The manifestation of spiritual concepts of light in Islamic architecture based on the views of Suhrawardi, Ibn Arabi, and Mulla Sadra

Ali Sadeghi habibabad¹

1) Assistant Professor, Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran. E-mail address:

IOI Code : AAHF-ABEAAB
Publication : National Conference on Architecture and Art Technologies, Smart City, Soft and Creative Industries and Technological Culture(icact.ir)
Abstract :
    This study aims to elucidate the ontological framework of light in Islamic architecture, focusing on the perspectives of three prominent thinkers: Suhrawardi, Ibn Arabi, and Mulla Sadra, using a systematic approach. In Suhrawardi s Illuminationist philosophy, light is defined as the true principle of existence and the foundation of the hierarchical order of being. In Ibn Arabi s mysticism, light is a manifestation of the divine name “An-Nur” and a reflection of divine emanations across different levels of the cosmos. Similarly, in Mulla Sadra’s Transcendent Philosophy, light is a reality that shapes existence and possesses gradations of intensity and subtlety. Comparative analysis of these three intellectual systems demonstrates that the concept of light plays a central role in forming the semantic and spatial structures of Islamic architecture. This sacred element, which also carries epistemological and existential dimensions, provides a basis for understanding spatial qualities such as luminous hierarchies, the transition from darkness to light, spatial guidance, and the manifestation of unity within multiplicity. Examination of Quranic texts, particularly verse 35 of Surah An-Nur, indicates that Islamic architecture reflects concepts such as guidance, divine mercy, and theophany. The thematic analysis, based on 48 credible sources, identifies three main themes: the existential reality of light, the hierarchies and manifestations of light, and patterns of light in sacred spaces. Ultimately, the proposed framework offers a theoretical foundation for analyzing Islamic architecture and comprehending the superstructure of light-related concepts.

Keywords : ontological light islamic architecture suhrawardi ibn arabi mulla sadra