Early Islamic architecture used decorative patterns to decorate the mosques because _________.

a. Muslim artists didn’t know how to draw the figure
b. realistic and representational images were rejected as idolatrous
c. it was less expensive to use pattern than any other type of depictions
d. the religious stories were too complex to re-create
e. patterned pieces were easier to mass produce for large scale work

b. realistic and representational images were rejected as idolatrous

a. Incorrect. Muslim artists were well-trained and familiar with figurative art, but focused their efforts on decorative patterns.
b. Correct. Muslim artists developed the beauty of abstract patterns, because realistic and representational images were rejected as idolatrous in Islam.
c. Incorrect. These decorative patterns are part of building projects of great expense.
d. Incorrect. These decorative patterns are not necessarily less complex than narrative art.
e. Incorrect. These patterns were not mass produced, but carefully created for a specific space.