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Questions and Answers
Which of the following elements is not a component of the concept of din in Islam?
Which of the following elements is not a component of the concept of din in Islam?
What does the term umma signify in the context of Islam?
What does the term umma signify in the context of Islam?
Which architectural feature is characteristic of an Ottoman mosque?
Which architectural feature is characteristic of an Ottoman mosque?
What was the early indicator of the direction of Mecca in mosque architecture?
What was the early indicator of the direction of Mecca in mosque architecture?
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Which mosque was initiated by Sultan Ahmet in Istanbul?
Which mosque was initiated by Sultan Ahmet in Istanbul?
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What aspect of Islam is represented by the shahadah?
What aspect of Islam is represented by the shahadah?
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Which architectural term refers specifically to a venue for congregational prayers in Islam?
Which architectural term refers specifically to a venue for congregational prayers in Islam?
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How are the Names of God in Islam related to the concept of His Attributes?
How are the Names of God in Islam related to the concept of His Attributes?
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What is the primary function of the dikka in a mosque?
What is the primary function of the dikka in a mosque?
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Which architectural feature distinguishes a masjid from a jémi?
Which architectural feature distinguishes a masjid from a jémi?
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Where did the architectural plan of the madrasa likely originate?
Where did the architectural plan of the madrasa likely originate?
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What is a common feature of Ottoman madrasas?
What is a common feature of Ottoman madrasas?
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What role did the khānaqah serve in Islamic culture?
What role did the khānaqah serve in Islamic culture?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the madrasa?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the madrasa?
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What architectural feature does the Mustansiriyya in Baghdad lack?
What architectural feature does the Mustansiriyya in Baghdad lack?
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Which monastic order is associated with landscape meditation?
Which monastic order is associated with landscape meditation?
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What is the primary orientation of bodies during burial in Islamic customs?
What is the primary orientation of bodies during burial in Islamic customs?
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What does the height of trees in cemeteries symbolize in Islamic tradition?
What does the height of trees in cemeteries symbolize in Islamic tradition?
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Which architectural feature serves as a visual and liturgical climax in a mosque?
Which architectural feature serves as a visual and liturgical climax in a mosque?
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What is the primary purpose of a minaret in Islamic architecture?
What is the primary purpose of a minaret in Islamic architecture?
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What is a rāwda in the context of funerary practices?
What is a rāwda in the context of funerary practices?
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Which aspect of the dome in Islamic architecture evolved over time?
Which aspect of the dome in Islamic architecture evolved over time?
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What is the function of the mihrab in a mosque?
What is the function of the mihrab in a mosque?
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How are coffins treated in Islamic burial customs?
How are coffins treated in Islamic burial customs?
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What is the primary function of a jämi mosque?
What is the primary function of a jämi mosque?
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Which statement is true about ablution?
Which statement is true about ablution?
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What architectural feature distinguishes the Iranian madrasa?
What architectural feature distinguishes the Iranian madrasa?
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Where did the madrasa plan originate?
Where did the madrasa plan originate?
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Which of the following mosques is an example of a dome-dominated mosque?
Which of the following mosques is an example of a dome-dominated mosque?
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What is a characteristic of the khānaqah?
What is a characteristic of the khānaqah?
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Which madrasa is one of the most sumptuous in Iranian architecture?
Which madrasa is one of the most sumptuous in Iranian architecture?
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What key function is associated with the daily prayer in a mosque?
What key function is associated with the daily prayer in a mosque?
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What does the square plinth of the türbe symbolize?
What does the square plinth of the türbe symbolize?
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Which of the following best describes a funerary garden in Islamic culture?
Which of the following best describes a funerary garden in Islamic culture?
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Which of the following is a common feature of Islamic mausoleums?
Which of the following is a common feature of Islamic mausoleums?
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What is the tābūt commonly associated with in Islamic architecture?
What is the tābūt commonly associated with in Islamic architecture?
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What was the primary purpose of the early mihrab in Islamic architecture?
What was the primary purpose of the early mihrab in Islamic architecture?
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How is the masjid related to the deceased in Islamic tradition?
How is the masjid related to the deceased in Islamic tradition?
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What is a distinguishing feature of the Nizamiyya of Baghdad?
What is a distinguishing feature of the Nizamiyya of Baghdad?
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What role does the grave play in Islamic belief?
What role does the grave play in Islamic belief?
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Which tree is most commonly associated with cemeteries in Turkey and symbolizes glory in Paradise?
