The Mosque
...ated with good intention, the glorious aim of the prophet (SAWS) example of being the symbol of light, hung justice and unity here ended up as Muslim prayer clubs. Where people come to meet each other rather then to devote there time and mind to Allah (SWT). Muslims are meant to take up the mission of the prophet, take daw’a, prays and read Quran (holy Islamic book) The mosque is to be treated with respect. When you are inside people should behave in a sensible way and should keep quite. Nosiness is not something associated with the mosque. It is obligatory to keep the mosque clean at all times and free of filth and noxious smells. Prophet (SAWS) said: ”These mosques are not meant for urine or filth but are for the remembrances of Allah (SWT) and the recital of the Quran.” (Hadith) It is forbidden to raise one’s voice in such a way that it disturbs other people praying. Even if it is done while reciting the Quran, it is all right to have a conversation in the mosque and laugh as long as it’s about something permissible. Based on a hadith of Jabir Ibn Samurah said: ”The prophet would not rise from his place of the morning prayer until the sun has risen, and when the sun rose he would get up, and they talk and laugh about (pre-Islamic) days of ignorance and he would smile” (Hadith) The mosques external features should usually consist of a doomed roof and minarets. The doom is an important aspect of the mosque, especially in hot country because it allows the air to circulate around the mosque. The dome also helps to amplify the human voice, so when speeches are given i.e. Friday prayers everybody can hear the speaker The Minaret is a tall tower. In Muslim countries they use this tower for the adhan (call to prayer) five times a day; it is sort of like an alarm clock reminding people when it is time for prayers The mosques internal features should be kept simple, Meaning that there should be no decoration that would distract the Muslim worshiping e.g. the carpet which Muslims pray on should be clean and have simple patterns instead of detailed decoration which could distract the people praying. Other internal features that are usually included in a mosque are the Mihrab and the Mimbar. The mihrab is the only piece of furniture allowed in the mosque. The mimbar is a set of at least three steps to raise the person who preaches there. It is necessary so that the person can be seen and heard. In some cases the mimbars are very high usually in large mosques. Regular activities at the mosque A mosque has three basic purposes: a place of worship, an Islamic education centre and a centre for the Muslim community. There are many activities that can be done at the Mosque, Weekend schools, Arabic classes for young and old and even marriages. There are also other facilities such as a library, bookshop and even a funeral service. I am basing these activities n a particular mosque in London called Regents Park Mosque which includes all these facilities. It is important that Muslims visit the mosque frequently. In the days of the prophet there used to be much more activities held in the mosque. Now day’s people only use the mosque for prayer and nothing else Imam at the Mosque The Arabic word imam means “in the front”. This describes the main purpose of the imam who is the person who leads the Muslim in prayers. A woman can do this if no men are available but it is usually a man who is the imam. An imam doesn’t need to have any special training. In Islam there are no priests or monks. All are regarded equal in the sight of Allah (SWT). Basically an imam is an educated person who is chosen by the congregation because he is regarded a good Muslim and has a good knowledge of Islam. Apart from leading the prayer imam’s often take on other tasks as giving advice to fellow Muslim brothers, being the khatib (person who gives speeches on Friday prayer). An imam has no other activities outside the mosque as visiting prisons, hospitals and even marriages. Also organises charity funds and educational activities. You can't be a Muslim unless you go to a Mosque ? Some Muslims would say that it is essential to go to a Mosque. It is where you wo...