Explain how Islamic beliefs are expressed through the features of one mosque that you have studied.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Mosques listed in the specification for study are: Timurid Bibi Khanum Mosque, Samarkand; Ottoman Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul; Mughal Jama Mosque, Delhi; The Great Ming Mosque, Xi'an; Safavid Shah Mosque, Isfahan; The Great Mosque, Djenne; a mosque, such as a local mosque, chosen by the candidate.
2. [10] Mosques commonly have prayer mats or spaces for people to prostrate in full submission to God, reflecting the belief in the statement of faith (shahadah), and the belief that God is all-powerful and in control of their lives.
3. [10] Other features of the mosque include the niche facing the Ka'ba (mihrab); the tower (minaret) for the call to prayer (adhan); and the pulpit (mimbar) for the Friday sermon. These reflect aspects of the Sunnah of Muhammad (pbuh) and the first mosques he built. They show Muslims to follow his perfect example and believe in his prophethood.
4. [10] Mosques show no icons, idols or figurines, reflecting the belief in the one unseen God. God may be represented through beautiful calligraphy representing words from the Qur'an and sometimes the names of God, to show what God is like, but never any visual representation. This reflects the Islamic belief in the oneness of God (tawhid) and the rejection of all else besides God (shirk), linking back to the time when the Prophet (pbuh) cleared the Ka'ba of idols.
5. [10] Islamic beliefs in the Qur'an as the word of God can be seen in the reverence given to it in the features of mosques. Not only in the calligraphy, but also in keeping copies in a high, covered place and in the beauty of recitation. A feature of mosques is this beautiful recitation and schools to teach the Qur'an to children.
6. [10] Symmetry might be used in the design of the mosque to represent unity in the universe, symbolic of the belief in God as creator and in signs of this in the beauty of creation. Examples of symmetry include hexagonal patterns, mosaics and tiles. Some mosques are built around four-sided rectangles and gates/entrances representing the gates into paradise.
7. [10] Features of the Garden of Paradise may be shown through abstract vines and floral designs, showing the belief in the afterlife.
8. [15] Definitions: A mosque or masjid is a place of prostration. This typically includes features to enable prayer in congregation (jamaat). The Prophet (pbuh) founded mosques in Quba and Medina, and mosques have been founded since all over the world to enable Muslims to fulfil the five daily prayers and Friday prayers (Jumu'ah).
9. [15] To what extent: Mosques range from large, beautifully decorated examples like the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, al-Aqsa, to small, local mosques which might even be an outdoor prayer space laid out with an Imam to supervise the prayers. Therefore, in terms of the architecture, no two mosques are identical.
10. [15] To what extent: Mosques may be different according to the school of thought followed, or sectarian difference. Shi'i mosques may include the hand symbol, the Hamsa, symbolising the hand of Fatima. Prayers may be organised three times a day rather than five. Some mosques may be located next to tombs of holy people whereas others avoid such locations for fear of association (shirk).
11. [15] To what extent: There are so many differences from place to place, such as differences of culture and style, that no two can ever be exactly the same. This should be accepted as part of God's plan.
12. [15] To what extent: However, prayer spaces are always laid out on the ground facing Mecca. Mosques are remarkably similar all around the world and a Muslim travelling from one country to another would find the layout familiar and easily be able to join the prayers.
13. [15] To what extent: The functions of the mosques are to facilitate worship, provide education and so on – these are set by God, so whatever the differences in building work, the main purposes of the mosques remain the same. It is function, not decorative style, that counts.
14. [15] To what extent: It doesn't matter if some mosques are slightly different or there are different styles in different parts of the world. Mosques are still remarkably similar and the fact that there are recognisable styles, such as the dome in South Asia, or the minaret across many areas, means that there are several mosques which are the same.
15. [15] Conclusions: 'The same' might be interpreted as identical or it might mean similar. This difference could be discussed in terms of architecture and function to come to a balanced conclusion based on personal assessment.