikhlas: Sincerity

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

3.Architecture with Ikhlas: Sincerity

Architecture as ikhlas - expression of submissions /in the way of God with outward physical actions of the body from prayer inward action of the heart. A sign of honesty and sincerity is also c demonstrated through the art of architecture within the conformity to God's will by removing/covering an existing figure (human, animals, angles etc) in ornamentation. The effort of ornamentation is introduced by integrating the science of mathematics to come out with and apply the geometrical ornamentation.

Example : Selimiye Mosque

Interior atrium of Selimiye Mosque, Turkey.

The mosque an Ottoman mosque in the city of Edirne, Turkey. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Selim II and was built by architect Mimar Sinan between 1569 and 1575. It was considered by Sinan to be his masterpiece and is one of the highest achievements of Islamic architecture.

Dominating the skyline of Edirne, former capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Selimiye Mosque Complex commissioned by Selim II is the ultimate architectural expression by the architect Sinan of the Ottoman külliye. The imposing mosque stepping up to its single great dome with four soaring slender minarets, spectacular decorated interior space, manuscript library, meticulous craftsmanship, brilliant Iznik tiles and marble courtyard together with its associated educational institutions, outer courtyard and covered bazaar, represent the apogee of an art form and the pious benefaction of 16th century imperial Islam. The architectural composition of the Selimiye Mosque Complex in its dominant location represents the culmination of the great body of work by Sinan, the most outstanding architect of the Ottoman Empire.

The Selimiye Mosque in Turkey.

The Dome