GENDERED SPACE

IN
MOSQUE
STUDY OF MOSQUES IN MALABAR
REGION

Source:
http://islam.about.com/mosques/architectureparts.ht
m

1
| AMEENA HAMZA | 02 | S9 B. ARCH
|

ABSTRACT
Muslim women participation in masjid, a place
where the community congregates interacts and a
place for education, is allowed but non-compulsory in
Islam.
In Kerala, women as part of the community
frequented the mosque for different activities at a
daily basis. Therefore, their presence and needs
should form an integral part of the mosque space
planning and design provisions.
However, the design of mosque is frequently
gender insensitive as there is no definite guideline on
space provision for women. This is to examines the
issues on space planning of masjid in relation to the
requirements for women.
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AIM
To study the evolution of spatial organization
and provision of gendered spaces within the
mosque complexes of present Malabar area from
7th century AD to 20th century AD.

OBJECTIVE
To study the evolution of spatial configuration and planning within the mosques.
To study the context and social setting which influence the changes.
To identify the spatial considerations to be incorporated while designing a mosque.

SCOPE
The study helps to understand how spaces and
requirements for women in the mosques are
derived from the original sources of Islam (Quran
and Hadith).
It gives an idea how gendered spaces has been
provided in mosques of Malabar region and the
changes in layout of mosque design throughout
the period of 7th century AD to 20th century.

LIMITATION
The study is limited to mosques within five kilometres
distance from each other. The practical limitations of time
limit the study in Malabar region.

METHODOLOGY
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DEFINITION OF MOSQUE
The mosque is a space characterized by its
spatial
provision
that
can
accommodate
congregation with a specific direction to the qibla
(the direction that Muslims face when engaged in
ritual prayer) in Makkah (Mecca) including
provisions for ablution, call for prayers, sermons,
meetings, discussions, learning and governance.
A place where congregational daily prayers are
performed at specific times five times a day,
performed every Friday and at specific times of
the year.
Mosque is a not just a religious centre for
congregational prayers but also a community
centre
Source: Wainers, David. 2001. An Introduction to Islam. Foundation Books,
New Delhi.

Source:
http://islam.about.com/mos
ques/architectureparts.htm
7
.

Source:http://islam.about.
com/mosques/architecture
parts.htm
.

MOSQUE AS A COMMUNITY CENTRE

It is common for women to join religious classes
and talks in mosques. Hence, there is a need for
prayer areas for women to perform their daily
prayers whether at the mosque, place of work,
leisure or on a journey.
The mosque is also a place where the community
congregates and interacts and a place for
education.
Women and children, as part of the community
are important users of the mosque and should
form an integral part of the mosque space
planning and design provisions.
Source: Hasan Uddin Khan, 2005 ,
Encyclopedia of Religion, Gale ,World
History in Context

Women and the Masjid in Quran and Hadith

The masjid is a place for spiritual growth and
development for all Muslims, and should be
equally accessible for both genders. Both men and
women, the Quran stresses, have the obligation
to develop themselves morally and spiritually, and
to fulfill their social responsibilities.
The masjid is, and has always been, the center
of moral and spiritual learning and growth.
Likewise, the masjid is a public place for
discussing issues of concern to Muslims, and to
respond to challenges facing the Muslim
community.
Source: Zafirah Zein, 2015, The Place of Muslim
Women in Islamic Space, Turkey, Solutions for a
sustainable and desirable future.

10

Women and Spatial Divisions

Within the Masjid, prayer hall, women are
customarily
spatially
separated
from
male
worshippers. The separation can be a physical barrier
in the form of a wall, curtain or partition or simply the
seating arrangement.
The original Prophets Mosque in Medina featured
one open space for men and women to worship
together, men formed the first row behind the Prophet,
then children and then women. It has been informally
explained to me that it would be inappropriate for men
to sit behind women as they kneel in prayer because it
allows males to view a ladies derriere. The spatial
separation has evolved to take many forms based on
the culture of the area.
Source: Zafirah Zein, 2015, The Place of Muslim
Women in Islamic Space, Turkey, Solutions for a
sustainable and desirable future.

