Comprehensive Definition
MANĀRAH (منارة), known in English as “minaret,” is a feature of mosque architecture, a tall spire with a conical or onion-shaped crown, typically found adjacent to mosques. The primary function of the minaret is for the Muʾaẕẕin (caller to prayer) to announce the Adhān (call to prayer) from an elevated position, ensuring the call reaches the surrounding community.
Etymology
The term “MANĀRAH” comes from the Arabic word “manār” (منار), meaning “a place where a fire is lit,” “a lighthouse,” or “a pillar.” The root of the word (ن-و-ر) relates to light and illumination, symbolizing guidance and spiritual insight.
Background
In the early days of Islam, mosques did not feature minarets. The earliest mosques in places like Qūbāʾ and al-Madīnah were simpler and lacked such structures. Minarets were introduced later to serve both practical and symbolic purposes. The construction of the first minarets around A.H. 86 by ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz marked the beginning of their standardization in Islamic architecture.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The architectural style and structure of minarets vary across different Islamic cultures:
- Ottoman Minarets: Slender and tall, often with multiple balconies (šerefes), serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.
- Maghrebi Minarets: Squat and square-shaped, reflecting North African architectural heritage.
- South Asian Minarets: Often incorporate intricate carvings and are more ornate.
Despite these differences, the core function of the minaret remains fundamentally the same: to call the faithful to prayer.
Synonyms
- Spire
- Tower
Antonyms
- Dome
- Basement
Related Terms and Definitions
- Adhān (أَذَان): The Islamic call to prayer proclaimed by the Muʾaẕẕin from the minaret.
- Masjid (مَسْجِد): Mosque; a place of worship for Muslims.
- Muʾaẕẕin (مُؤَذِّن): The individual who calls others to prayer.
Exciting Facts
- Different Heights: Minarets height can vary immensely, from the modest minarets of early mosques to towering structures like the Qutb Minar in India, which stands at 73 meters.
- Architectural Symbol: Minarets serve not only religious purposes but have also been incorporated into national architecture and symbolism, like in the case of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“Every time a minaret reaches for the sky, it narrates the tale of a civilization’s yearning for spiritual elevation and community connection.” — Farah Al-Hassan
References
- Creswell, K. A. C. (1969). Early Muslim Architecture.
- Bloom, Jonathan M. (1989). Minaret: Symbol of Islam.
- Frishman, Martin, and Hasan-Uddin Khan (1994). The Mosque: History, Architectural Development & Regional Diversity.
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- “Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning” by Robert Hillenbrand.
- “The Minaret” by Jonathan Bloom.
Quizzes
Farah Al-Hassan | October 2023
“Let every minaret remind us of our collective yearning for divine connection and spiritual elevation.”
