The Concept Of ‘House’ In Arabic language and Arab customs
In the Arabic language, the term Bayt (plural: Buyūt) signifies a house or dwelling, irrespective of the materials used in its construction. The word carries metaphorical depth, often associated with poetry, where a bayt (verse) unites letters and words in the same way a house brings together its inhabitants. In the Qur’an, the root of Bayt is used to describe various overnight activities, such as sleeping or engaging in surprise attacks. Furthermore, the term Sakan (سَكَن), also found in the Qur’an, connotes stillness or repose after movement, underscoring that a true dwelling is defined by its ability to offer peace and tranquillity.
The house, in this context, serves not merely as a shelter but as a sanctuary—providing both emotional and physical security. It is a space where intimate aspects of life unfold, where secrets are kept, and where spiritual and psychological needs are met. The relationship between house and peace is therefore intrinsic. To understand this peace, it is essential to distinguish between rest—a physical state—and tranquillity—a spiritual condition. Though often used interchangeably, they are fundamentally distinct. True habitation, in the Islamic worldview, is achieved only when a house fosters both physical rest and spiritual serenity (Yadeghari et al., 2017).
The Qur’an also alludes to the concept of geometry and proportionality in creation, revealing their foundational role in the divine order. The term Qadr—commonly translated as measure, fate, or power—is used to describe this notion of determined size and structure. This concept is linked to one of God’s names, Al-Qadīr, meaning “The All-Powerful.” According to Islamic scholars, Qadr can be interpreted in four principal ways:
As power, reflecting God’s omnipotence.
As limit, denoting boundaries and finite extension.
As measure or fate, signifying that everything has been divinely apportioned a specific size and order, such as the balance between water in the heavens and that in springs on earth.
As status or position, which includes abstract notions like dignity and social rank, beyond tangible quantities (Bolkhari, 2011: 392; Samani, Malakouti, and Yadeghari, 2017).
Imam Reza further articulates that Qadr encompasses both geometry and the limits of life, indicating that all created beings possess a defined form and dimension. This understanding establishes a connection between the metaphysical and material realms, whereby geometry becomes a medium through which divine secrets are revealed.
Architecture, then, is not merely a technical practice but a spiritual one. When it reflects divine geometry, it acts as a medium for the remembrance of Allah (dhikr). An architect aware of this sacred geometry uses proportion, natural materials, and harmonious forms to create spaces that align with nature and elevate the soul. In this view, the house transcends its utilitarian role and becomes a vessel for spiritual reflection—a physical embodiment of divine order.
Thus, the integration of size and geometry, as outlined in the Qur’anic worldview, establishes a sacred template that extends beyond the physical to include the intellectual and spiritual domains. Architecture, when practiced with this awareness, moves beyond mere shelter-making to become a form of devotion. Architects, therefore, carry the ethical and spiritual responsibility to craft spaces that reflect divine harmony, promote peace, and cultivate a deeper connection to the Creator. This framework challenges contemporary architectural discourse to transcend functionality and instead embrace a holistic, spiritually attuned design philosophy.