11

Womens Needs in Masjid Design

Understanding the needs of women in
masjid, the stakeholders of masjid are
obliged to provide the various
necessities that considers women and
children as high importance in masjid
designs. Review of literature indicates
that there are many womens needs in
relation to the masjid which should be
considered in the process of designing
a masjid, among others are as follows:

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Spiritual and societal obligations

i. A place for respite for women who are traveling or working
away from home and unable to get back home in time for
prayers
ii. Teaching or attending beneficial activities such as classes
on Quran reading, compulsory practices of the Muslim daily
lives, counselling, parenting, charitable events and the
cleansing of the deceased; (adjacencies and proximity)
iii. Congregational prayers for daily and specific events of the
Muslim festivities (flexibility)
iv. Marriage events (multifunctional)
v. Companionship and support in time of need
Source: Jazakum Allahu Khairan ,2001, Women Friendly Mosques and
Community Centers: Working Together to Reclaim Our Heritage, Islamic Social 13
Services Associations and Women in Islam, Inc.

Physical and architectural obligations

i. Physiological difference to Man in terms of anthropometry and
ergonomics (sizes)

ii. Preserving the modesty of women in the masjid from

external entrance, through ablution to prayer hall and back
(space, orientation, adjacencies and circulation)

iii. Preserving modesty of women in all the process of receiving

the decease, cleanse and in preparation for deceased prayer
(space, orientation, adjacencies and circulation)
iv. Security and safety requirement of their self, their children
and belongings
v. Aids to physical disabilities and aging (barrier free)
Source: Jazakum Allahu Khairan ,2001, Women Friendly Mosques and
Community Centers: Working Together to Reclaim Our Heritage, Islamic Social 14
Services Associations and Women in Islam, Inc.

TRADITIONAL MOSQUE OF KERALA (VERNACULAR MOSQUE)

The population in The traditional mosques in Kerala are different from those in
the imperial and provincial Indo- Islamic architecture. In Kerala built form of the
mosque derived enough from local domestic building traditions. In traditional
dwellings like Nalakettus, the concerns of torrential rain and the need for the
ventilation found expression in remarkable roof and wall elements, executed in
abundantly available timber.
In Kerala, the temple, churches and the Mosque (palli) take from the local
architecture evolved from local climate, materials. The mosque was constructed
under the guidance of religious leaders whose requirements were functional and
simple, using the model of existing places of worship.
A traditional mosque in Malabar comprises of rectangular prayer hall with a
mihrab on the western wall (qibla) and enclosed verandah on the sides that serve
as spill over space. A front verandah facing the street becomes a space that often
leads to a front hall preceding the main prayer hall. An ablution tank
accommodated on one side. The entire structure is raised on a high plinth/ base
and structural system for the hall is of timber posts, beams, and brackets and
Mehrdad Shokoohy,2001, Muslim architecture of south india ,Routledge 15
often the columns are square or Source:
octagonal.
curzon, London

CHANGE IN SOCIAL CHARACTER

Islam is a way of life and very much intrinsic into the culture
from birth till death. Mosque has been the centre for traditional
Islamic community in Malabar.
Nowadays women attend mosques during the month of
Ramadan and Eid. Women did not only perform prayers in the
masjid but other activities which include public religious teaching
circles. The realization of the need to improve ones knowledge
on Islam has also resulted in the role of mosque become more
important.
The use of mosque by women increased with higher education
and for economic reasons as more women goes into the
workforce. Thus women travelling and attending events outside
home is common. Women traveling or working away from home
and unable to get back home in time for prayers. And also the
amount of people teaching or attending beneficial activities such
as classes on Quran reading, compulsory practices of the Muslim
daily lives, counselling, parenting, charitable events.

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CASE STUDIES

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MISHKAL MOSQUE
Mishkal mosque is a 600 year old
mosque located in Kuttichira constructed by
Nakhuda Mithkal. The structure is set on a
stone plinth in the form of four steps which
ran around the building.
Site can be accessed from all four sides
of which the west side entrance is blocked.
The mosque doesnt have a Maqbara
attached to it. The upper stories of the four
storied structure were initially used as Dars.
At the eastern side, the mosque was
originally entered through a narrow portico
with a row of columns in front, all still
preserved but has been incorporated with
new entrance hall and covered with modern
facing.

