Islamic architecture: 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.