Volume 4, Number 3, March 2023 e-ISSN: 2797-6068 and p-ISSN: 2777-0915
Iskandar,
Zulfan Zacky, Adelina Ratika Isti, Putu Ayu P. Agustiananda, Hanif Budiman
Universitas Islam Indonesia, Indonesia
Email:
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected]
|
KEYWORDS light, sacred, religious buildings,
houses of worship |
ABSTRACT Light is one of the important factors in human
life. Lighting especially in houses of worship is considered a very important
part for symbolic and spiritual reasons. Light is the main focus in
architecture, both in Islamic and Gothic architecture. The purpose of this
study is to summarize the role of light in buildings of worship, especially
houses of worship.� This study uses a
qualitative method of literature study. The results of this study indicate
that the role of light in buildings of worship, especially houses of worship,
is very important for the congregation, both spiritually and visually.
Spiritually, the role of light can provide inner peace and also the closeness
of the servant to his God. from a visual point of view the role of light can
provide beauty and comfort to the room. From these results, the
conclusion is that the role of light in religious buildings in the building
of houses of worship is very important for worshippers, in shaping the inner kayakinan both in spiritual terms and in Visual terms |
INTRODUCTION
Natural Lighting is one
of the important factors in life. Light is transmittedthrough
sunlight which is then reflected on a surface before illuminating a space or an
area. Sunlight is also used as a light source in rooms in buildings, in this
case it requires a �design plan to create access to sunlight
into the building so that it can be used as a light source needed by the
building. The Quran explains that:
وَّجَعَلَ
الْقَمَرَ
فِيْهِنَّ
نُوْرًا وَّجَعَلَ
الشَّمْسَ
سِرَاجًا �
And there He created a
luminous moon and made the sun a (brilliant) lamp?" (QS. Noah 71: Verse
16). Based on this verse God has created the sun as a source of illumination in
this world, without us realizing it, the importance of light in the room let alone the role of
light in houses of worship.
Indoor lighting, especially houses of worship, is sacred, symbolic and
spiritual. Lighting especially in houses of worship is considered a very
important part for symbolic and spiritual reasons (Arel
& �ner, 2017). The use of light �in Islam has very significant physical and spiritual implications �in man's �relationship with �heaven, related to religious and spiritual�� power, and �man's� relationship with God himself (Erzen, 2011).� �
In Christianity,
natural lighting is one of the main
means used to decorate the interior� of� a
Christian church. The light
flowing from the dome windows of ���the ��dome �or �through the �twilight of the extended part of the �tengah, highlighting the �apse with the �altar, or emphasizing the �beauty� of the statue, is ��divine conductor� on earth (Ermolenko, 2021).
From the discussion above, the researcher wants to summarize how the role
of light in religious buildings, especially banguand
houses of worship. This research uses �a qualitative
�method �of library research, �because
this method makes it easier to collect data from various references and
previous studies (Andrianto
Pangondian et al., 2019).
BIBLIOGRAPHY REVIEW
����������� According to Pangestu (2019) light is one of the essential
factors in an architectural work. Without the light of architectural buildings
cannot be enjoyed their beauty, space and function. The role of light in
buildings can provide a visual and emotional comfort effect for users in it.
The nature of light also provides a positive value for one's mood and raises
one's spirits.
����������� The perspective of Light in Islam is about the existence
of God. Al-Suhrawardi
(1978) explains that, light as an existential source is
considered one of the basic epistemological discourses, and its recognition
leads to the explanation of the existential dimension of God with man,
self-knowledge and truth. �Al-Suhrawardi regarded the tangible cahaya as the noblest among other objects. He believed that
tangible light is inherent and involved in human knowledge of purgatory or
objects, and is one of the manifestations of true light.
