Imam Hussein Shrine

Introduction

Figure 1: Imam Hussein Shrine

The Shrine of Hussein ibn Ali is one of the oldest mosques in the world and a holy site of Shia Islam in the city of Karbala, Iraq. It stands on the site of the grave of Hussein ibn Ali, the second grandson of Muhammad (P.B.U.H), near the place where he was killed during the Battle of Karbala in 680 C.E. The tomb of Hussein ibn Ali is one of the holiest places for Shias outside of Mecca and Medina

The grave of Imam Husayn is found in the middle of the precinct, and is called the "Rawda" or "Garden" and it has several entry gates. The most famous one is called "Al-Qibla" or "Bāb al-Dhahab". When it is entered, one can see the tomb of Habīb ibn Madhahir al-Asadī, to the right hand side. Habīb was a friend and companion of Imam Hussein since their childhood and was honored with martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala.

Figure 2: Interior of the mosque

The Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs prevented construction of the shrines and discouraged pilgrimage to the sites. The tomb and its annexes were destroyed by Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil in 850-851 and Shi'a pilgrimage was prohibited, but shrines in Karbala and Najaf were built by the Buwayhid emir 'Adud al-Daula in 979-80.

The boundary wall of the shrine surrounds wooden gates covered with glass decorations. The gates open into a courtyard separated into smaller rooms or precincts with many "Iwans" along the walls. The grave of Hussein ibn Ali is enclosed within a cage-like structure, found directly beneath the golden dome. Al Abbas Mosque is located nearby.

Islamic principles

Tawhid

In the essence of the principles of Islamic architecture, the Imam Hussein shrine portrays the principle of Tawhid in that; it is one of the holiest places outside of Mecca and Medina. It is a site where many make pilgrimages, every year to observe Ashura, which marks the anniversary of Hussein ibn Ali's death. Along with it being one of the holiest places and a place of pilgrimage, the mosque located within the shrine is also directed towards the Ka’bah in Mecca so as to unify and unit the energy and peaceful act of prayer towards the Ka’bah during the 5 daily prayers.  The Shrine also has an area which is 59 m by 75 m that is surrounded with ten gates, and has about 65 rooms which are decorated from the inside and outside, and used as class rooms for studying.

Figure 3: Principles of tawhid

Ihtiram

Ihtiram to the Islamic religion is portrayed in the architecture of the mosque in the Imam Hussein shrine that embodies devotion which serves the pillar of religion and unifies the Shia Muslim community in the area. Along with the mosque, the religious geometrical symbols that are present throughout the shrine as well portray ihtiram in the sense that the harmony and purity of the geometry of the Ka’bah is Omnipresent within the architecture along with the many ‘Iwans’ that are present on the walls of the rooms located within the courtyard. The essence of Islam and humanity are respected in this building due to the fact that it acts as a sanctuary that houses the grave of Imam Hussein and his compatriots protecting it and giving the Shia Muslims the opportunity to be close to one of the most sacred individuals in their lives.

Figure 4: Principle of Ihtiram

Ilm

Architecture of ‘Ilm is depicted in the building in the form of architectural inscriptions comprised of the Arabic language revelling ‘ilm and words of wisdom from the Quran. The usage of the area within the shrine for educational purposes ensures the architecture advances in the pursuit of knowledge along with being a holy place. 

Figure 5: Holy recitation representing Ilm

Iqtisad

This form of architecture is a type that can be generally viewed in the way the building is places its self into the surrounding there is complete balance between the shrine itself to the coexisting buildings in the area, and the shrine in itself portrays complete balance and spatial proportion.

Figure 6: Iqtisad reflected in the pictures

 Dikr

This principle of Islamic architecture in a way sums up what the architecture is solely about; architecture of monotony which portrays rhythmic precision that is mirrored in the contemplative chanting of God’s innumerable attributes as well as the remembrance and consistent praise of Allah (SWT).  The entire shrine in a way is derived around remembrance of Allah and constant praise towards him, not only through Arabic inscriptions throughout the building walls but also through the geometric proportions and sincerity that the building portrays which in a way sums up what the Islamic religion is about; Unity and unicty of Allah, respect, sincerity, Knowledge, Balance, Modesty and Remembrance.

