The three defining elements of Islamic art
are calligraphy, arabesque, and geometry. All reflect Islamic
beliefs. Calligraphy, which means "beautiful writing"
was the most important art form because it expressed passages
from the Quran. The Arabic alphabet, whose 28 letters change
shape according to their position in the word lent itself to this
rhythmic
graphic art. Arabesque, an elaborate pattern of intertwined
vines, leaves and flowers, was most often rendered into stucco or
plaster. It also has religious meaning, as the lines return to
their source of origin, suggesting humanity's need for divine
guidance. The word "Arabesque" is used today to
describe ornamental elements of dance and music. Geometry became
the unifying element of Islamic art in Spain, with complex
geometric designs forming the foundation of many-layered pieces.
Geometric patterns used in the mosque were designed to help
worshippers forget the everyday world. Islamic artists used
bright colors in surprising ways. Everyday objects were often
highly decorated. "Carpets and textiles used dramatic colors
like peacock blue, turquoise, green and rose." Their
contributions included glazed pottery and ceramics, mosaic tile
work and glazing on buildings and objects. Cloisonne enameling
was invented in Islamic Spain.
Part of the exhibit examined the similarities between the three
major religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Passages from
the Quran express many of the ideas shared by these three
religions. Although these faiths have some differences, they have
many things in common, including Jerusalem, considered a Holy
City by all three. They all profess the belief in a single God
who created heaven and earth. 
Each follows the teaching as written in a major
literary work; for Islam it is the Quran, for Jews it is the
Torah and the Talmud, and for Christians there are the old and
new testaments of the Bible. All three works uphold the concepts
contained in the The Commandments. Islam recognizes the Taurfan
(Torah), the first five books of the Bible and the Injil (Gospel)
of Jesus as the revealed word of God. Muslims believe the Quran
was the final revelation of God, revealed to the Prophet
Muhammad. They also believe it is the only book completed and
preserved in its original form. The Quran, was originally
revealed in the Arabic language so it is always printed in
Arabic. Although translated into many other languages, it always
contains the Arabic text as well. The Quran is divided into 30
equal parts which have 114 chapters. Before reading the Quran,
Muslims begin by saying "In the Name of Allah the
Beneficent, the Merciful". In considering similarities,
Islam Judaism and Christianity all recognize prophets. Islam
teaches that all people have been sent a prophet. The Quran
mentions 25 prophets by name; including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Lut,
Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jonah, Jesus and Mohammed. As we
finished up the tour and settled in the front lobby I was able to
ask questions. From Okolo, I learned some of the basics in the
day to day practice of Islam. The first thing about Islam that 
struck me
as different from the other two major religions was the hierarchy
or lack of hierarchy that exist in the Islamic structure.
Clerics, or the religious teachers who preach within the Mosques,
are elected by the members of that Mosque. There seems to be no
one above them. No ruling body, no Bishops, no board of advisers.
Each Cleric is pretty much free to apply his own interpretation
of the Quran. Although it is expected that he be of good
character and learned in the ways of the Quran, there seems to be
no requirement of formal education, degree program, no ordination
or licensing by a higher echelon. This is a departure from the
other religions. The Quran teaches that there are Five Pillars of
Islam, by which all Muslims are required to believe in and
practice. Shahadah, or Bearing Witness to the Faith: The
statement of creed has two parts. Witnessing that there is no God
but God called "Allah" by Muslims and that Muhammad is
the servant and messenger of God. Salah or Prayer: There are five
daily prayers; between dawn and sunrise, near midday, when
shadows lengthen, just after sunset and during the hours of
darkness. On Friday, the midday congregational prayer in the
Mosque is compulsory. Zakah, or Alms Giving, a Religious Tax:
Muslims believe that everything in the universe 
belongs to God.
including everything humans own or earn. Islam requires that
people give 2.5 percent of their surplus moneys in Zakah. This
helps wealth circulate more freely in society and purifies both
the wealth and the person who gave it. Siyam, or fasting: Fasting
means abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and marital
intercourse during the daylight hours of the ninth lunar month of
Ramadan. Fasting teaches believers patience and self-control and
reminds them of the world's people who are hungry or persecuted.