Source : Author
18

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

Source : Author

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 Under the portico, five rectangular doors

lead to the ante-chamber. The upper
structure is entered from the staircase at
the north-west corner of the ante
chamber. The first floor is used for
occasional
gathering
and
public
discussions.
Womens space is not provided due to the
traditional and historic importance of the
mosque. Though the building premises
are open to women, the entry to mosque
is restricted to men alone.
Women didnt actively participated in
activities such as social gatherings held at
mosques.
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PATTALAM MOSQUE

Pattalam mosque is a 100 years old mosque located in

Calicut city built by Tipu sultan for his soldiers during the
war in Malabar. The present cylindrical mosque with the
minar and dome is reconstructed around 50 years ago
under the influence of indo Islamic architecture.
The site is accessed from the Manachira road in its north
east corner , a special entrance for women towards the
north side is provided.The mosque is built on a low plinth
to which we directly enter .It has an ablution area from
where you directly enter into the main prayer hall. There
is no ante chamber or portico. The mosque is four stories
with the replica of ground floor.
Only by the mid 20th century women were allowed in the
mosques . It was then the mosque was renovated to add
a separate entrance, ablution area and separate prayer
area for women. This prayer area for women is segment
of
circular
first floor which is accessed through a
separate staircase outside the structure.

Source : Author
21

Source : Author

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

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 The masjid has outgrew its original size due

to the large number of users.
Womens space is later on added feature to
the mosque. Due to which provision of
ablusion area is not close to the prayer
space.
Men are provided with main entry and
women has side entrance with no distinct
feature .

Women space with foldable partition for

flexibility of use and viewed from the mans
prayer space.

Space for physically challenged people are

provided on the ground floor itself.
Access to womens prayer area is provided

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MUDHEERUL MOSQUE
Mudheerul mosque was built on 2004 for
providing facilities for praying and learning. It is
right in front of the Kozhikode beach and it is
highly used by the nearby settlement as a
community gathering space and by the users of
beach right in front.
The mosque being right infront of the Kozhikode
beach , One third of the total space is given for
the women ,considering the location of mosque
and the additional functions provided with in.
Such as madrasa and occasional religious events
and classes.
One third part of space is provided for the female
with separate entrance for women leading to
womens ablution area and to the prayer area.
First floor is used as madrasa, where the religious
teaching and learning takes place.

Source : Author

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 Entry for men from the main

road while women are provide
with side entry from cut road.
Proper segregated space for
men and women.
Separate entrance for women
is provided as womens area is
located behind the mens
prayer area.
Womens ablution area though
next to the prayer space, it is
open to the outside with no
privacy . And can be easily
seen by the men.
The use of mosque by women
increased
with
higher
education and for economic
reasons as they goes into the
workforce.
Thus
women
travelling and attending events
outside home is common.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Source : Author 25

LITERATURE CASE STUDIES

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AL WARQA MOSQUE
Ibdas integration of this concept in Al Warqaa
Mosque can be seen in the seamless transition
into the space from the outside; with no boundary
wall defining the premises of the mosque,
worshippers can enter the mosque from three
different sides of the riwaq (hallway) surrounding
the prayer hall. This increased accessibility
creates an oasis-like effect that emphasizes the
notion of the mosque as a communal space.

Source:AlWarqaaMosque/ibdadesign,2016,
http://www.archdaily.com/787633/al-warqaa-mosqueibda-design

Architects | ibda design

Location | Dubai - United Arab

Emirates
Area | 1400.0 sqm

Defining access into the haram (holy

space)through the sahn (courtyard) is designed to
create a spatial shift that gradually takes
worshippers from the busy street environment to
the serene space of worship through a series of
playful and inviting arches. The sahn also serves
the functional purpose of allowing more space for
people to pray during Friday prayers or other high
traffic seasons such as the holy month of
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Ramadan and the two Eids.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Source:AlWarqaaMosque/ibdadesign,2016,
http://www.archdaily.com/787633/al-warqaa-mosque-

SECTION

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

28

 "Al Warqa'a Mosque echoes the spatial simplicity of

Prophet Muhammad's seventh-century house in
Medina, which is considered the first mosque in
history,"
The courtyard links with the main hall and is used as
an overspill area during Friday prayers, or peak
times during Ramadan and Eid.
A separate entrance for women is located in one of
the building's four corners and leads directly to a
separate mezzanine prayer room above the main
hall.
Challenging the usual segregation of womens
prayer hall in other mosques, the bridge structure
insures the presence of the women at the heart of
haram during congregational prayer.
Womens space is located at the first floor. Direct

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YESIL VADI MOSQUE

Mosque formed in the context of social
gathering` is made up of 350 person prayer
area, 250 person meeting hall, library, social
activity units, courtyard and square forms a
social complex. Main structure of the mosque is
placed on a water surface covering half of the
site.