Figure 7: Dikr seen in the picture

References

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/karbala_imam_al-hussein-ik.htm

http://www.tebyan.net/newindex.aspx?pid=187161

http://www.islamic-architecture.info/WA-IQ/WA-IQ-006.htm

http://www.erfan.ir/51722.html

Islamic architecture analysis

Introduction

We were assigned to analyze buildings based on the Islamic principles implemented in structures. Here are few examples relating to Syria and Iraq timeline:

The Grand Mosque of Damascus

Figure  1: Great mosque of Damascus

During the first decade of the eight century, the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid bin Abd Al-Malik is said to have addressed the damascene masses in the following terms: “Inhabitants of Damascus, four things give you a marked superiority over the rest of the world: your climate, your water, your fruits and your paths. To these I wanted to add a fifth: This mosque.”

The Grand Mosque of Damascus, known more commonly as the Umayyad Mosque, The Great Mosque of Damascus is the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history; the building served as a central gathering point after Mecca to consolidate the Muslims in their faith and conquest to rule the surrounding territories under the Umayyad Caliphate.

Its renowned medieval manuscripts reinforced the Umayyad mosque’s religious significance, and ranked as one of the wonders of the world due to it is beauty and scale of construction.

Umayyad Mosque in Syria is dated back to 1200 years BC, Where this place was a temple of the god "Haddad-Raman" the god of fertility and thunder and rain, When the Romans entered Damascus, they built a temple to the god Jupiter, and still has it’s lingering views which can be seen from the harem souk area to the Qaimariya area. When Rome converted to Christianity, the Church of John the Baptist was held in the North Western region of the temple. And when the Muslims entered Damascus, they shared the site of the church into two parts: the eastern section to become for Muslims and the western part to become for the Christians. And when Al-Walid bin Abd Al-Malik took the succession in 705, he wanted to build a mosque that has no parallel in the East, and Christians satisfy to sell the other half of the church in return for the Church of Ananias and other rights. Benefiting from what is existed, Al-Walid began building the mosque and re-forms the existence part of the church into an Islamic form and decorated with mosaics, miniatures and engravings. And it was one of the best-decorated mosques in the history of Islam. The Umayyad Mosque has the first minaret in Islam named Minaret of the “Arous” which means “Bride”. Today, the mosque has three 'minarets, four gates and a large dome called dome of the eagle, it also has three domes in the courtyard, four niches and huge murals of mosaics and also halls and museum. Inside the mosque, there is a tomb of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) and beside him the hero Saladin.

The Umayyad mosque tends to portray the principle of unity and uni-city of Allah “Tawhid” as it follows the ideas of the Prophet Mohammed mosque of in Medina and the mosque stands on a sight surrounded by the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world which shows unity and uni-city for the city

Figure 2: Schematics of the mosque

Also the principle of respect “Ihtiram” has been known as symbolism, harmony and purity of geometry, which can be seen on the wall detail inside the mosque.

Figure 3: Details of the Mosque represent Ihtiram

And the principle of sincerity “Ikhlas” which can be known as the integration of mathematics: embodiment of geometric proportion, harmony and balance which can be seen on the “Mehrab” and also on the path to the doors inside the mosque.

Figure 4: Principles of Ikhlas

The principle of pursuit of knowledge “Ilm” which can be defined as architecture of inscriptions by calligraphy, Arabic language or reveal Ilm & wisdom word of quran. And also by using the light as expression that illuminating affects of sunrays & moon light which can be seen on the doors and windows of the mosque.   

Figure 5: principal of Ilm

The principle of remembrance “Dikr” can be defined as rhythmic precision mirrored in the contemplative chanting of God’s innumerable attributes “Dikr” which can be found on the dome and panels inside the mosque.

Figure 6: Principle of Dikr

Refrences:

http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=7161

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/syria/damascus-umayyad-mosque

http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/default.cfm?articleID=685

Book Name: The Great Mosque of Damascus: Studies on the Makings of an Umayyad Visual.

