Islamic Pillars, Quran, and Cultural Impact
The Five Pillars of Islam
- Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca: A mandatory pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, if health and finances allow.
- Jihad: The defense of Islam, sometimes interpreted as a holy war.
The Quran and Sunnah
Islamic doctrine is based on the Quran and the Sunnah (Tradition). The Hadith is a collection of oral traditions.
The Quran is the word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years. Initially an oral tradition, it was later written down. The Quran is divided into 114 Surahs (chapters) and verses. It draws from Christianity and Judaism.
The Caliph is the heir of Muhammad and the political and religious leader.
Islamic Expansion and Cultural Influence
Islam’s rapid territorial expansion was comparable to the Roman Empire. Diverse territories were united by Islam and the Arabic language. The Arab people adapted and absorbed the cultures of conquered peoples, becoming a repository of classical world heritage.
The language barrier and religious prejudices have made it a great unknown.
Conceptual Influences
Geography
Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula, a desert area. Water, gardens, and vegetation are prominent in Islamic art, reflecting the importance of oases.
Ethnicity
Nomadic tribes were the main supporters of Islam, influencing art forms like textiles, carpets, and ceramics.
Constants in Islam
- Privacy: Essential in living conditions, emanating from religion.
- Urban Design: Streets and house entrances are designed to maintain privacy.
- Architecture: Mosques feature hypostyle rooms for individual prayer. Palaces have hidden areas and labyrinths.
- Housing: Exteriors are sober, with latticed windows for privacy.
The Islamic City
The Islamic city is a political, social, religious, and economic center. New cities were built to express the prestige of caliphs.
The Mosque
The mosque (masjid) is a place of worship. The Mosque of Cordoba is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture.