Islamic Architecture - Semester 4

1. BLUE MOSQUESULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH MOSQUE

3. SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH MOSQUE
BLUE MOSQUE
NUR ADILA ZAAS | NURUL JANNAH | YASEEN SYED | KEE TING TING | TINA FAZLII

5. CONTENTS
PROLOGUE
PHILOSOPHIES
PRINCIPLES
TEACHINGS
VALUES
INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS

6. PROLOGUE
The mosque was commissioned
by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul
Aziz, when he declared Shah Alam
as the new capital of Selangor on 14
February 1974. Construction began in
1982 and finished on 11 March 1988.
The Mosque is also known as the
Blue Mosque owing to its blue dome.
One of the largest mosques
in South-east Asia, this impressive
building is frequently referred to as the
blue mosque. It is huge and magnificent
with an enormous, dark blue dome,( Its
most distinguishing feature is its large
blue and silver dome.) and four mina-
rets standing at 466.8 feet. Decorative
Islamic calligraphy enhances the dome
and main prayer-hall, while the overall
architecture integrates ethnic Malay
design elements. The mosque is ad-
joined by a small lake, which makes it a
particularly serene setting, especially
at sunset.The lake emphasizes on the
aspect of dhikr in Islamic architecture.

7. PHILOSOPHIES
GENERAL PHILOSOPHIES
It is the essence of Islam to provide humanity
with basic rules of morality and guidelines of
proper conduct in life even in fields that does
not relate to prescribed ritual worship, such as
art and architecture. Islam holds on to many
values, for example, peace, equality, fairness,
compassion, respect and honesty. Although the
main Islamic values and human values are the-
same, but because of different views of these
values andprioritization of them, Muslim ar-
chitects have to create a newdesign process.
Upon such general principles and guidelines
people can establish systems, regulations,
views and attitudes in order to comprehend
and regulate their worldly lives in accordance
with their time, region and needs. New prob-
lems and challenges arise every age and era,
so the solutions and insights deduced from the
fundamental principles and permanent values
will be different will be different to some extent.
Their substance, however, remains unchanged.
Islam is based on essential human nature, which
is constant and not subject to change according
to time and space. It is the outward forms, which
change while the fundamental principles, the ba-
sicvaluesandtheessentialhumannaturetogeth-
er with man’s basic needs remain unchanged.

8. PHILOSOPHIES OF SULTAN SALAHUDDIN
ABDUL AZIZ MOSQUE:
Based on the principle of HAYA,in Islamic
Architecture:Mosques are usually built on the
outskirts of an area.This is done to reduce
the interference of the outer world.The Blue
Mosque is located in the quiet sections on
Shah Alam,and is therefore enclosed from the
main city and outer world.This is to allow for a
private meeting between man and Allah(SWT).
Aluminium grills,which have intricate details
are fitted with blue stained glass to reduce
the amount of light entering the masjid,hence
creating a serene yet private atmosphere.
Among the rules of Haya,the idea of
preserving a barrier between Muslim men and
women is supported by segregation of the
entrances,ablution blocks and prayer halls.
The mosque serves as “city” for the
community,in that marriage ceremo-
nies,Eid prayers and traditions,and oth-
er Islamic functions can be held in the
mosque.A few other services are provid-
ed for the Muslim community of Shah Alam.

9. These include an Islamic Bank,a kindergarten for
children,a series of lecture halls,galleries,coun-
celling services and a library.People who are vis-
iting Makkah for Hajj,are given advise and prac-
tice the order of Hajj.The main use of the circular
fountain at the entrance of the Mosque,is to help
peopleunderstandtheschematicsystemsofHajj.
The main strategy behind developing such spac-
es in the area,is to bring the Muslim community
together in all their daily activities.It helps to edu-
cate the children,converts and others about the
teachings of Islam in the best possible manner.
The use of nature reminds the believers of the
existence of God.Also the use of openings,(ocu-
lus),remind the worshippers of a divine presence
and of heaven. The trees and the ponds with wa-
ter also remind the believers of Allah’s creations
and givings.They make worshippers realise
the infinity and abundance of Allah’s creations.

10. PRINCIPLES
THE 7 PRINCIPLES IN ISLAMIC
ARCHITECTURE:
ARCHITECTURE OF TAWHID :
By accepting the syahaadah, They glorify only
ALLAH S.W. T, and believe he has no partners.
The mosque faces directly towards the Ka’bah,
and all the worshippers around the world
pray in One Direction (Qiblah) towards it. This
symbolizes their unity in prayer as well as
uniquity of ALLAH S.W.T. The mihrab is locat-
ed at the axis of the mosque which is oriented
towards the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah.
ARCHITECTURE OF IHTIRAM :
Architecture of Ihtiram translates into the
presence of showing respect, propriety and
good manners to God, to fellow mankind. The
minaret is constructed in higher scale as
compared to the rest of the building, showing
that God is mighty and humans are small com-
pared to Him. The minarets are the focal point
of the mosque.
Another way of showing Ihtiram, isn’t by using
images of animals and statues, instead the use
of Khat’(arabic caligraphy) is used.
Also the atmosphere in a mosque is a quiet as
muslims do not raise their voices, as this cause
disturbances in other people’s prayer.
ARCHITECTURE OF IQTISAD:
There is a balance in the composition, in the
plan of the mosque as well as in the facade of
elevation, hence achieving the perfect
symmetry.