RESEARCH METHOD
The method in this study uses a qualitative approach to library research. This method begins with collecting
data and understanding
and studying theories from various literature studies related to a research
There are four stages in research
based on literature study studies formulated by Zed (2004). The first is to prepare all
the equipment and tools needed, the second is to prepare
references related to research,
the third is to manage
the time, and the fourth
is to �prepare that is, reading �and recording and summarizing�
predetermined research materials from various sources. The data
collection is carried out by searching from various accurate sources, such as
from various books, journals, and previous studies. In this study, the data
analysis method used content and descriptive analysis. Literature study data
obtained from various sources and analyzed in detail so as to support all
propositions and ideas in research
Indoor lighting, especially
religious building spaces, has a sacred, symbolic and spiritual meaning.
Lighting especially in houses of worship is considered a very important part
for symbolic and spiritual reasons (Arel
& �ner, 2017). �Light
became a major focus in the world of architecture,
both in islamic
architecture and in gothic architecture, In islamic architecture the light
gives a spiritual (symbolic) and religious side about islam
as a decorative tool. Through light, the inner space formed by manusia is connected with
the outer space which is the realm of God's creation. Thus, light underscores the redemption,
relativity, and imperfection
of� man, as well as the beauty, �absoluteness, perfection, and� infinity of
God �(Arel & �nr, 2017) .
In a� gothic architecture, light is also very important in�� providing a spiritual �side. �Ermolenko (2021) argues that, light is one of the very important roles in the church. Light is the menjain the main means used to decorate the interior of a
Christian church. The light flowing from
the dome window or through
the twilight from the extended
center, highlighting the apse with the altar,
or emphasizing the beauty
of the statue, is the conductor of Ilah i on earth
In both religions, light is very� directly or�
indirectly related to God. Antonakaki (2007) argues that. Light in Muslim architecture is used symbolically to enhance the sense of unity, unity and unity of the congregation, enhance the sense of collective space. Symbolically also but in
a different way, light in orthodox religion is used to attract people and guide them to revelation. It creates a mystical
and transcendental atmosphere that inspires people to
seek light and seek the truth of the apocalypse.�
The role of light in the building of mosques and churches
The role of light in religious buildings is
very interesting to discuss, Since mehas
certain symbols and meanings contained in it. This study discusses two functions of
religious buildings, namely mosques and churches. The selection of a sample of the two functions of this building refers to the rituals
of worship that are generally carried out indoors (mosques and churches).
The selected building sample, representing
several locations (europe and asia
including indonesia), the building sample also represents
the period of its construction
starting from the middleages to the this present-day building. In addition, samples of juga buildings represent various forms of
architecture, such as Byzantine, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, Ottoman, Isfahani, Modern to sustainable architecture.
The following are eight samples
of religious buildings:
1. Aya Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)
�The Hagia Sophia� Church was built in� 532�537�
by the �Byzantine emperor Justinian� and designed by Isidore of Miletus� and Anthemius of Tralles a� physicist
and mathematician respectively (Hoffmann, 2005).� In the� research of Jabi & Potamianos (2007) the design of� Hagia Sophia seems to
be the� embodiment of the integration of
geometry, light, and cosmology.�
According to Christian Dogma, what matters is the Byzantine third hour
in which the Holy Spirit descends to consecrate the offering offered to God by
the priest in front of the altar an offering that resembles the descent of the
Holy Spirit.
The design of
the Byzantine church relied heavily on cahaya to
produce an evocative effect that favored the liturgical acts that took place
within it. The use of light in the Aya Sophia��
building is to appreciate the important celebrations in religious
beliefs of the Celebration of Christmas.�
At exactly three o'clock� at hari christmas light will lead to
the� altar through the� apse designed�
in the building of� Aya Sophia (Jabi & Potamianos, 2017).
Figure 1 Aya Sohpia Interior
Source:
Pinteres.com
Symbolically, the role of light
in this building is to take advantage of the light that enters the building
through the windows under the dome. The light leads to apse to an important
celebration in religious belief that is the descent of the Holy Spirit just on christmas day. In visual view, light produces an evocative
effect that supports liturgical action, as well as providing a light effect as
if its God is present in front of them when performing worship rituals.
