Highly decorative spiritual spaces were once the pinnacle of a society’s cultural expression in the old world. Not so in modern industrialized America, where architectural design often omits purposeful expressions of faith and tradition. Instead, architecture continues to prioritize efficiency through advanced technologies and streamlined design strategies—depriving our built environment of a deeper, more meaningful connection to culture and place.

As a growing sense of rootlessness feeds public discontent, a unique opportunity emerges: to design with intention, to reintroduce purpose and meaning into our spaces. In response, the first annual ASMA Conference invites a conversation on how to incorporate the concept of itqaan into contemporary practice.

It was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said “‘Allah loves that when anyone of you does a job, he should perfect (إِتْقَانَ) it.”

Often translated as excellence, mastery, or proficiency, itqaan calls us to elevate both our craft and our understanding of space through attention to detail and devotion to process. Rather than taking the path of least resistance, itqaan urges designers to engage in deliberate effort—gaining insight with every stroke, and gradually achieving mastery over their work.

Students, professors and practitioners are invited to share how itqaan has shaped Muslim architecture in the past, present and ways we can collectively do more to serve the public.