Syria & Iraq Timeline

Figure 1: General Islamic chronologies

Introduction

The timeline will be focusing on the expansion of Syria & Iraq in Islamic chronology. The similarity between Iraq and Syria is the Islamic conquest began with the first caliph, Abu Bakar As-Siddiq. During the first conquest, Syria and Iraq was conquered by Abu Bakar As-Siddiq in 633 right after Prophet Muhammad S.A.W conquest then. The expansion of Iraq began by defeating the Persian army subsequently conquered by Arab forces. Hence, implementation of culture, social, and economy in their conquered lands commenced until further conquest progressed. After Abu Bakar As-Siddiq passed away, Umar was chosen as the next caliph leading the Islamic nation continuing their quest. Iraq and Syria expansion moved simultaneously as parallel expansion were lead by the first caliph spreading Islam around the world. 

Timeline 

Figure 2: Expansion during Byzantine period

Diagrams above indicate the early settlement during Byzantine period that was ruled by the Roman empire. During the early settlement, Roman empire were seen as the dominant empire conquering the rest of the world whilst establishing a concentrating point of administration called Antioch also known as Athens of the East then. The capital city of Syria was a wealthy industrialization and major trade communicating with the rest of the world which eventually leads to expansion of culture and knowledge then. Hence, Byzantine architecture was introduced as part of their architecture language followed with expansion of Christianity and Islamic religion.

Figure 3: Antioch during Byzantine period

Figure 4: Expansion of Islam after Roman empire

Diagram above indicate expansion of Islam after the Roman empire whereby the conquest was started by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W followed with other caliphs. As stated above, Syria and Iraq was conquered by Caliph Abu Bakar expanding Syria and Iraq followed with other caliphs. Caliph Abu Bakar lead Islam against the Byzantine army in order to conquer Syria and Iraq. Later, Syria was conquered officially during 637 by the caliph Umar followed with a battle against the Romans in the battle of Yarmouk to enter Palestine. 

Architecture

Figure 5: Roman's architecture during Byzantine period

Figure above indicates the early Roman architecture implemented during early settlement in Syria. The amphitheater was built by the Romans as part of their entertainment program indirectly became their culture then. The amphitheater possessed characteristics of Classic Roman architecture such as application of columns, symmetrical, and massive structures. After the Romans eliminated, Christians influences are seen in Syria whereby churches were built during that period. 

Architecture characteristics:

• Symmetrical
• Application of pillars and columns 
• Hierarchy 

 

What the eyes and heart perceive

  Based on my analysis, the long history of the iconic mosque was based from the Umayyad period relating to the Islamic historical timeline. The origin of the mosque was during the Byzantine period whereby it was known as a temple then. Romans' belief was the initial 'religion' before Christianity  revolves around the temple then before and eventually converted into a mosque later. Hence, the symbolic similarities that captures me is the idea of religion itself.

  The objective was to worship solely based on religion whereby the spaces were vividly translated. The temple then based on Romans' belief whereby shrines were located around the area in worshiping their gods. Thus, the idea of worshiping based on religion is the main process in order to reach the objective. After the invasion by Christianity in the Great Mosque of Damascus church was constructed in replacing the temple then. Church similarly as mosque for Muslims stand as a platform from them to show their faith to God. Faith stand as the tension or the link between worshiping and religion whereby worshiping stand as an action and religion is the authority. Thus, faith is the link connecting both in order to be closed to Allah. Faith is a believe which cannot be seen on the naked eye, symbolically communicating with God and the irony of acceptance invisible figure. However, faith is the key in believing that He is there.

  During 636, Islam conquered and converted the church into a mosque. They shared the mosque together by using the southern arcade for prayers. The principal of Islamic architecture based on Tawhid is captured whereby unity and unicity are vivid based on the space. The root of the word unity is unite whilst the definition of unite is 'come or bring together for a common purpose or action.' Thus society with different religion unite under the same roof to pray together simultaneously highlighting the main purpose of a mosque. 

  In conclusion, the principle of Islamic architecture of  Tawhid is crystal which can be captured based on the action of fellow devotees through process of action and faith in order to achieve their objective. The space within the mosque gives such complexity illustrating the mentality acceptances of faith as a unit through unity and unicity.