7 PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

Kampung Laut Mosque, KelantanThe Kampung Laut Mosque was originally built in Kampung Laut in 1730 but it was relocated to Nilam Puri when a flood damaged a majority of the mosque in 1967. It is one of the oldest known mosques in Malaysia with an estimated age of about 300 years. It's earlier functions include it being a meeting point for the Sultan and later on it became a meeting point for traders. In the late 80's it was refurbished and it cost about RM 160, 000 which includes replacing the wall and roof, building additional towels, toilets and electricity.

Kampung Keling Mosque, MelakaThe original structure was built by Indian Muslim traders in 1748 as a wooden building and in 1872, it was rebuilt in brick. It is one of the more traditional mosques in Melaka that still retains its traditional design. The architectural style is a cross between Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu and Malay style. The minaret, ablution pool and the entrance arch was built together with the main building. The name was based on the place where Indian traders used to dwell, Kampung Keling.

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A R C H I T E C T U R E A S TAW H I D Unity and Uniquity

The orientation of the Kampung Laut mosque adheres by the direction of the Kaaba, which is the North West. This unites the faithful no matter which part of the world they are from.

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A R H C H I T E C T U R E O F I H T I R A MRespect

The use of geometrical motifs as balustrades in the Kampung Laut mosque give a sense of harmony and purity to the sacred architecture. Besides that, the conservation of the mosque is a symbol of

respect when it got relocated after it was damaged by the flood in 1966.A R C H I T E C T U R E W I T H I K H L A S

Sincerity

The absence of human and imaginary idols in the Kampung Keling Mosque is a form of sincere design motivation. The presence of an ablution pool is also to symbolize the expression of jannah by

playing with light.A R C H I T E C T U R E A S A P U R S U I T O F I L M ’

Knowledge

The use of Arabic calligraphy inscriptions on the entrance of the Kampung Keling mosque symbolizes the idea of acquiring knowledge whilst celebrating the aesthetics of Islam all over the

world.

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A R H C H I T E C T U R E O F I Q T I S A DBalance

The lack of decorations on the external façades on the Kampung Laut mosque shows the idea of moderation and balance. Besides that, the form of the building is balanced as it is reflected on both

sides.

A R C H I T E C T U R E O F H AYA’Modesty

The lack of windows in the Kampung Laut mosque preserve the dignity of the worshippers through screenings. Besides functioning as a form of shading it is also culturally significant. The entrance

into the mosque is also located deep inside the serambi emphasizing the idea of modesty in Islamic architecture as well.

A R C H I T E C T U R E O F D I K R ’Remembrance

The repetition of decorative elements on the fascia boards and balustrades mirrors the monotony of the contemplative chanting of zikr.

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A R H C H I T E C T U R E O F U R F ’Diversifying Principle

The Kampung Keling Mosque in Melaka and the Kampung Laut Mosque in Kelantan both have the concept of Urf’ in their design. In The Kampung Keling Mosque, the integration of Indian, Chinese

and Melaka Malay elements with the Islamic principles is pretty evident. In the Kampung Laut mosque, the construction methods is similar to that of traditional Chinese architecture using the

timber post and beam system.