Final answer:
People utilized materials like mud and clay, wood and stone, stones and bricks for early mosques, with the choice depending on regional availability. Mosques had common features like the mihrab and sometimes a minaret, and evolved into more complex structures over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before structural mosques were built, people used various materials depending on the region. Mud and clay were predominant construction materials in areas with abundant clay and lack of stone, as seen in the Mesopotamian region, where sun-baked bricks and clay were the building materials of choice for their load-bearing architecture. Wood and stone were also used, but in regions where wood was more abundant, the use of wood and bamboo could be found. In the context of early Islamic architecture, it was common for mosques to be inspired by the home of Muhammad in Medina, which emphasized simplicity and served both as a place of prayer and community gathering. Furthermore, traditional materials like stones and bricks were used extensively due to their durability, especially in monumental structures where methods like the post and lintel system were employed.
Common features in mosque architecture, regardless of materials used, include elements such as the mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, and sometimes a minaret from which the call to prayer is announced. Over time, as the Islamic architectural style evolved, so did the complexity and variety of materials and construction techniques used in mosque building.