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As an interior designers or architects, they may desire a democratic way of designing a home yet they should have a keen consideration of Muslims’ preferences, culture and tradition. Architects or Interior designers may want a liberated, extravagant and lavish design for a Muslim family. Unfortunately, they may turn down the idea of living in that kind of Home. Since, it is against the norms, traditions or belief of Muslims. In fact, Muslims faithfully practice the culture and traditions which are passed on by many generations. If you have a client who are Muslims, here are few tips on designing their house.
DESIGN WITH HUMILITY
Modesty is a personality trait, wherein one remains polite and humble without necessarily lacking self-esteem or self-confidence. Islam is a religion that encourages humility, but that doesn’t mean that homes must be bland. In terms of home design and built environments, Islamic guidelines from Sharia Law emphasize the need for the design of a home to provide a balance of neighborhood wealth by not showing off one׳s wealth through excessive spending on a home and private spaces for religious activities and education. Likewise, a Muslim home should be decorated with love but it should not scream out wealth and extravagance.
NO FIGURATIVE OBJECTS
A statue, pattern or furniture of a human or animal is not allowed in a Muslim home. They believed that imitating God’s creation is a sin. Thus, they despise hanging pictures or placing statues of animals, Jesus, Allah or any prophets. It is for the same reason that the Jews were given that commandment, not to make images. In a culture that has worshiped many idols, having any statues or pictures invites the people to slip back into idol worship. They don’t have pictures or statues of any living creature in a religious context, such as in the place of worship, in religious books, or of religious people. If there had been pictures of Muhammad, many people would be tempted to set them up in reverence, which would become devotional, then shrines, and then worship.
A TOUCH OF GREEN
A wide range of Muslims consider the color Green as a muslim color because it is mentioned in the Quran (Surah 76:21). It was supposedly Mohammed’s favorite color. In addition, Quran says that the dwellers of the Paradise are wearing green clothes.
WELL PLANNED PRAYER ROOM
Muslims pray 5 daily prayers facing the Ka’ba (this is referred to as the qibla), some if not all can be offered in a group setting. Therefore, you will find a room (or space) designated for prayer in most of Muslim homes. In space planning for the prayer area, one should keep in mind that it should not be in a traffic zone, facing a bathroom, or any distraction.
INTEGRATE CONCEPT OF PRIVACY
Privacy in a traditional Muslim home strictly follows the teachings from the Quran, sunnahs, and hadiths to ensure that each home owner or dweller and his/her family are allowed to unwind and rest from the pressure and demands from the outside world. Guarding home privacy is vital in Islam to promote a tranquil and functional family structure. In Muslim homes, privacy is the main factor that shapes how Muslim home dwellers “plan, build, perceive, and use their interior home spaces”. Therefore, window shades that allow light to penetrate while providing privacy should be selected. Shades decorated with Islamic geometric patterns would add an Islamic vibe to the design of the room.
FEET-FRIENDLY FLOOR
Shoes are preferred off in a Muslim home because they bring impurities especially in areas where the prayer takes place. In decorating the floors, make sure it is safe and friendly for feet of the guest. While decorating, consider creating a space for guest shoes as well as the owners’ so shoes do not pile up and create an eye sore. Another decorating solution for this problem would be to include area rugs instead of carpets so that guests can keep their shoes on while visiting.
