The Mosque as Body: Breasts, Phallus, and the Architecture of Devotion

The Mosque as Body: Breasts, Phallus, and the Architecture of Devotion

Maksudul Shadat Akash^1,2

¹Department of Public Health & Informatics, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh

²Program and Research Department, VAALO avant-garde Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400110

Received: 09 April 2024; Accepted: 15 April 2025; Published: 01 May 2025

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the symbolic parallels between mosque architecture and the human body, proposing a poetic-philosophical interpretation of the dome as a breast and the minaret as a phallus. Through this lens, the mosque is reimagined as an embodied sacred form, reflecting the gendered dualities of nourishment and aspiration, inwardness and transcendence, feminine and masculine energies. Drawing on Islamic mysticism (Sufism), architectural theory, and philosophical discourse, the study investigates how these anatomical symbols open up deeper metaphysical meanings within sacred space. The dome’s protective and enclosing presence is linked to the divine feminine—associated with shelter, sustenance, and receptivity—while the minaret’s vertical thrust symbolizes masculine power, divine proclamation, and spiritual ascent. These gendered elements are shown to work in harmony, forming a microcosm of creation that resonates with both spiritual union and metaphysical wholeness. The paper addresses theological and cultural sensitivities around such interpretations, framing them not as doctrinal claims but as speculative insights grounded in mysticism and symbolic aesthetics. By reinterpreting mosque elements through embodied metaphors, the research invites new interdisciplinary dialogues across philosophy, religious studies, gender theory, and architectural criticism, reaffirming the mosque as a space where form, faith, and flesh converge in profound expression.

Keywords: Islamic Architecture, Mosque, Symbolism, Gender, Mysticism, Sufism, Dome, Minaret, Sacred space, Philosophical Theology.

INTRODUCTION

Islamic architecture is rich with symbolic elements that reflect deeper spiritual and philosophical meanings. Among these, the dome and the minaret stand out as quintessential features of mosque design. Traditionally, the dome represents the vault of heaven, symbolizing the universe’s vastness and the encompassing nature of the divine, while the minaret serves as a tower from which the call to prayer is announced, symbolizing a bridge between the earthly and the divine realms [1]. This paper explores an alternative interpretation of these architectural elements, proposing that the dome and minaret metaphorically embody aspects of human anatomy—the dome as the breast and the minaret as the phallus. This perspective suggests that mosque architecture mirrors the human form, integrating gendered symbols into sacred spaces. Such an interpretation aligns with the idea that architectural forms can encapsulate anthropomorphic symbolism, reflecting the intimate connection between human beings and their spiritual beliefs [2].

Examining mosque architecture through this lens offers insights into how gender symbolism is interwoven with devotion and the embodiment of the divine in Islamic culture. By recognizing the dome and minaret as representations of feminine and masculine forms, respectively, we can appreciate how these structures collectively create a harmonious space that embodies the unity and balance inherent in the spiritual experience. This approach not only enriches our understanding of Islamic architectural symbolism but also invites a broader contemplation of the relationship between human form, gender, and sacred space.

Figure 1: Embodied Devotion: Gendered Symbolism in Mosque Architecture

Historical and Cultural Context of Mosque Architecture

The evolution of mosque architecture reflects the dynamic interplay between religious practices, cultural influences, and functional necessities. Initially, mosques were modest structures, exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad’s house in Medina, which featured a simple, rectangular courtyard serving as a communal prayer space [3]. As Islamic civilization expanded, mosque designs began to incorporate diverse architectural elements from conquered regions, leading to the development of distinctive styles. For instance, the Great Mosque of Damascus, constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate, integrated Roman and Byzantine architectural features, setting a precedent for future mosque designs [4].

Central to mosque architecture are the dome and the minaret, each serving both functional and symbolic purposes. The dome, often positioned above the main prayer hall, symbolizes the vault of heaven and creates a sense of openness and infinity within the mosque [5]. Its design facilitates acoustic amplification, enhancing the auditory experience of prayers. The minaret, traditionally used for the call to prayer (adhan), serves as a visual marker of Islamic presence, its towering structure symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine [6]. Over time, minarets have evolved in form, varying from region to region, reflecting local artistic expressions and technological advancements.

Beyond their functional roles, these architectural elements embody deeper cultural and religious significances. The incorporation of domes and minarets into mosque design not only facilitates religious practices but also conveys metaphysical concepts, such as the transcendence of God and the aspiration of the human soul towards the divine. This architectural symbolism fosters a profound spiritual ambiance, reinforcing the mosque’s role as a sanctuary for contemplation and devotion. Furthermore, the aesthetic embellishments often found in these structures, including intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, serve to inspire and elevate the spiritual experience of worshippers, reflecting the Islamic emphasis on beauty as a manifestation of divine perfection [7].

