Christine A. Elmore
Objectives
To become familiar with the basic architectural elements of a mosque. To view pictures of mosques noting their great diversity. To become familiar with some of the Muslim rituals and religious practices especially as they relate to the mosque. To become familiar with interior and exterior ornamentation of mosques.
Goal
To become familiar with the use of ‘colors, shapes and spaces’ in a mosque.
Materials
Simple plan of a mosque on posterboard with main elements labeled, glossary lists of basic elements of a mosque in Arabic, “The Muslim World” by Richard Tames, “Moslems and Islam” by Leonard F. Hobley, “Muslim Festivals” by M.M. Ahsan, “The Mosque of Ibn Tulun” edited by Amal Ahmad El Emary.
Vocabulary
-
adhan—announcement; the call to prayer.
-
fauwara—ablutions fountain.
-
imam—he who stands at the front, leader of prayers in a mosque.
-
Islam—submitting (to God); peace.
-
khutba—sermon delivered in a mosque at congregational prayer on Fridays.
-
masjid—a place of prostration; a mosque.
-
mihrab—recess in mosque wall denoting the direction of prayer.
-
manarah—minaret; the tall, slender tower of the mosque from which the adhan is called.
-
minbar—pulpit from which the khutba is delivered.
-
muaeadhdhin—muezzin; an official at the mosque who calls Muslims to prayer.
-
Muslim—a follower of Islam.
-
qiblah—the direction of prayer.
-
qubbah—a dome.
-
sahn—courtyard.
-
umma—the community of Muslims.
-
wudu—ablution performed before prayer.
-
zulla—prayer hall in a mosque.
Procedures
-
1. Begin by displaying the simple plan of a mosque having students come up and locate the sahn, mihrab, minbar, zulla, manarah, qubbah, and fauwara. Have them refer to their glossary lists as each element is pointed out.
-
2. Show them pictures of mosques, pointing out ‘colors, shapes and spaces’ in them. Discussion of Muslim rituals and traditions, using readings and illustrations taken from the children’s books listed above, would also take place.
-
3. A larger model of a mosque could be constructed by the students using cardboard and wood.
