Finding a Mosque
Visitors
are welcome in most mosques throughout the year. Many mosques are not only
places of worship, but are used as community and education centers as well.
Non-Muslim visitors may wish to attend an official function, meet Muslim
community members, observe or learn about our way of worship, or simply admire
the Islamic architecture of the building.
Below
are some common-sense guidelines that may help make your visit both respectful
and pleasant.
Mosques
are found in a variety of neighborhoods, and there are many different sizes and
styles. Some may be purpose-built, elaborate examples of Islamic architecture
that can hold thousands of worshippers, while others may be located in a simple
rented room. Some mosques are open and welcoming to all Muslims, while others
may cater to certain ethnic or sectarian groups.
In
order to locate a mosque, you may ask Muslims in your area, consult a worship
directory in your city, or visit an online directory. You may find the
following words used in a listing: Mosque, Masjid, or Islamic Center.
What
Time to Go
After
you decide which mosque to visit, it may be best to reach out and learn more
about the site. Many mosques have websites or Facebook pages which list prayer
times, opening hours, and contact information. Walk-ins are welcome in some
more-visited places, especially in Muslim countries. In other places, it is
recommended that you phone or email ahead of time. This is for security
reasons, and to be sure that someone is there to greet you.
Mosques
are usually open during the times of the five daily prayers and may be open for
additional hours between. Some mosques have special visiting hours set aside
for non-Muslims who wish to learn more about the faith.
Where
to Enter
Some
mosques have common areas that are used as gathering rooms, separate from the
prayer areas. Most have separate entrances for men and women. It is best to ask
about parking and doors when you contact the mosque ahead of time or go with a
Muslim community member who can guide you.
Before
entering a prayer area, you will be requested to remove your shoes. There are
shelves provided outside the door to place them on, or you may bring a plastic
bag to hold them with you until you leave.
Who
You Might Meet
It
is not required for all Muslims to attend all prayers in the mosque, so you may
or may not find a group of people gathered at a given time. If you contact the
mosque ahead of time, you may be greeted and hosted by the Imam, or another
senior community member.
If
you visit during a time of prayer, especially Friday prayer, you may see
various community members including children. Men and women usually pray in
separate areas, either in separate rooms or divided by a curtain or screen.
Female visitors may be guided to the women’s area, while male visitors may be
guided to the men’s area. In other cases, there may be a common gathering room
where all community members mingle.
What
You May See and Hear
A
mosque prayer hall (musalla) is a bare room covered with carpets or rugs.
People sit on the floor; there are no pews. For elderly or disabled community
members, there may be a few chairs available. There are no sacred objects in
the prayer room, other than copies of the Quran which may be along the walls on
bookshelves.
As
people enter the mosque, you may hear them greeting each other in Arabic:
“Assalamu alaikum” (peace be upon you). If you choose to reply, the return
greeting is, “Wa alaikum assalaam” (and upon you be peace).
At
the times of the daily prayers, you will hear the call of the adhan. During
prayer, the room will be quiet except for phrases in Arabic that the Imam
and/or worshipers recite.
Before
entering the room, you may see worshipers doing ablutions if they did not do so
at home before coming. Visitors who are not participating in the prayer are not
expected to make ablution.
What
People Will Be Doing
During
prayer, you will see people standing in rows, bowing, and prostrating/sitting
on the floor in unison, following the leadership of an Imam. You may also see
people making these movements in individual prayer, before or after the
congregational prayer.
Outside
of the prayer hall, you will see people greeting each other and gathering to
talk. In a community hall, people may be eating together or watching the
children play.
What
You Should Wear
Most
mosques request both male and female visitors to observe a simple, modest dress
code such as long sleeves, and either long skirts or trousers. Neither men nor
women should wear shorts or sleeveless tops. In most mosques, visiting women
are not requested to cover their hair, although the gesture is welcome. In some
Muslim countries (such as Turkey), head coverings are required and are provided
for those who come unprepared.
You
will remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall, it is recommended to
wear slip-off shoes and clean socks or stockings.
How
You Should Behave
During
prayer, visitors should not talk or laugh loudly. Mobile phones should be switched
to silent or turned off. The congregational part of the daily prayer lasts
between 5-10 minutes, while the Friday noon prayer is longer as it includes a
sermon.
It
is disrespectful to walk in front of someone who is praying, whether they are
participating in the congregational prayer or praying individually. Visitors
will be guided to sit quietly in the back of the room to observe the prayers.
When
meeting Muslims for the first time, it is customary to offer a handshake only
to those of the same gender. Many Muslims will nod their heads or place their
hand over their heart when greeting someone of the opposite gender. It is
advisable to wait and see how the person initiates the greeting.
Visitors
should refrain from smoking, eating, taking pictures without permission,
argumentative behavior, and intimate touching – all of which are frowned upon
inside a mosque.
Enjoying
Your Visit
When
visiting a mosque, it is not essential to be overly concerned with the details
of etiquette. Muslims are usually very welcoming and hospitable people. As long
as you attempt to show respect for the people and the faith, small missteps or
indiscretions will certainly be excused. We hope that you enjoy your visit,
meet new friends, and learn more about Islam and your Muslim neighbors.
Source:
https://www.learnreligions.com/etiquette-of-visiting-a-mosque-2004463
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