THE MOSQUE'S PRIMARY SPACES AND THE REQUIRED DIRECTION OF THE MOSQUE BUILDING

Saddam Hussain (South china university of technology)
Zheng Chunrou (School of Architecture, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science, South China University of Technology Guangzhou)
Fu Juan (School of Architecture, State key Subtropical building Science, South China University of Technology,Guangzhou, China)

Journal of Islamic Architecture
Vol 7, No 4 (2023): Journal of Islamic Architecture

This study investigates the primary spaces and required orientation of mosques. Similar to other architectural styles, mosques have specific primary spaces that must be featured in every typical mosque, while each region's cultural and traditional needs determine secondary spaces. Orienting the mosque toward the Qibla direction is also crucial. The study sheds light on the correct orientation of typical mosques and the origin of Islamic directives regarding their orientation. Several common ancient mathematical procedures for calculating Qibla have been described. In addition to architectural plans for five mosques in Pakistan, artistic depictions of aerial views of existing mosques in other parts of the globe are also included.