Maharib
/məˈhɑːrɪb/noun
The plural of mihrab, referring to prayer niches in mosques.
Did you know?The word is the Arabic broken plural of mihrab, a form that changes the word’s internal pattern rather than simply adding a plural ending.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Islamic Arabic
Arabic
ḥ-r-b
“A root associated with hostility, conflict, or warfare; its precise connection to mihrab is historically debated.”
Early Arabic
Arabic
miḥrāb
“A special chamber, sanctuary, or elevated sacred place.”
7th Century
Classical Arabic
مِحْرَاب (miḥrāb)
“A prayer niche or sacred chamber, later specifically the niche indicating the direction of Mecca.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
مَحَارِيب (maḥārīb)
“Prayer niches or sanctuaries; the broken plural of miḥrāb.”
Modern English
English
maharib
“An architectural plural used in English writing for multiple mihrabs.”