Mosques, as quintessential examples of Islamic architecture, have experienced a significant paradigm shift, fragmentation, and decline, deviating from the essence of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah as the archetypal, multifunctional, comprehensive, inclusive, and adaptable model. In particular, many contemporary mosques in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have embraced an ethos characterized by a lack of inclusivity and multifunctional services, often marginalizing or excluding women, children, and non-Muslims. In this context, this thesis aims to reconcile and redefine the etymological conceptualization of the mosque by providing comprehensive insights into the genesis and historical evolution of mosque architecture, while adapting its foundational principles to create a design proposal that meets the evolving needs of contemporary Muslim communities. Using a sequential mixed methodology approach, this study synthesizes various data collection and analysis approaches, including literature reviews, case study analyses, field observations, comparative studies, criteria evaluations, and design proposal. While exploring the literature on mosque frameworks and spatial principles, this study focuses on the analysis derived from the Qur’an, sunnah, and other pertinent historical sources, positioning the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah as the archetypal model and principal case study. In addition, the study examines contemporary case studies across diverse geographical contexts, including both Muslim and non-Muslim contexts, to substantiate a comprehensive conceptualization of mosque typology. This study employs an exploratory framework comprising field observations and analyses of various mosque models in the MENA region and globally. A qualitative comparative analysis of the mosques culminated in spatial analysis, focusing on four key dimensions: typology, utility, inclusivity, and sustainability. Inspired by the Prophet’s Mosque, the findings emphasize the importance of integrating sacred and secular activities to cater to diverse contemporary needs across various cultural and geographical contexts. Extrapolating from literature reviews and case study analyses, a prototype mosque model was developed, integrating religious, educational, social, commercial, medical, and recreational functions to establish a framework for developing multifunctional, inclusive, and sustainable mosque designs. A key focus is placed on fostering inclusivity, ensuring unfettered access for all genders, ages, accessibility users, and interfaith engagement, thereby strengthening the mosque’s role in both individual and societal development. The research findings provide valuable insights, offering a refined inventory of qualitative and quantitative design criteria for comprehensive, multifunctional, inclusive, and sustainable mosque and Islamic center designs. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of adhering to the essence of the spatial sunnah while prioritizing a comprehensive design approach that addresses the evolving needs of Muslims, worshippers, and users, regardless of gender, age, or religion.
| Date of Award | 2025 |
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| Original language | American English |
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| Awarding Institution | - HBKU College of Islamic Studies
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