mosque, Arabic masjid or jāmiʿ, any house or open area of prayer in Islam . Though the mosque as such has undergone many architectural changes, the building remains essentially an open space, generally roofed over, containing a miḥrāb and a minbar, with a minaret sometimes attached to it. ...
Which best describes what a mosque is?
mosque. / (mɒsk) / noun. a Muslim place of worship, usually having one or more minarets and often decorated with elaborate tracery and texts from the KoranAlso called: masjid, musjid.
What are some defining characteristics of a mosque?
The four main features that most mosques have are a mihrab (niche), minaret (tower), qubba (dome) and sahn
What does a mosque represent?
The English word “mosque” denotes a Muslim house of worship . The word evolved from the Arabic term masjid, which means “place of prostration.” During prayer, Muslims briefly kneel and touch their foreheads to the ground as a sign of submission (literally, Islam) to the will of God.
What is mosque short answer?
A mosque is a place where Muslims worship . The word mosque comes from the Arabic word masjid. A larger, ‘collective’, mosque is called a masjid jāmi. Larger mosques offer more services to their community. For many Muslim people, a mosque is more than a place of worship.
What are the most important parts of a mosque?
A common feature in mosques is the minaret , the tall, slender tower that usually is situated at one of the corners of the mosque structure. The top of the minaret is always the highest point in mosques that have one, and often the highest point in the immediate area.
Who can enter a mosque?
Depending on the mosque you visit it may have two entrances: one for men and one for women . This is normally clearly marked above the entrance. These lead to separate prayer rooms. Usually men and women are allowed to enter and visit the mosque together.
What is the primary function of a mosque?
A mosque is generally a very symbolic place for a Muslim, being a humble way for Muslims to recreate pure divine presence on earth. The primary purpose of the mosque is to serve as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer .
What is the difference between a masjid and a mosque?
“Mosque” is the English name for a place of Muslim worship, equivalent to a church , synagogue or temple in other faiths. The Arabic term for this house of Muslim worship is “masjid,” which literally means “place of prostration” (in prayer).
What is the word Quran mean?
Qurʾān, (Arabic: “Recitation” ) also spelled Quran and Koran, the sacred scripture of Islam. According to conventional Islamic belief, the Qurʾān was revealed by the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad in the West Arabian towns Mecca and Medina beginning in 610 and ending with Muhammad’s death in 632 ce.
What is the shape of a mosque?
The finding of this paper is that triangular form can be accepted as mosque architectural form for the symbolical meaning derived from Sundanese culture. In the two mosques, this triangle shape enlarged and become praying room and as bridge to the God realm.
Can a woman wear pants to a mosque?
It is most appropriate to wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. For men, it is better to wear long pants, and for women to wear pants or full-length skirts or dresses , with long sleeves. ... Non-Muslim women are encouraged to wear a headscarf in the prayer hall. One can be provided upon request.
Do Muslims drink alcohol?
Although alcohol is considered haram (prohibited or sinful) by the majority of Muslims, a significant minority drinks, and those who do often outdrink their Western counterparts. Among drinkers, Chad and a number of other Muslim-majority countries top the global ranking for alcohol consumption.
Do you have to wear a hijab in a mosque?
What should I wear? It is most appropriate to wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. For men, it is better to wear long pants, and for women to wear pants or full-length skirts or dresses, with long sleeves. ... Non-Muslim women are encouraged to wear a headscarf in the prayer hall.
What are 3 functions of a mosque?
This article examines the significant role of the mosque in the Muslim community. In addition to being a place of prayer, the mosque provides educational, political welfare, and conflict resolution services in times of dispute between groups, families, couples, and individuals.
Why is a mosque sacred?
Of all Muslim institutions, the mosque is the most important place for the public expression of Islamic religiosity and communal identity. A mosque is a physical manifestation of the public presence of Muslims and serves as a point of convergence for Islamic social and intellectual activity.
