Examine how geometrical patterns on Islamic buildings reflect the Islamic belief in God as Creator.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Muslims argue that the world is created by a single Creator God. Order in the universe reflects the unity in creation emanating from its single origin. Pattern and symmetry are ways of expressing that there is a single controller who has predefined everything (qadar) and there is a planned purpose in life. Qur'anic calligraphy laid out geometrically in decoration of mosques may reflect the belief in the Creator through the word of God. Examples could be given such as specific verses of the Qur'an in mosques chosen by the candidate. Floral tiles from Islamic buildings in Umayyad Spain are interspersed with Qur'anic calligraphy on walls, in attractive, geometrically ordered layout, perhaps linking the Creator's words and creation. The scholar, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, refers to the Qur'an in book form and the Qur'an shown through nature, reflected here and in many other examples throughout the Islamic world. The interior of the dome in Isfahan Mosque contains geometrical calligraphy and arching in a seemingly infinite upward pattern. This points towards the Creator above and the infinity of God spiralling downward into the creation. Some mosques contain floral patterns and designs, laid out geometrically. Some even larger scenes, as in the mosaic walls at the Grand Mosque in Damascus, might give thanks to God for creating the wonderful gardens, rivers and beauty that the people in the new Umayyad capital were experiencing. The Grand Mosque of Xian, China, contains a series of hexagonal pagodas, and the walls are decorated with flowers, following traditional Chinese style. It is said that God created all the different peoples of the world and so by developing local styles of mosques, Muslims are accepting and celebrating diversity within the creation. Credit responses which focus on a particular mosque or mosques which the candidate has chosen, according to the specification.
2. [15] Definitions: Candidates are required to choose one mosque and one writing for study from a wide choice according to the specification, which also gives them the flexibility to choose relevant examples of their own. Introductions should identify the subjects for discussion and outline how the candidate will proceed by comparing various aspects. Agree: Tawhid is one of the main tenets of Islam. This might be expressed through unity in writing or in architecture. However, if a person cannot read Arabic calligraphy, it might be easier to understand the expression through shape and pattern in architecture. It could be argued that it is easier to understand tawhid visually through the design and decoration of mosques. Geometrical patterns, mosaics and symmetry point to one-ness and unity, leading a worshipper to think of the oneness of God. Repeating patterns can give the impression of infinity but at the same time organised in union, rather like God is eternal and infinite yet one. This can be seen inside domes such as at Isfahan, Iran, or in the repeating arches and patterns at Córdoba, Spain, or in the Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, to name three examples. Disagree: The Qur'an and Hadith are writings which all Muslims turn to, to understand their main beliefs especially in the oneness of God (tawhid), and they might be considered clearer in that they lay out teachings which Muslims must follow, whereas architecture might be interpreted in different ways. Writings, on the other hand, might be more convincing to help a logical mind accept this belief. A Muslim might be persuaded through the logical reasoning of Hayy ibn Yaqzan, or by reading the conversations of al-Biruni or the debates of Muslim scholars and theologians. Mystical poetry might be a better way of understanding tawhid for others, by considering the relationship with the One as expressed in the writings of Rabiʻa al-'Adawiyya or the poet Rumi, whose poetry might draw the reader into imagining a greater reality inaccessible for them through visual architecture. Calligraphy can express the oneness of God in both mosques and in writing: on the walls of mosques where worshippers can observe them daily; or on the pages of books where they can read and absorb. Conclusions: It could be argued that different Muslims might respond differently to the stimulus of architecture or writings, so it is difficult to say which of the two enable a Muslim to more easily understand tawhid. Perhaps it is a matter of personal preference. Conclusions might draw together the discussion and make a personal judgement.