Definition

Noun: 1. (Islam) A niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca. This architectural feature is the focal point in a mosque's prayer hall (qibla wall), marking the direction Muslims face during prayer (salah). 2. (Islam) A design in the shape of a niche on a Muslim prayer rug; during worship the niche must be pointed toward Mecca. This ornamental representation on a portable prayer mat serves the same directional function as the architectural mihrab.

Usage Examples

• The Imam stood in front of the beautifully decorated mihrab to lead the prayer.
• When unrolling her prayer rug, she carefully aligned the woven mihrab with the qibla.

Advanced Usage

• The mihrab is not merely decorative; it is a fundamental architectural element symbolizing the connection between the worshipper and the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Historically, the development of the concave mihrab in mosque architecture is considered a significant innovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Qibla: (Noun) The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which the mihrab indicates.
• Minbar: (Noun) The pulpit in a mosque, often situated to the right of the mihrab.

Synonyms

• Niche (specifically in the architectural context, though "mihrab" is the precise technical term).
• Prayer niche.

Related Phrases

• Face the mihrab: To orient oneself toward the mihrab, and thus toward Mecca, for prayer.
  • The worshippers lined up in rows, all facing the mihrab.

Noun

1. (Islam) a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca
2. (Islam) a design in the shape of niche in a Muslim prayer rug; during worship the niche must be pointed toward Mecca