11. ARCHITECTURE OF ILM’ :
As narrated by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, “it
is mandatory upon every Muslim to gain or have
knowledge in oneself”. The mosque is known
to be a place of worships as well as a place
for Islamic Teachings. It has a library, gallery as
well as kindergarten for children. The mosque
also offers learning of the Quran for children to
enhance their knowledge of Islam and improve
their Tajweed.
ARCHITECTURE OF HAYA’ :
The mosque is enclosed from the outer world.
This is to allow for a private meeting between
man and ALLAH S.W.T. Alluminium Grills, which
have intricate details are fitted with blue stained
glass to reduce the amount of light entering the
mosque, hence creating a serene yet private
atmosphere.
ARCHITECTURE OF IKHLAS:
Honesty is sincerely displayed through the art of
architecture within the conformity of God’s will
by removing any images of humans and
animals. Instead use of Mathematics and
Science help to create geometric
ornamentations.
ARCHITECTURE OF DHIKR:
The use of repetitive geometric elements
mirrored in the chanting of ALLAH S.W.T (
attributes). This mosque practices repetition of
the ornaments such as the columns.
This reminds the believers of the existance of
the God. Also the use of openings, (oculus),
remind the worshippers of a divine presence
and of heaven.

12. TEACHINGS
Muslim architects began to develop a new type
of religious building, designed specifically for Is-
lamic worship. In Blue Mosque, it has a grand
entrance with covered passageways/ verandah
on every sides. The tiles tiling on verandah and
the carpets in the prayer hall all assembled in
an order facing the direction of Mecca. The 4
minarets with height of 460 feet are positioned
at the 4 corners, are to call the faithful to prayer.
Before a Muslim wants to perform a prayer, he/
she should clean himself/herself in the ablu-
tion room. As mentioned in Quran and Islamic
teachings, to separate prayer spaces for men
and women. In this mosque, women praying
area is at the mezzanine floor, whereas, for
the men prayers, they are to pray in the main
prayer at ground floor. Muslims are encour-
age to pray in congregation with the minimum
of 2 persons. will get more rewards from Allah
and praying together will brings the community
closer and fosters good relationships amongst
the worshippers. This one of the main reason
that the praying areas area wide and huge. This
ablution room is equipped with 560 pipes for
the prayers. Mosque is also known as religious
learning centre. In this mosque, there are a few
classes carry on in the prayer hall, such as psy-
chology, Japanese, Tahzfiz, al Quran and etc. In
addition, they also considerate give classes to
Muallaf (people who are not converted to Islam).

13. VALUES
It is the essence of Islam to provide humanity
with basic rules of morality and guidelines of
proper conduct in life even in fields that does
not relate to prescribed ritual worship, such as
art and architecture. Islam holds on to many
values, for example, peace, equality, fairness,
compassion, respect and honesty. Although the
main Islamic values and human values are the
same, but because of different views of these
values and prioritization of them, Muslim ar-
chitects have to create a new design process.
VALUE OF THE MOSQUE
In terms of architecture is its magnificent blue
dome, which is the mosque’s trademark and
the world’s biggest dome and tallest minarets.
It’s a very calm and peaceful place for
Muslims to worship. All visitors are provided
with a blue cape to wear while visiting, and head
scarf for women which is for matching with the
blue color of the mosque and respect to it.
In terms of architecture is its magnificent blue
dome, which is the mosque’s trademark and
the world’s biggest dome and tallest minarets.
The ring beam, both outside and inside is dec-
orated with beautiful Quranic calligraphy which
shows how this mosque is holding values of
respect and honesty in terms of architecture
as well. In addition the blue mosque overlooks
the garden of Islamic arts, a beautifully land-
scaped park inspired by the Quranic garden
of paradise. Plus in terms of ihtiram the screen
wall in geometric shape, the gate with repeat-
ed design applied through the convoluted Is-
lamic ornaments with the rectangular pattern.

14. INDIVIDUAL
RESEARCH AND
QUESTIONS

15. ADILA ZAAS 0310417

20. YASEEN SYED 0309021

32. KEE TING TING 0310019

34. NURUL JANNAH JAILANI 0310210
Which part of the mosque can you feel the atmosphere of Tawhid?
- In my opinion, the place where the Imam leads the congregational prayers. The Imam unites
the Muslims in the mosque.
2. Why is it important to adopt the concept of Tahwid in the mosque?
- To ensure the oneness of Allah, in every aspect of a mosque. And to strengthen the silaturra-
him bond between Muslim worshippers.
3. Does the aesthetic design of the mosque give off a Tawhidic presence?
- It’ a very beautiful mosque. It makes us come to pray, and invite our families and friends to
come to pray here.
4. What kind of activities held by the mosque to create the feeling of Tawhid?
- They hold Arabic classes, events, weddings etc. All kinds of activities to teach Muslims on
the religion, bringing everyone together.
5. Does the Tawhidic atmosphere of the mosque contributes to the spiritual connection be-
tween worshippers and God?
- It helps us being immersed during prayers, where everyone gathers together.
6. Does further understanding of Tawhid will help you being immersed during prayers?
- Yes, it does.
7. Which part of the design of the mosque that you like most?
- I personally like the dome of the mosque most. It is very beautiful and big, making me feel
rather small.
8. Does any of the ornamentation of the mosque give you an uncomfortable feeling? Why?
- I don’t think so. I think every part of the mosque is very beautiful and pleasing to the eye.
9. In your opinion, does the mosque itself a representation of Tawhid? If not, which mosque?
- Yes it does. With it’s grand look, it calls out to every Muslims and even non-Muslims to visit
this mosque.
10. If you were to take part in the re-designing the mosque, what would you input in order to
create a better spiritual feeling to the mosque?
- Maybe add more trees around the mosque? To give more privacy from the busy roads beside
the mosque compound.

35. TINA FAZLII 1010E11514