Islamic architecture may be identified with the following design elements, which were inherited from the first mosque built by Muhammad in Medina, as well as from other pre-Islamic features adapted from churches and synagogues.                                   

The Sahn, Large courtyards often merged with a central prayer hall (originally a feature of the Masjid al-Nabawi).                             

The Minaret, or tower (which were originally used as torch-lit watchtowers for example in the Great Mosque of Damascus; hence the derivation of the word from the Arabic nur, meaning "light").    

The mihrab, or niche on an inside wall indicating the direction to Mecca. This may have been derived from previous uses of niches for the setting of the torah scrolls in Jewish synagogues or the haikal of Coptic churches.                                                        

The Dome, (the earliest Islamic use of which was in the eighth century mosque of Medina).                                                    

The Iwan, iwans to intermediate between different sections.         

Arabesque,Use of geometric shapes and repetitive art                  

The Arabic calligraphy, different ways of writing Arabic                

The Ablution,the  fountain.                                                     

Bright colours are common in mosques interior decoration             

Interperation

Common interpretations of Islamic architecture include the following:                                                                             

The concept of Allah's infinite power is evoked by designs with repeating themes which suggest infinity.                                   

Human and animal forms are rarely depicted in decorative art as Allah's work is matchless. Foliage is a frequent motif but typically stylized or simplified for the same reason.                                  

Calligraphy is used to enhance the interior of a building by providing quotations from the Qur'an.                                                     

Islamic architecture has been called the "architecture of the veil" because the beauty lies in the inner spaces (courtyards and rooms) which are not visible from the outside.                                       

Use of impressive forms such as large domes, towering minarets, and large courtyards are intended to convey power.