Decoration in Islamic architecture

Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Hence, in His creation of this universe, one beholds the highest standard of magnificence, symmetry and order. Allah has bestowed humankind with an aesthetic sense that helps them design and create architecture that adequately translates the true essence of His d...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Spahic, Omer
Format: Book
Language:English
English
Published: International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH) 2020
Subjects:
Online Access:http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/
http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/1/IIPH%20Letter%20for%20Dean%20IIUM%202%20Books.pdf
http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/13/81942%20Decoration%20in%20Islamic%20Architecture.pdf
_version_ 1848789210663747584
author Spahic, Omer
author_facet Spahic, Omer
author_sort Spahic, Omer
building IIUM Repository
collection Online Access
description Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Hence, in His creation of this universe, one beholds the highest standard of magnificence, symmetry and order. Allah has bestowed humankind with an aesthetic sense that helps them design and create architecture that adequately translates the true essence of His divine infinity and perfection. Islamic architecture and decoration, therefore, leads one to contemplate on Allah, His Oneness and His innumerable bounties. From the simple building structure of the early days of Islam till the majestic edifices of the present era, each and every architectural endeavour reflects the interests and engagements of Muslims as Allah’s trustees on the earth. Tracing the history of the building activities of the Muslims and the way different modes of decoration were added to the simple structures over a period of time, the author brings home the point that construction and beautification should be inspired by the heavenly message of Islam and its dynamic spirit. If this criterion is not observed, genuine Islamic architecture will cease to exist. Many have debated the permissibility of decorating buildings especially those that serve a religious purpose, namely mosques and Islamic schools. However, since Islam opposes neither artistic creativity nor the enjoyment of beauty, decorating edifices is allowed if the objectives of Islamic jurisprudence are strictly adhered to. In such a scenario, the deed not only becomes acceptable but laudable as well.
first_indexed 2025-11-14T17:53:06Z
format Book
id iium-81942
institution International Islamic University Malaysia
institution_category Local University
language English
English
last_indexed 2025-11-14T17:53:06Z
publishDate 2020
publisher International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH)
recordtype eprints
repository_type Digital Repository
spelling iium-819422020-08-11T07:15:21Z http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/ Decoration in Islamic architecture Spahic, Omer Islamic art and architecture Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Hence, in His creation of this universe, one beholds the highest standard of magnificence, symmetry and order. Allah has bestowed humankind with an aesthetic sense that helps them design and create architecture that adequately translates the true essence of His divine infinity and perfection. Islamic architecture and decoration, therefore, leads one to contemplate on Allah, His Oneness and His innumerable bounties. From the simple building structure of the early days of Islam till the majestic edifices of the present era, each and every architectural endeavour reflects the interests and engagements of Muslims as Allah’s trustees on the earth. Tracing the history of the building activities of the Muslims and the way different modes of decoration were added to the simple structures over a period of time, the author brings home the point that construction and beautification should be inspired by the heavenly message of Islam and its dynamic spirit. If this criterion is not observed, genuine Islamic architecture will cease to exist. Many have debated the permissibility of decorating buildings especially those that serve a religious purpose, namely mosques and Islamic schools. However, since Islam opposes neither artistic creativity nor the enjoyment of beauty, decorating edifices is allowed if the objectives of Islamic jurisprudence are strictly adhered to. In such a scenario, the deed not only becomes acceptable but laudable as well. International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH) 2020-11 Book PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/1/IIPH%20Letter%20for%20Dean%20IIUM%202%20Books.pdf application/pdf en http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/13/81942%20Decoration%20in%20Islamic%20Architecture.pdf Spahic, Omer (2020) Decoration in Islamic architecture. International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (In Press) https://iiph.com/
spellingShingle Islamic art and architecture
Spahic, Omer
Decoration in Islamic architecture
title Decoration in Islamic architecture
title_full Decoration in Islamic architecture
title_fullStr Decoration in Islamic architecture
title_full_unstemmed Decoration in Islamic architecture
title_short Decoration in Islamic architecture
title_sort decoration in islamic architecture
topic Islamic art and architecture
url http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/
http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/
http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/1/IIPH%20Letter%20for%20Dean%20IIUM%202%20Books.pdf
http://irep.iium.edu.my/81942/13/81942%20Decoration%20in%20Islamic%20Architecture.pdf