BLUE MOSQUE SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH MOSQUE
BLUE MOSQUE SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH MOSQUE
NUR ADILA ZAAS | NURUL JANNAH | YASEEN SYED | KEE TING TING | TINA FAZLII
CONTENTS PROLOGUE PHILOSOPHIES PRINCIPLES TEACHINGS VALUES INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS
PROLOGUE
T h e m o sq u e was commis s io ned
b y t he l a te S u lt an Salah u ddin Abdul Az i z , w h e n h e declared Sh ah Ala m as t he n e w c a p it al o f Selan go r o n 14 Feb ru a r y 1 9 7 4 . Co n s t ru ct ion began in 1 9 8 2 a n d fi n i shed o n 1 1 March 1 9 88. T he M o squ e i s als o kn o wn as the B l ue M o squ e o win g t o it s blu e dom e. in
One
of
the
Sou th - e a st
As ia,
larges t t h is
mo s ques impres s iv e
b ui l d i n g i s f re qu en t ly referred t o as the b l ue m o sq u e . I t is h u ge an d mag n ificent wi t h a n e n o r m o us , dark blu e dome,( Its mo s t di sti n g u i shin g feat u re is it s lar ge b l ue a n d si l v e r dome.) an d fou r minaret s s t a n d i n g a t 4 6 6 .8 feet . Decorat ive Is l amic c a l l i g r a p h y en h an ces t h e dom e and m a i n pr a y e r-h all, wh ile t h e o verall archi t e c tu re
i n tegrat es
et h n ic
Malay
d es i g n e l e m e n ts. Th e mos qu e is adj o i ned by a sm a l l lake, wh ich makes it a p ar t i c u l a r l y se re n e s et t in g, es pecially at s un se t. T h e l a ke emph as izes o n the as p ec t o f d h i k r in I s lamic arch it ect ure.
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 thesame, but because of different views of these values andprioritization of them, Muslim architects 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 problems 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 basic values and the essential human nature together with man’s basic needs remain unchanged.
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
community,in nies,Eid
serves
as
that
marriage
prayers
and
“city�
for
the
ceremo-
traditions,and
oth-
er Islamic functions can be held in the mosque.A few other services are provided for the Muslim community of Shah Alam.
These include an Islamic Bank,a kindergarten for children,a series of lecture halls,galleries,councelling services and a library.People who are visiting Makkah for Hajj,are given advise and practice the order of Hajj.The main use of the circular fountain at the entrance of the Mosque,is to help people understand the schematic systems of Hajj. The main strategy behind developing such spaces in the area,is to bring the Muslim community together in all their daily activities.It helps to educate 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,(oculus),remind the worshippers of a divine presence and of heaven. The trees and the ponds with water also remind the believers of Allah’s creations and givings.They make worshippers realise the infinity and abundance of Allah’s creations.
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 located 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 compared 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.
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.
TEACHINGS Muslim architects began to develop a new type of religious building, designed specifically for Islamic 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 ablution 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 encourage 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 psychology, Japanese, Tahzfiz, al Quran and etc. In addition, they also considerate give classes to Muallaf (people who are not converted to Islam).
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 architects 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 decorated 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 landscaped park inspired by the Quranic garden of paradise. Plus in terms of ihtiram the screen wall in geometric shape, the gate with repeated design applied through the convoluted Islamic ornaments with the rectangular pattern.
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH AND QUESTIONS
ADILA ZAAS 0310417
YASEEN SYED 0309021
KEE TING TING 0310019
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 silaturrahim 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 between 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.
TINA FAZL II 1010E11514