What is maqsurah?

Maqsurah is an Arabic term that refers to a private enclosure within a mosque or prayer hall. It is an area that is enclosed by a wooden screen or latticework that separates the worshippers praying in the maqsurah from the rest of the congregation. The screen is usually decorated with intricate geometric patterns or calligraphy.

The purpose of the maqsurah is to offer privacy and exclusivity to certain members of the congregation, such as the ruler, scholars, or important dignitaries. These individuals would typically pray behind the screen with their entourage, while the rest of the congregation would pray in the main prayer hall.

Maqsurahs were commonly built during the Islamic Golden Age in the 8th to 13th centuries, particularly in Andalusia (present-day Spain) and the Middle East. They were built in various styles and sizes, ranging from small enclosures on the side of the prayer hall to large rooms built on upper levels.

Today, maqsurahs are not a common feature in modern mosques, but their legacy can be seen in the rich architectural heritage of Islamic art and design.