Source:Yesil Vadi Mosque Istanbul, Turkey :

Information,2014, http://www.earchitect.co.uk/istanbul/yesil-vadi-mosque

Architect | MAM Architecture Research

Center
Location | Istanbul, Turkey
Built in January 2010

Main structure of the mosque is placed on a

water surface covering half of the site. This
positioning isolates the building from the
environment functionally and symbolically. A 2.5
m thick spherical piece subtracted from half of
the
hemisphere
forms
gathering-place,
emptying a section sphere forms the last
prayers area, subtraction of a vertical piece
forms the cap stone gate and entrance,
subtraction of shell like piece mihrab (a niche in
the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla)
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Source: Yesil Vadi Mosque Istanbul, Turkey :

Information,2014, http://www.earchitect.co.uk/istanbul/yesil-vadi-mosque

Shared entrance for men and women to

the mosque premises.
Womens prayer space provided on the
first floor which is visually connected to
the main prayer area.
Both ablution area and rest area is
provided at the basement floor , which is
away from the prayer area.
Prayer space provided limiting the visual

SECTION

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32

INFERENCE
Spaces provided for women prayer space are both within the main prayer
hall and partitioned by either curtain, or screen; and in some a permanent
space above the main hall especially for Jumaat or Friday prayers
Women are provided with own ablution area but mostly away from prayer
area or even outside the main building.
Accessibility to womens area is generally obscured from the main
entrance
The prayer spaces for women in temporal or permanent form on either
the left or right bottom side of the prayer hall alongside the mens prayer
row, or behind the mens row, or permanently elevated to another space
above with separate access is distinctively
Ablution area are located away from the womens prayer area; and
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accessibility for the elderly women, although a priority, not many masjids

CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that in general the design of the masjid is gender insensitive towards
women such as obscured access; temporal nature of prayer space; location of ablution area
away from the prayer area; and inaccessibility for the disable and elderly women.
Mosques are to be designed with and without walls, or with temporary walls for the women
as the need arises. However, in all designs the location of women is behind the imam,
behind the men or alongside the men with distinct separation either physically or by
placement in space within audible distance of the Imam but visually connected.
Design of mosque should take into consideration the needs of the women such as
segregation and privacy to allow women the comfort and convenience of using it.
The location is distinctively determined by the design brief that may be projected to use the
facility at peak times such at Eid and Friday prayers.
Ablution area should be located near to womens prayer area. And should be visually
protected and connected directly to the womens area.
Priority should be given for accessibility of the elderly women. Provision of necessary access
ramps and ease of taking ablution.
The prayer spaces for women in temporal or permanent form on either the left or right
bottom side of the prayer hall alongside the mens prayer row, or behind the mens row, or
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permanently elevated to another space above with separate access.

Provision of prayer space in the

basement with facilities such as
ablution area and rest space.

Provision of prayer space right behind

the main prayer area using the screens.

Provision of ladies prayer area on the

mezzanine floor that act as a single
volume of the mosque.

Provision of prayer space to the right

or left to the main prayer space using
different elements.

PLAN

Space within the compound can be

used as expandable space during
religious
functions
and
other
communal gatherings.

SECTION
35

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS WITH WOMENS PRESENCE

The presence of women in mosque requires design

consideration to provide comfort, convenience and privacy
for women.
The provision of access for women to prayer area, ablution
area, toilet and circulation which connects the spaces
should be carefully considered during the design process.
The clarity of womens circulation and ablution area to
prayer space are needed to maintain privacy for women.
Design requirement at womens convenience in all the
process from external entrance, through ablution to prayer
hall and back (space, orientation, adjacencies and
circulation)
Security and safety requirement of their self, their children
and belongings should be taken to consideration.
Aids to physical disabilities and aging (barrier free).
36

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Wainers, David. 2001. An Introduction to Islam. Foundation Books, New Delhi.
37

 Hasan Uddin Khan, 2005 , Encyclopedia of Religion, Gale ,World History in

Context
Introduction to mosque architecture,
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-islam/beginners-guideislamic/a/introduction-to-mosque-architecture
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