Breast as Dome: Nourishment, Enclosure, and the Divine Feminine

In Islamic architecture, the dome serves as a profound symbol embodying concepts of protection, sustenance, and a sheltering presence, paralleling the nurturing aspects of the maternal breast. This architectural feature not only provides physical coverage but also evokes a sense of spiritual enclosure, reflecting the encompassing compassion of the divine. The dome’s curvature and encompassing form create an interior space that fosters contemplation and a profound connection to the divine, mirroring the protective and nurturing qualities traditionally associated with femininity [8].

Cross-cultural and Islamic mystical traditions further reinforce the association of domes with maternal and feminine imagery. In Sufi architecture, domes are designed to symbolize the heavens, representing the infinite nature of God and humanity’s aspiration towards the divine. The upward curve of the dome draws the eye and heart upward, reminding believers of their spiritual journey towards God [9]. ​

The relationship between inward space, spiritual receptivity, and feminine qualities is integral to the experience of sacred architecture. The interior space defined by the dome encourages introspection and spiritual receptivity, qualities often associated with the feminine principle in various spiritual traditions. This inward focus facilitates a personal and communal experience of the divine, emphasizing the nurturing and encompassing aspects of sacred space [10; 11].

Phallus as Minaret: Aspiration, Power, and the Divine Masculine

The minaret, with its towering verticality, serves as a potent symbol of spiritual aspiration and divine connection in Islamic architecture. Its elongated form has been interpreted as embodying masculine potency and outward movement, reflecting the active call to the divine. This architectural feature not only facilitates the adhan (call to prayer) but also stands as a visual representation of the human yearning to reach towards the heavens. The prominence of minarets within the urban landscape underscores their role as beacons of faith, guiding the community both physically and spiritually [12].

Functionally, the minaret’s height amplifies the muezzin’s call, ensuring it resonates across the community, thereby inviting the faithful to prayer. Symbolically, this act can be seen as an outward projection of divine summons, reinforcing the minaret’s association with masculine attributes of action and proclamation. The architectural design of minarets, ranging from slender spires to robust towers, further emphasizes their role as intermediaries between the earthly and the celestial realms [13].

Comparative analyses reveal that phallic structures are prevalent in various sacred architectures beyond Islam. In ancient Egypt, obelisks were erected as symbols of the sun god Ra, embodying concepts of creation and divine power. Similarly, ancient Greek culture featured herms—stone pillars with phallic representations—dedicated to Hermes, signifying fertility and protection. These structures, like minarets, utilized verticality and form to convey notions of potency, fertility, and a conduit to the divine [14; 15].

Thus, the minaret’s design and function encapsulate themes of aspiration, power, and the divine masculine, paralleling similar symbols in other cultural and religious contexts.

Sacred Union: Gender Complementarity in Mosque Form

The architectural design of mosques embodies the philosophical principle of sacred union, reflecting the harmonious interplay between masculine and feminine elements. This duality is reminiscent of concepts such as yin and yang, which represent complementary forces that together create a balanced whole. In the context of mosque architecture, the dome and minaret serve as manifestations of this gender complementarity. The dome, with its encompassing and sheltering form, symbolizes the nurturing and protective aspects associated with the feminine, while the minaret, characterized by its verticality and prominence, embodies the assertive and aspirational qualities linked to the masculine. Together, these elements create a sacred space that mirrors the balance inherent in divine creation [16].

This architectural synthesis positions the mosque as a microcosm of the universe, encapsulating both nurturing and assertive forces. The integration of dome and minaret not only fulfills functional roles but also conveys a deeper metaphysical message about the unity and interdependence of contrasting forces within creation. This reflects the Islamic cosmological view that creation begins with multiplicity, which necessarily involves duality—a concept mirrored in the complementary design of mosque structures [17].

The deliberate incorporation of gendered duality in mosque architecture serves as a source of spiritual harmony and metaphysical wholeness. By embodying both masculine and feminine principles, the mosque becomes a tangible representation of the unity and balance that underpin the universe. This design philosophy not only enhances the aesthetic and functional aspects of the mosque but also fosters a deeper spiritual experience for worshippers, aligning the physical space with the overarching principles of balance and unity in Islamic thought [18].

