their stones, our stones

in the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Compassionate

For architects, stone has been one the most widely used material for construction. Its properties makes it structurally 'strong' and aesthetically appealing. Stones are being used in its natural form or cut into blocks. The term masonry is so familiar within the construction industry... and I can say that it is one of the most primitive way of constructing and establishing the use of stones.

A good selection must be made in order to gain a sound structure. Length of the stone must be 4-5 times its height, no more and no less. Stones must be laid as it were when picked from the quarry to maintain its natural appearance. So much details can be pointed out for the use of stones in masonry. If we were reading the Neufert Architect's Data, stones for masonry are divided into 5 groups for their compressive strength.

stone bridge in Norway

Everything is taken into consideration, and lastly a good masonry will rely on its bond. In masonry, bond refers to the arrangements of the stones or the overlapping. Different type of bond gives different strength quality.

stone bridge at Caragh River

"Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in rows as if they were a solid structure"(61:4-Quran). As a Muslim, I have to mention about what has been revealed in the Quran about the importance of bond. In my opinion the word rows directly refers to a good bond as in masonry. Its a good reminder for me and my muslim brothers, are we the types for aesthetic use or are we for structural purpose? Allah clearly explain how the rows should be, which is "a solid structure".

Today we see our muslim brothers struggling in Palestine, and it is the best time for us to check back at the bond amongst us, and making sure it is structurally strong.

palestinians

Its time for us to really think about our bond, because our brothers are fighting with stones.