2. Grand Mosque of Cordoba (Cordoba, Spain)
The
Great Mosque of Cordoba was one of the grandest mosques in
Al-Andalus in the middle ages.
The light in the �Great Mosque of Cordoba has unique� characteristics, because the light in �this building is
influenced by its elements� (Arel & �ner, 2017). Arel & �ner added that the structure in this building
intends to give worshippers a perception
of privacy and connect with God directly, thus giving
a feeling of� one
orang no higher� than the other before God.
The structure of the
Great Mosque reflects and enhances the presence of divine light differently. A mysterious
atmosphere with light and shadow is created due to
the structural elements in it. How rows of curvatures
smooth out the light creates a wonderful play
of light in it. Direct sunlight and roasted
windows provide a perception of God's presence.
Direct sunlight coming down from the northern end of the mosque
is the main source of cahaya.
Figure 4 Great Mosque of Cordoba
Source: Widiutama.com
Symbolically, the role of light
in this mosque has an effect on the presence of god in
the lives of its people. It can be seen from the structure of the building in
this mosque that it gives a memorable light effect as if the degree of the
servant is not higher than his God. In a visual view, the role of light in this
mosque is clearly visible from the structure of the building that can reflect
light and increase the impression that the presence of divine light toum atnya at any time.
3. Selimiye Mosque (Edirne, Turkey)
Silemiye Mosque located in the city of Edirne, Turkiye is one of
the masterpieces of the architect Sinan (mimar Sinan) which was built
between 1568-1574 during the Ottoman empire of
Sultan Selim II. �According research Arel & �ner (2017) the �use of light in
the Selimiye mosque �designed by Mimar Sinan is as a �welcome for worshippers. The light coming from the crevices
of the dome ornament signifies the light of god turun to the place of the
assembled servant. This effect makes the pilgrims have peace and homogeneity
when they are indoors. As worshippers enter
the mosque, they are greeted with a magnificent holy
light and a feeling of traveling from the inner
space to the outside world. �In addition, Mimar Sinan prefers to use
materials and ornaments generously to enhance
the visual enjoyment of light and underline
the effect of gathering divine light at the Selimiye Mosque.
Figure 2 Aya Sohpinterior he
Source:
flickr.com (2010)
The design of
this mosque gives a symbolic effect very pronounced when the pilgrims enter the
space, the impression of light descending from above seems to be given Welcome
by god to the pilgrims who come� to him.� Likewise, the role of�� visul light� that provides peace for worshippers when� in the room and� when worshippers perform worship rituals due
to the� effect of� the�
light.
4. Sheikh lotfollah Mosque (Isfahan, Iran)
The
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque �was built between �1603 �and�
1618 by Muhammad Reza Esfahani during the
reign of Shah Abbas (Clevenot & Degeorge, 2000). In the �study of �Arel & �ner (2017) The use of �lighting in �the
Sheikh lotfollah mosque �in Ifahaan as an idea of the presence of god. �Worshippers who came
to the mosque had to climb five stone steps and as they passed
the entrance, a dark and narrow corridor greeted them.� The light ��radiating at the end of the corridor, in contrast to the narrow
and dark corridor, is the divine light that will soon connect the worshippers with the presence of God
Figure 3 Sheikh Mosque of Lotfollah
Source:
likealocalguide.com
The light in this building is
interpreted as the seekers of god, god will be present when the pilgrims
confidently seek it. This is because the pilgrims who come to this mosque willpass various obstacles so that they are reached to the
intended place. Pilgrims who come will climb a high staircase and pass through
a dark corridor and at the end of which there is a bright light source. The
light is interpreted as the lightthat greets
worshippers when they are really looking for it.
5. Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque (Shiraz)
Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, one of the old mosques, is a unique masterpiece in Shiraz. This stunning beauty makes
Nasir al-Mulk one of the most spectacular
mosques �in the
world (Ehsan Madai-Kandjani,
2019). �One of the outstanding architectural features
of this mosque is the colored glass, which creates
countless colored shadows on the inside of this masji
d, and when the sun shines on this colored glass,
making a special and amazing spiritual atmosphere created inside the mosque.
The reflection of sunlight into the windows of the mosque and giving the effect
of its shine on the carpet is one of the few enchanting sights that provide
peace of mind (Matracchi & Sadeghi
habibabad, 2021).
Figure 7 Interior of Nasir
Al-Mulk mosque
Source:
Wallpapertip.com
Visually, the role of light in
this mosque is the effect of sunlight penetrating the glass with a shadow, and
in the room it gives a beautiful shadow pattern and is
full of colors. Thus creating inner tranquility when
the pilgrim is in it and giving specificity when the pilgrim performs the
ritual of worship.
6. Holy Spirit Cathedral Catholic Church (Bali)
The Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Bali
has a lighting design designed with a touch of local culture toconvey its symbolic meaning. In the research �of Tjandradipura et al.
(2021) explained the presence of light present in the interior
space of the catholic church can be considered to provide experience and have a
great religious impact on the jamaat through the achievement of a sacred and
sacred meaning. The light in the church provides a space-forming element that can communicate
messages through the bonding relationship between man and God. Light also
serves as a symbolic can describe the presence of Christ that illuminates human
life in darkness.
Figure 8 Interior of the Catholic
church of the Holy Spirit Cathedral
Source:
Blogspot.com
The presence of light in
symbolic view is defined as the presence of a god who gives gifts, affection to
all his people who are full of sin (darkness). This is because visually, the
light that enters through the sidelines of the fa�ade and crawls the entire interior
of the room, thus giving the message of a close relationship between the people
and their gods.
7. Al-Irshad Mosque
� �Masjid Al-irsyad is a mosque located
in Padalarang, West Bandung Regency, this
mosque was designed by an Indonesian architect,
Ridwan Kamil. The design of the Al-Irshad
mosque carries the concept of space and light that represents the presence of
god in the life of uma t nya (Michael Wangsa et al., 2015). He added that in this building, there are many
circulation paths made of breezeblocks throughout the building sheath, and
there is a wide opening in the mihrab area. The opening gives the effect of a
direct view towardsala m when performing worship
rituals. The effect is very much felt when performing the Maghrib prayer
ritual, worshippers directly see the setting of the sun among such a beautiful
valley. so that his people will always remember the creator.
Figure 9 Interior of Al-Irshad mosque
Source:
Pinteres.com
�����������
The whole room of this mosque
has a dark room like a servant who is full of sin (darkness). In the front area
(mihrab) has a light source that enters the room like the presence of god (light) as a forgiving of all the sins of servants when
they perform worship rituals.�
Symbolically, the role of light in this mosque reminds its people of god when they perform rituals of worship because of the role
of light visually. This mosque has a wide opening in the front area of the
pilgrims that faces the direction of nature (valley) making its people always
remember the beauty of their god's creation.
8. Baitul Rouf Mosque (Bangladesh)
Baitul Rouf Mosque in
Bangladesh its simple design, but won the Aga Khan Award in 2016 which was
given to an innovative project for a new standard serving architecture and
society, Saber & Mahmoud (2019) explained in his research that, the Baitul Rouf mosque is an innovation for natural lighting and
ventilation standards. The ceiling is designed in such a way that circular
holes can be distributed to give points of natural lighti
into the building. Then on the Qibla Mihrab gives a spectrum of light falling
from the open space between the squares. The design also includes a perforated
wall that serves as a light filter and vent to the prayer room.
