AN ANALYSIS OF THE EXPANSION OF THE PROPHET’S MOSQUE BY CALIPH ‘UTHMAN B. ‘AFFAN (D. 36 AH/656 CE)

Abstract

This paper discusses the expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque in
Madinah by Caliph ‘Uthman b. ‘Affan. This paper finds that in terms
of architectural morphology and structural configuration, the
expansion was a historic and ground-breaking event. It set a new
architectural standard in the nascent Muslim society, which was used
as a benchmark for future trends and comparisons. This discussion
revolves around two main thrusts: the expansion between a
sentimental penchant and architectural pragmatism, and the
expansion as an important phase in the evolution of the identity of
Muslim architecture. These are dealt with after the main physical
aspects of the expansion were described. This paper provides several
essential lessons in their crude form on the significance and meaning
of Muslim architecture, especially insofar as such perennial issues as
form-function relationship, the role of spirituality, public
participation, sustainable development and tradition-versusmodernity
dialectics, are concerned. ‘Uthman advocated such an
architectural philosophy as was anchored in originality,
progressivism and pragmatism, and in the process, remained faithful
both to his personal spiritual impulses and the pressing requirements
of the dynamic evolution of Muslim architecture and civilization.