Islamic mosque architecture varies in style across different regions and eras. However, certain traditional features such as the mihrab or prayer niche are considered QUINTESSENTIAL or foundational to traditional mosque architecture.
One of the fundamental pillars of Islam requires worshipers to pray five times daily toward the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. As you can see in our picture, mihrabs are decorated with intricate geometric designs and verses from the Quran. Don’t let the decorations tempt you into choosing EMBELLISH. Although mihrabs are EMBELLISHED with complex artistic designs, the SAT passage focuses on the mihrab as a QUINTESSENTIAL or standard feature of mosque architecture.
QUINTESSENTIAL - standard; typical aspect