Figure 10 Interior of Baitul Rouf mosque
Source:
Vam.ac.uk
The whole room of this mosque
has a dark room like a servant who is full of sin (darkness). Visually in the
mihrab area there is a light source that descends into the room fromthe ceiling it is likened to the presence of god (light) as the guide of his servant. In addition, light
coming from the ceiling of the room The design of the
Baitul Rouf mosque applies lighting to the space to
become a paradise of tranquility and comfort of worshippers that forms a
p ola
like the universe and changes all the time, likened to the presence of god's
mercy to his servant in different forms and times.� �The design of the
Baitul Rouf mosque applies lighting to the space to
become a paradise of tranquility and comfort jamaah.
Comparison of the Role of light in mosque and Church
buildings
����������� The role of light can be interpreted
as the general dimension between man and his God. Tangible light is also
considered the most transcendent body of material, it is known as a good
mediator between objectivity and subjectivity. The following is a comparison of
the role of light in religious buildings, especially houses of worship:
Table 1 The relationship of the role of light in religious
buildings
|
No |
�Religus Building |
The role of light in the Symbolic
view |
The role of light in the Visual view |
|
1 |
Aya Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey) |
appreciate
the important celebration in religious belief (the descent of the Holy
Spirit) on christmas day. |
The
effect of light coming down from the cracks of the� windows under the� dome gives the impression that god is
present in front of them. |
|
2 |
Grand Mosque of
Cordoba (Cordoba, Spain) |
The presence of god� in the �life of
his �People, The impression of the degree of
�servant is not higher than
that ��of
his god. |
a structure of the Great Mosque that can reflect
light and enhance the impression that the presence of divine
light to its people. |
|
3 |
Selimiye Mosque (Edirne, Turkey) |
Welcoming the pilgrim (servant) by his god. |
�The
light coming down from above gives peace when� indoors. |
|
4 |
Sheikh lotfollah Mosque (Isfahan, Iran) |
�Seekers of god, welcome worshippers. |
Pilgrims through the dark corridor are set up as obstacles and at the end
there is a bright light source with the light of �God. |
|
5 |
Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque (Shiraz) |
Inner calm and solemnity in worship. |
The beautiful shadow patterns and full of
colors give a sense of peace. |
|
5 |
Holy Spirit Cathedral
Catholic
Church (Bali) |
The presence of god, the
relationship of god with his people. |
The light coming in from the cracks of the fa�ade gives
a message of closeness of people and god. |
|
7 |
Al-Irshad
Mosque (Padalarang, West Bandung) |
reminding people of the Creator. God's
presence as a forgiving of sins. |
The wide opening
towards nature, namely towards the valley, makes people always remember the
creator of beauty and light itself. |
|
8 |
Baitul Rouf Mosque (Bangladesh) |
The presence of god as a guide
to the life of the people. |
The incoming light of the mihrab is defined
as the presence of god. The shadow pattern forms a
pattern likened to the universe. |
From
the description of the
case study above, the role of light in the
symbolic view is very pronounced because
it is interpreted as the light of God. There are
several buildings, light is interpreted as the presence of god
in the life of mankind. There are several others that light is interpreted as
the giver of grace,
the guide and reminder of his people. The role of light in buildings also gives
the impression that god is higher than his people. Meanwhile, darkness is likened to
a servant full of sins and obstacles in the life
of world.
�Visually, the role of light plays an important role in
supporting the emotional presence of worshippers who are present in the room. The
role of light is visually related to the
decipherment of light in a symbolic view. From some of the case studies above, the role of light in visual thinking provides an impact on tranquility and comfort when pilgrims
are indoors. �Due to the light entering
through the cracks or openings on the fa�ade
so as to give the effect of calmness and coolness of the soul.
From the foregoing, it is very jel as that the
role of light in religious buildings is very important to present god in the�� daily life of man. The role of light can
also make indoor users feel calm and emotional comfort.
