Mihrab
/ˈmɪh.rɑːb/noun
A niche in a mosque wall indicating the direction of Mecca.
Did you know?In the Qur’an, *mihrab* refers to a sanctuary or secluded chamber, while its later architectural meaning became the prayer niche familiar in mosques today.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Islamic / Early Arabic
Arabic
miḥrāb
“A sanctuary, secluded chamber, or elevated private place; its deeper derivation is debated.”
7th Century
Quranic Arabic
miḥrāb
“A sanctuary or place of retreat, as in Qur’anic descriptions of Zachariah’s and Mary’s sacred chambers.”
7th–8th Century
Arabic
miḥrāb
“A designated place associated with worship and religious leadership.”
8th–10th Century
Arabic
miḥrāb
“An architectural niche in a mosque marking the direction of prayer toward Mecca.”
Medieval Period
Persian and Islamic architectural usage
mihrab
“A richly decorated prayer niche used throughout mosque architecture.”
17th–18th Century
European languages
mihrab
“A mosque’s prayer niche, borrowed into European discussions of Islamic architecture.”
Modern English
English
mihrab
“The niche in a mosque wall indicating the qibla, or direction of Mecca.”