The Investigation of the Challenge of “Islamic Architecture” and “Muslim Architecture”

Problem statement: 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the subject of Islamic architecture, but this article aims to challenge the concepts of “Islamic architecture” and “Muslim architecture” and distinguish between the two. The topic that has not been addressed so far is the definition of these two religious terms within the realm of religion.
In this regard, the following questions are raised:- What is Islamic architecture?- What is Muslim architecture?- What is the difference between Islamic architecture and Muslim architecture?- Is Islamic architecture obtainable in modern times?

Understanding the reality of Islamic architecture and Muslims architecture, as well as distinguishing between these two, are the research objectives that are essential for research in this redard.

This article examines the relationships between architecture as a science and Islam in terms of their types of connection. In this context, the opinions of scholars regarding the nature of Islamic architecture were studied using available library documents, and these definitions were classified into three categories: physical, semantic, and behavioral. Since religion determines the requirements and limits of Muslim behavior and does not consider physical constraints for architecture, understanding the true nature of Islamic architecture is essential. To understand this truth, studies were conducted using inductive reasoning methods, and Shia sources were scrutinized to define a new concept of Islamic architecture as the result of implementing the correct form and adhering to religious commands without any deficiencies or excesses.

According to this definition, examples of buildings designed for Muslims are introduced in this article under the title of “Muslim architecture”. Muslim architecture is derived from incomplete interpretations, attempts, and efforts of Muslims to follow religious instructions, which are accompanied by personal tastes and understanding, prescribed laws, and ignorance, resulting in a gap compared to Islamic architecture. By studying pathological features and searching for the causes of this gap, Muslim architecture can be brought closer to Islamic architecture. To clarify this gap and its causes, the distinction between the two concepts of Islamic architecture and Muslim architecture is discussed.