CONCLUSION
The role of light in religious
buildings in the building of houses of worship is very important for
worshippers, in shaping the inner kayakinan both in
spiritual terms and in Visual terms. The role of light can symbolically provide
inner calm and also the servant's intransigence with his God. In addition, the
role of light as a representation of the coming of God in human life.� Both in the architecture of mosques and
churches although different beliefs, the role of light both has a function as a� reminder of� god's presence� in his people and as a shaper of ties.�
In terms of visuals the role of
light can provide beauty and comfort in the room. Religious buildings that have
a good lighting concept, can condition the people in feeling the presence of
their god, in addition to light as a tranquilizer, providing comfort and
tranquility during worship
REFERENCES
Al-Suhrawardi, S. Al-D. (2018). Wisdom Of Illumination. Tehran:
University Of Tehran Press.
Andrianto Pangondian, R., Insap Santosa, P., & Nugroho, E. (2019).
Faktor - Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kesuksesan Pembelajaran Daring Dalam Revolusi
Industri 4.0. Sainteks 2019, 56�60.
Antonakaki, T. (2017). Ligting And Spatial Structure In Religious Architecture:
A Comparative Study Of A Byzantine Church And An Early Ottoman Mosque In The
City Of Thessaloniki. Proceedings, 6th International Space Syntax Symposium,
İstanbul, 0�57, 1�14.
Arel, H. Ş., & �ner, M. (2017). Use Of Daylight In Mosques:
Meaning And Practice In Three Different Cases. International Journal Of
Heritage Architecture: Studies, Repairs And Maintence, 1(3),
421�429. Https://Doi.Org/10.2495/Ha-V1-N3-421-429
Clevenot, D., & Degeorge, G. (2020). Splendors Of Islam:
Architecture, Decoration And Design. New York: Vendome Press.
Ehsan Madai-Kandjani. (2019). Motives Of Love: Nasir Al-Molk Mosque.
Tehran: Habib Publications.
Ermolenko, E. V. (2021). Daylighting Of The Newest Christian Churches. Light
& Engineering, 29(4), 107�115.
Erzen, J. N. (2021). Reading Mosques: Meaning And Architecture In Islam. Journal
Of Aesthetics And Art Criticism, 69(1), 125�131.
Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/J.1540-6245.2010.01453.X
Hoffmann, V. (2015). Der Geometrische Entwurf Der Hagia Sophia In
Istanbul. New York: Bilder Einer Ausstellung.
Jabi, W., & Potamianos, I. (2017). Cosmology In The Church Of Hagia
Sophia In The Church Of Hagia Sophia. 05(02).
Matracchi, P., & Sadeghi Habibabad, A. (2021). Explaining And
Evaluating The Quality Of �Light� In Religious Environments And Its Effect On
Spirituality. Frontiers Of Architectural Research, 10(4), 803�820. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Foar.2021.06.001
Michael Wangsa, Indrani, H. C., & Nilasari, P. F. (2015). Pengaruh
Pencahayaan Terhadap Pembentukan Persepsi Visual Umat Pada Masjid Al-Irsyad
Bandung. Dimensi Interior, 13(1), 41�47.
Https://Doi.Org/10.9744/Interior.13.1.41-47
Pangestu, M. D. (2019). Pencahayaan Alami Dalam Bangunan. 250.
Saber, & Mahmoud, A. (2019). The Natural Light As An Important Element
In The Interior Spaces Forming. World Herritage And Legacy, (1).
Tjandradipura, C., Santosa, I., & Adhitama, G. (2021). The Role Of
Light In The Worship Space In Culture And Religion Context. (September),
353�361. Https://Doi.Org/10.51555/338649
Copyright Holders:
Iskandar, Zulfan Zacky, Adelina Ratika Isti, Putu Ayu P. Agustiananda, Hanif Budiman (2023)
First publication
right:
Devotion - Journal
of Research and Community Service
This article is licensed under
a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike
4.0 International