What do you say when you enter a mosque?

Entering a Mosque Vistors may be greeted by the Arabic greeting “Assalamo Allaikum” which means “peace be upon you.” The answer, if the visitor would like to use it, is “Wa ‘alaikum-as-salam”, which means “peace be upon you too”.

What is the difference between a mosque and a masjid?

“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).

How do you visit a mosque?

So, visitors must understand the importance of mosques and the sincere meaning they occupy in the hearts of Muslims, and respect that.

1. Do take off your shoes before you enter.
2. Women: Please do cover your hair.
3. Do wear proper clothes.
4. Don’t let your kids run or play inside the mosque.
5. Don’t eat or drink inside a mosque.

How do you pray in a mosque?

When Muslims pray at the mosque, they stand very close together in long lines. