mihrab
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈmiːhrɑːb/
- When the sun is intense, the beam of light hitting the eastern wall of the circular shaft leaves a small round spot of light that falls, at certain times of the year, right on the calligraphed name of God affixed to the mihrab wall, as in the mosques of Guede, Tielao, and Halwar.
- the mihrab niche
Examples
-
Here, a ray leaves a small dot of light right above the calligraphed name of Allah affixed to the mihrab wall.
Academic text (1993) -
A mihrab (a niche indicating the direction toward Mecca) and mimber (pulpit) were installed, and a wooden minaret was added to the southwest corner of the structure (later rebuilt in brick by Mehmet's successor).
Academic text (2003) -
The mihrab is a feature taken over from other religious architectures.
Academic text (1993) -
These are situated at the four corners of the building; at the entrances in the middle of the north, south, and west walls; and at the mihrab, the niche in the middle of the qibla, or east wall.
Academic text (1993) -
The mihrab has also been explained as a symbol commemorating the Prophet's place before the community, and it continues to serve as a place where the imam stands while praying.
Academic text (1993) -
Next to the mihrab, or within it at its right corner (when facing the qibla), is the minbar, the pulpit-like structure from which the Friday noon sermon (khutba) is delivered.
Academic text (1993) -
In those mosques and madrasas where figural ornament did appear, it was generally avoided in the area around the prayer niche (mihrab), in accordance with specific injunctions, but even here exceptions exist.
Academic text (2002) -
As in the mosques of Halwar and Guede, the sun's rays are captured through an opening at the terrace roof level and reflected onto the wall of the semicircular niche (mihrab).
Academic text (1993) -
Its system of lighting consists of catching the sun's rays through an opening at the terrace roof level and allowing their reflections to spread on the surface of the wall within the hollow shaft, thereby lighting indirectly and selectively the semicircular mihrab.
Academic text (1993) -
During the prayer service, the imam stood at the mihrab, guiding the congregation towards Mecca.
How Ornate
1
9.9
8
6.7
Surface Forms
Etymology
Mihrab comes from the Arabic mihrāb, meaning 'prayer niche' or 'place of worship'. That's why a mihrab is the niche or decorative design in a mosque or on a prayer rug that shows the direction of Mecca for people to face when they pray.