Mosque architecture (Islamic Study) MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: May 19, 2025

1. : The architectural feature that distinguishes a mosque from other buildings is:
(A) Minaret
(B) Dome
(C) Mihrab
(D) Minbar

2. : The direction in which a mosque’s mihrab is oriented is towards:
(A) Jerusalem
(B) Mecca
(C) Medina
(D) Cairo

3. : The word “minaret” comes from which Arabic word?
(A) Madinah
(B) Minara
(C) Manara
(D) Masjid

4. : The function of a minaret in a mosque is to:
(A) House the prayer leader
(B) Serve as a prayer hall
(C) Call the faithful to prayer
(D) Hold decorative elements

5. : The dome in mosque architecture symbolizes:
(A) The heavens
(B) The Earth
(C) Leadership
(D) Worship

6. : The architectural style of mosques can vary greatly depending on:
(A) Geographic location
(B) Size of the congregation
(C) Ethnicity of the worshipers
(D) All of the above

7. : The courtyard of a mosque is known as:
(A) Iwan
(B) Sahn
(C) Qibla
(D) Haram

8. : The prayer hall in a mosque is called the:
(A) Minbar
(B) Mihrab
(C) Musalla
(D) Madrasa

9. : The purpose of the mihrab is to:
(A) Store religious texts
(B) Face Mecca for prayer
(C) House the imam
(D) Hold decorative items

10. : Which of the following is NOT a feature commonly found in mosque architecture?
(A) Minaret
(B) Pulpit
(C) Minbar
(D) Altar

11. : The architectural style of mosques in Spain was heavily influenced by:
(A) Byzantine architecture
(B) Roman architecture
(C) Moorish architecture
(D) Gothic architecture

12. Answer: (C) Moorish architecture

13. : The qibla wall of a mosque indicates the direction of:
(A) Travel
(B) Worship
(C) Education
(D) Pilgrimage

14. : Which architectural feature is often adorned with intricate geometric patterns in mosque architecture?
(A) Dome
(B) Minaret
(C) Mihrab
(D) Minbar

15. : The architectural layout of a mosque often emphasizes:
(A) Individualism
(B) Community
(C) Isolation
(D) Secularism

16. : The style of mosque architecture in Turkey is influenced by:
(A) Ottoman architecture
(B) Persian architecture
(C) Mughal architecture
(D) Moorish architecture

17. : The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, is an example of a mosque that was originally a:
(A) Church
(B) Synagogue
(C) Temple
(D) Shrine

18. : The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is commonly known as the:
(A) Blue Mosque
(B) Green Mosque
(C) Red Mosque
(D) White Mosque

19. : The architectural element that provides natural light and ventilation in a mosque is the:
(A) Dome
(B) Minaret
(C) Atrium
(D) Courtyard

20. : The Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain is known for its:
(A) Minarets
(B) Domes
(C) Arches
(D) Mosaics

21. : The style of mosque architecture in India is characterized by its:
(A) Large courtyards
(B) Central domes
(C) Ornate minarets
(D) All of the above