The mosque as a community development centre: Programme and architectural design guidelines for centemporary muslim societies

Abstract

In the light of the present resurgence in Islamic thoughts towards a return to the fundamental teachings of the Kur´ãn and the Prophet Muhammad´s Sunna, the role and design of mosques have been questioned as to whether they fulfil the eternal values of Islam for Muslims living in the modern world. This book primarily aims at the development of an architectural framework for planning and designing mosques from the orthodox Sunni Islamic perspective. This book can be used by architects and planners in deriving design concepts of mosque which can better serve the Muslim community. Potential clients such as religious departments in government agencies can also use the book to suggest programmes for the mosque community and design criteria for architects and planners. Academics in Islamic Art and Architecture can benefit from the alternative framework of considering the two subjects from the perspective of the religious sources and the spirit of Islam. Members of muslim community can also use the book as a basis to reform their mosque and community programmes and as guidelines for mosque rennovations to suit a more dynamic Islam society.