The Mihrab

 

    The Prayer Niche or, Mihrab, can be found inside Islamic mosque. The mosque is defined as a place of ritual prostration, or place of worship. This work of religious architectural decoration is arguably one of the most significant art pieces from the Islams early religious practices. The photo to the right comes from the year 1250, but the earliest Mihrabs date back to as early as 750, which was during the expansion of the Umayyad Dynasty. 

Pictured: https://smarthistory.org/arts-of-the-islamic-world-the-medieval-period/

The prayer niche' are always made in the name of Muhammad, and always point toward the direction of mecca, the land of Muhammad's birth.The Mihrab has such a significant purpose to it's people because of its power to indicate Muslim presence through prayer. The prayer niche is build into a wall, as it has tile work designs, and in front of the niche is a rug placed on the ground. The rug is where they kneel on all fours, and bow their foreheads on the rug, representing their submission to their beloved prophet  Muhammad's followers use this religious location for experiencing deeper spiritual connections, and if possible, to help meet one of their goals of the five pillars of Islam: Muslims being expected to pray five times per day. Those people of who we would see using a Mihrab, would be those with the utmost faith and love for their religion, which is what the art signifies from its design. Not everyone can use these for their religious practices, making it a one of a kind experience for the Islamic people. The entire piece was assembled as a puzzle, containing hundreds maybe even thousands of different individual pieces to contribute to the whole work of art. Like art from the Roman period, there is no sculpture or model of their god himself, but it is a piece of art that relates directly to him even without him being physically involved in the Mihrab. 

    The Mihrab is a centerpiece for the Islams and their art, is vital for the mosques, and vital to the religion as a whole. 

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