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3. Literature Study

3.1 The Origin

It was a turning point in history and the birth of an Islamic era, with the establishment of
Islam in Arabia under the guidance of the last Prophet Muhammad during the 7th century.

Prophet Muhammad was a key figure in the construction of the earliest mosque in Medina

after he migrated from Mecca, "the Hijarah," into Medina shortly after 622. This historical
Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
site aligns with the present location of al-Masjid an-Nabawi, often referred to as the
Prophet's mosque. While conventionally described as his residence, historical evidence

suggests that the structure may have been conceived with the intent to function as a
community center from its inception.

The architectural manifestation of the early mosque in Medina reflected simplicity yet

carried profound significance. The structure consisted of a basic courtyard with unbaked
brick, which was designed to contain about 53 by 56m of space and formed an essentially

flat layout. A sheltered portico, supported by palm trunks, had been erected on the north side

of the courtyard. The portico had a key purpose, which was to be aligned with the direction
of prayer referred to as qibla and therefore provide an orientation that is integrative in

Muslim architecture.

It was the architectural simplicity of that early mosque that, not just reflected the modest
resources of their time but also underscored the egalitarian nature of Islam. Despite its bare

beginnings, the mosque was a launching pad for an extensive architectural legacy that would

last centuries and became one of Istanbul's most famous representations of Muslim holy
places. Prophet's mosque in Medina, with its original form as a community center, is an

illustration of the adaptability of Islamic architecture that was rooted in cultural and religion

at this time.

3.2 The Mosque
In English, the word "mosque" is used to designate a religious place of worship specifically

designated for Muslims. This linguistic designation has its roots in the Arabic term
"masjid," which translates to "place of prostration." The etymology of the word reflects the

fundamental religious practice observed by Muslims during prayer. The act of briefly
kneeling and placing one's forehead on the ground symbolizes an explicit demonstration of

submission—literally, Islam—to the divine will of God. The evolution of the word

"mosque" reflects the cultural and linguistic link between English and Arabic, highlighting