Metaphysical, Mystical, and Erotic Readings

Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, frequently employs erotic language to articulate the soul’s profound yearning for union with the Divine, where the seeker is portrayed as the lover and the Divine as the beloved, reflecting an intimate, passionate relationship that transcends the physical into the spiritual realm [19]. This symbolic eroticism, present in the works of poets like Rumi and Ibn Arabi, is not to be interpreted as profane but as a metaphor for spiritual longing, where desire itself becomes the vehicle for divine proximity [19]. Mircea Eliade’s exploration of sacred space furthers this understanding by suggesting that sacred architecture acts as a bridge between the earthly and the transcendent, making physical space an axis mundi, a center point for spiritual orientation [20]. His notion emphasizes that sacred structures—such as mosques—mark the space where divine-human encounters are possible, which enhances the symbolic weight of architectural elements like domes and minarets. Luce Irigaray, through her philosophy of the “sensible transcendental,” offers a feminist lens on embodiment and divinity, suggesting that divine presence can be felt and expressed through the material, particularly the gendered body, thereby supporting the notion of architectural form mirroring embodied divinity [21]. Ibn Arabi’s metaphysical system introduces the concept of the barzakh, or isthmus, as an imaginal realm where opposites meet—spirit and matter, male and female—allowing for theophanic expression in symbolic form, such as the dome and minaret [22]. These metaphysical and mystical readings converge to suggest that sacred eroticism is not a deviation from piety, but rather a legitimate and deeply rooted path toward transcendence, where architecture, like the human body, becomes a vessel for spiritual union.

Critiques and Cultural Sensitivities

Interpreting mosque architecture through anatomical symbolism, such as viewing the dome as a representation of the breast and the minaret as a phallic symbol, invites complex discussions within Islamic theological and cultural contexts. Traditional Islamic scholarship typically emphasizes the functional and spiritual roles of these architectural elements over symbolic interpretations. The dome is often seen as a representation of the vault of heaven, symbolizing the universe’s vastness and the encompassing nature of the divine [22]. Similarly, minarets serve the practical purpose of calling the faithful to prayer and stand as visual markers of Islamic presence, their design reflecting cultural and regional influences rather than embodying inherent symbolic meanings [24].​

From an orthodox perspective, attributing gendered or anatomical symbolism to mosque features may be viewed as speculative and lacking grounding in Islamic teachings. Such interpretations could be perceived as imposing external frameworks onto sacred structures, potentially diverting from their intended spiritual significance. Moreover, Islamic art and architecture traditionally avoid explicit representations of human forms to maintain aniconism, focusing instead on geometric patterns and calligraphy to convey transcendence and divine unity [25].​

However, framing these symbolic interpretations within a poetic and philosophical discourse allows for an exploration of the multifaceted dimensions of Islamic architecture. Approaching the dome and minaret as metaphors can enrich the appreciation of their aesthetic and cultural significance, provided it is understood that such readings are subjective and not doctrinal. This perspective aligns with broader discussions in art and architectural criticism, where structures are analyzed through various lenses to uncover deeper meanings and connections. By acknowledging the speculative nature of these interpretations and situating them within a broader philosophical context, it is possible to engage in a nuanced dialogue that respects traditional views while exploring new dimensions of understanding [25].

CONCLUSION

The mosque, when viewed through the symbolic lens of human anatomy, emerges not merely as a sacred edifice but as an embodied architectural theology—one that mirrors the spiritual, philosophical, and existential dimensions of human experience. By interpreting the dome as a breast and the minaret as a phallus, we engage a bold and poetic framework that underscores the mosque’s capacity to simultaneously evoke nurturing enclosure and aspirational transcendence. This anatomical allegory opens new avenues of inquiry into how gender, form, and function coalesce in the architectural expression of the divine. Far from reducing sacred space to mere corporeality, such readings deepen our understanding of how human embodiment reflects spiritual realities, revealing gendered dualities—nurturance and power, inwardness and proclamation—as integral to the metaphysical narrative encoded in mosque design. These interpretations invite a broader interdisciplinary conversation that bridges philosophy, religious studies, gender theory, and architectural aesthetics, encouraging a more holistic view of how sacred spaces mediate the relationship between body and spirit. While acknowledging theological sensitivities, such symbolic perspectives provide an enriching layer of meaning that complements rather than contradicts traditional interpretations. Moving forward, future scholarship might explore similar anatomical-spatial analogies in other religious architectures, examine how contemporary mosque design engages (or resists) these symbolic forms, and investigate how mystical traditions across cultures have used the body as a template for divine communion. Ultimately, by reimagining the mosque as a microcosm of the human-divine encounter, we affirm its enduring role not only as a place of worship but as a living testament to the unity of form, faith, and flesh.

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