Journal of Islamic Architecture
Vol 9, No 1 (2026): Journal of Islamic Architecture (Issue in Progress)

Architectural Science in al-Ghazali's Classification of Knowledge

Achmad Khudori Soleh (Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
Humaida Ghevira Syavia Camila (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 Jun 2026

Abstract

Most people believe architecture is not religiously significant, so only a few people study architecture. This assessment does not align with al-Ghazali's teachings, which state that architecture is a science society needs. This research aims to analyze architectural science in al-Ghazali's classification of knowledge. The research uses a descriptive analysis method with the Ihya Ulūm al-Dĩn (Revival of Religious Science) as the primary source. The research results show that (1) al-Ghazali classified knowledge into three groups, namely classification based on sources, methods, and laws of searching for it. (2) Based on the law of mastering it, al-Ghazali divided knowledge into five laws: individual obligation, social obligation, primary, permissible, and reprehensible. (3) In the context of al-Ghazali's classification of science, architecture is included in the category of religiously significant science, and seeking it is subject to a collective obligation (farḍ kifayah). The results of this research significantly contribute to the development of architectural science (1), providing a religious basis for its importance. (2) provide practical guidance so the architectural profession can draw closer to God.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JIA

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Journal of Islamic Architecture (JIA) is a scientific publication for widespread research and criticism topics in Islamic architecture studies. JIA is published twice a year in June and December since June 2010 by International Center for Islamic Architecture from the Sunnah (CIAS), Department of ...