The article is about 14 lessons that can be gleaned from the story of Prophet Adam’s two sons: Qabil (Cain) the wicked one and the murderer, and Habil (Abel) the righteous one and the victim. The story is presented in the Qur’anic chapter al-Ma’idah (the Table Spread with Food), verses 27-31. The story is given in several contexts pertaining

Abdullah b. Rawahah was a leading companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He was from the rank of Ansar (the Helpers, or the local inhabitants of Madinah). Moreover, he was a scribe and poet. During the battle of Mu’tah in the 8th year after Hijrah against the forces of the Byzantine Empire, he was third in command. He wa

This article discusses the theme of the Qur’ān and Sunnah as a conceptual foundation of Islamic architecture. It concludes that Islamic architecture is the type of architecture that is inspired and guided primarily by the teachings and belief system of Islam. Islamic architecture in its capacity as a physical locus of life, which to Muslims sign

This book provides a comprehensive framework for appreciating the architecture of Shamiyyah, one of the Makkah neighborhoods pulled down to make way for the latest expansion of al-Masjid al-Haram (the Holy Mosque). The objectives of the book are as follows: 1) To investigate the architectural, artistic, social and religious significance of the arch

Preserving relevant traditional mosques was another trend with respect to the evolution of the contemporary mosque architecture in Madinah. The trend was inspired by the way the Prophet’s Mosque successfully integrated tradition into its own avant-garde outlook and form. Peaceful coexistence between old and new, tradition and modernity, in the Pr

As part of their latest expansion of al-Masjid al-Haram (the Holy Mosque), the Saudis are criticized for speedy and insensitive destruction of Muslim historical sites and architectural heritage, without taking into consideration the feelings and views of professionals, experts and even ordinary people. Their decisions and actions are seen as somewh

In the academic world, or academia, one frequently hears dispiriting comments to the effect that since not many people read academic research papers, articles and books, most of them should not be embarked on and produced in the first place. It is a waste of time, energy and resources. As a remedy, some suggest that standards be lowered somewhat, a

Life is all about relationships. Man is created as a social being inclined towards knowing and forging bonds and friendships with others. Hence, the Arabic word “insan”, which means “human being, person and man”, is derived from the verb “anisa” which means to be “affable”, “sociable” and “friendly”. Moreover, man is created

People are both the creators and demolishers of civilizational accomplishments. They are the only beneficiaries of every great civilizational output. Similarly, people are the conceivers, creators and users of architecture -- a physical locus of civilizations. They create architecture and then use and interact with it. They do so either commendably

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) established the doctrines that Allah is beautiful and loves beauty (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 131), that He is good and accepts only that which is good (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1686), and that He loves to see the effects of His blessings and favors on people (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2963).