Which tree is most commonly associated with cemeteries in Turkey and symbolizes glory in Paradise?
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Which characteristic best describes the türbe in Islamic architecture?
Which characteristic best describes the türbe in Islamic architecture?
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What does the term 'khānaqah' refer to in Islamic culture?
What does the term 'khānaqah' refer to in Islamic culture?
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What common visual metaphor is represented by tombstones in Islamic cemeteries?
What common visual metaphor is represented by tombstones in Islamic cemeteries?
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Which element evolved from the niche of Coptic churches into the defining feature of Islamic architecture?
Which element evolved from the niche of Coptic churches into the defining feature of Islamic architecture?
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Which of the following mausoleums are considered premier examples of Islamic funerary gardens?
Which of the following mausoleums are considered premier examples of Islamic funerary gardens?
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What architectural feature is common in the design of a funerary garden?
What architectural feature is common in the design of a funerary garden?
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Which structure is regarded as the greatest university in Islam?
Which structure is regarded as the greatest university in Islam?
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Study Notes
Allah and Eternity: Mosques, Madrasas, and Tombs
- Din (religion) encompasses three elements: îmân ("belief"), îbādāt ("religious obligations"), and ihsān ("right doing")
- Îmân centers on belief in God's oneness, prophets, and the finality of Muhammad's prophethood.
- The Shahada ("Creed") asserts belief in God and Muhammad as His messenger.
- Islam emphasizes unity (ontological, social, and political) represented by the umma (Muslim community).
- God's essence (dhat) is incomprehensible, but His Attributes (Names) are reflected in creation.
- Ninety-nine Names of God, derived from the Qur'an, represent His Attributes.
- God created man in His likeness, granting him seven essential Attributes (life, knowledge, will, power, hearing, seeing, and speech).
Liturgical Orientation and the Mosque
- Mecca is the central point of the Muslim world, with the Ka'ba at its center, the axis mundi.
- The Ka'ba is a hollow cube of stone, central to Islamic cosmology and the focal point for the Hajj pilgrimage.
- The mosque's design is oriented towards Mecca by the mihrab, a niche in the qibla wall.
- The Ka'ba's symbolic significance as the point of intersection of the spirit and the material is represented.
- The mihrab's design is often elaborate and intricate.
The Mosque
- Prayer is performed in four scales: individual, congregational, community-wide (town), and global (all Muslims).
- Masjid ("mosque") is specifically for individual or small group prayer, and also used for other gatherings if the setting allows.
- Jami' ("congregational mosque") is for Friday prayers or other congregational prayers.
- Idgah ("place of prayer") is a large, open-air prayer space for major festivals.
- Minarets call worshippers to prayer.
- Fountains (sabil) provide ablution water for ritual cleansing.
- Prayer rugs are essential, and shoes are removed before entering.
The Madrasa
- Madrasas were closely linked with mosques, serving as extensions of educational, and even residential, functions.
- The structure typically contained a courtyard with iwans.
- Madrasas, unlike mosques, had rooms for students and teachers, and were designed primarily as educational institutions.
The Monastic Mosque
- Early mosques contained features for monastic practices, such as khanaqahs and small rooms for prayer.
- Khānaqahs served as places of community prayer and also provided accommodations for dervishes.
- Monastic mosques frequently featured courtyards, cells for retreat, and gardens, reflecting their integration into the landscape.
The Celebration of Death
- Islamic burial customs are closely tied to beliefs in salvation and resurrection.
- Bodies are typically placed in a recumbent position with the head toward Mecca.
- Memorial mosques are places dedicated to the remembrance of important figures, or where historical events took place.
- Mausoleums and tombs are often elaborate architectural achievements, and are highly symbolic of Islamic traditions.
Cemeteries of Islam
- Burial practices are influenced by beliefs on salvation and resurrection
- Islam often utilizes gardens and specific types of architectural design as a way to emphasize spirituality, and memorialize the importance of the soul through various commemorative structures like mausoleums, and tombs.
- Professional mourners guide the funeral procession and special stones or carvings reflect on the deceased's position and status.
- Gravesites may often include cats placed nearby.
- Cats were often part of the cultural and spiritual landscape and are considered to be one of the Prophet Muhammad's favourite creatures.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts and architectural elements in Islam with this quiz. From the meaning of umma to the unique features of Ottoman mosques, explore the rich cultural and religious significance of these terms. Perfect for those studying Islamic philosophy and architecture.
