The Mihrab: Prayer Niche

Definition

The mihrab (محراب) is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qiblah (direction of Makkah). It serves as the focal point of the prayer hall and the place where the imam stands to lead congregational prayer. The mihrab is one of the most distinctive architectural features of mosques worldwide.

History

The earliest mosques, including the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, did not have a mihrab. The qiblah direction was simply known to the congregation. The first mihrab niche is generally attributed to the renovation of the Prophet's Mosque by the Umayyad caliph al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik around 706-710 CE. The innovation was practical, allowing any worshipper entering an unfamiliar mosque to immediately identify the qiblah direction.

Architectural Significance

The mihrab became a canvas for Islamic artistic expression. Mihrabs are decorated with carved stone, painted tiles (especially in Ottoman mosques), mosaic, stucco, and calligraphy. The mihrab of the Great Mosque of Cordoba, with its elaborate horseshoe arch and gold mosaic, is one of the finest in the world. In Safavid Iran, mihrabs feature stunning faience tilework with floral and geometric designs.

Acoustic Function

The concave shape of the mihrab serves an acoustic purpose: it amplifies and projects the imam's voice back toward the congregation, functioning as a natural sound reflector. This was particularly important before the invention of electronic amplification systems.