At the end of the fast Muslim share a celebratory meal. Hajj or
Pilgrimage: The world "Hajj" means "to set out
with a definite purpose". The Hajj takes place in the
twelfth Islamic month at Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the holiest of
cities in Islam. Each adult Muslim who can afford it and who is
able to go is required to go on Hajj once in a lifetime. About
two million people go on Hajj each year from all parts of the
globe. The Muslim place of prayer is known as the masjid or
mosque. Literally it is a place where someone bows down. It can
be but does not have to be a special building, any clean place
will do, as Muslims believe that God has given them the whole
world as a place of prayer or a masjid. In Muslim countries it is
normal to see people praying by the roadside. People carry
personal 
prayer rugs with them. Areas are often set aside in public places
for prayer with an arrow pointed toward Makkah. Water supplies
are also usually nearby, for washing before prayer. At home,
Muslim families maintain a special place or room for prayer. It
is a kept clean and ready at all times. Today as in ancient
times, the mosque is not only used for prayer but is the center
of Muslim life. Often a medrassah or school is attached where
children and adults come to learn Arabic and to study the meaning
of the Quran. Once prayers are over, many Muslims stay at the
mosque to visit and relax. There is usually a library or book
collection for personal study. Speakers give lectures and discuss
Muslim law. Mosques are used for functions like wedding and other
celebrations, often involving meals. Mosques also offer a place
to mourn the dead and pay last respects to family and friends.
The major features outside a traditional mosque include the dome
and the minaret. The dome gives an impression of space and calm
and helps acoustically. The dome also reminds Muslims of their
Middle Eastern origins. A minaret is a tall tower where the
muezzin, the man who summons the faithful, gives the adhan or
call to prayer. Often appearing on top of the dome is the symbol
of Islam. a star cradled in
a crescent moon. The five points of the star
represent the five Pillars of Islam. The moon is the basis of the
lunar calendar that governs Islamic festivals and special days.
The most obvious feature inside a mosque is the lack of furniture
or decorations in the Musallah, or prayer room. Everyone sits,
kneels and bows in prayer on the floor, so furniture is not
necessary. There are no statues or pictures representing Allah or
the prophets. Such representations are considered idolatry.
Instead, decorations include things like richly colored carpets
marble and mosaic patterns, stained glass decorative paint and
ornamental calligraphy of texts from the Quran. The appearance of
geometric patterns help free the mind and encourage concentration
on Allah. The carpet that covers the prayer hall is marked with
lines so that prayers position themselves in an orderly way.
Sometimes prayer rugs are used. The mosque wall facing East is
known as the "qibla" wall. Set inside this wall is a
decorated alcove called the Mihrab. It shows the direction of
Makkah and focuses the mind on Allah. The imam, or prayer leader
stands in front of the mihrab. To the right of the mihrab is the
minbar, 
a set of steps with a platform on top from which the imam delivers the Friday sermon called the "khutbah". The
minbar can be very simple or highly ornate. In American mosques
today, the muezzin gives the call to prayer inside rather than
from a minaret. Before entering a mosque, men and women remove
their shoes. Men and women usually have separate entrances and
sit in separate sections of the prayer room. Men should dress
neatly and respectfully. Women should dress modestly and cover
their arms legs and head. Quiet respectful behavior is expected
by all.
As the afternoon drew to an end, it was time to close up and go
home. I thought about the bits and pieces of information I had
gotten through the placards and conversation. Although far from a
working understanding of this religion, I felt that the museum
and Okolo had imparted a degree of understanding of what had been
a mysterious religion. Although specifically designed to bring to
light the culture of Moorish Spain in the 8th century AD, many of
the Islamic principals accepted then are true today. It was a
great place to gain some understanding, and see artifacts of a
culture in the past.
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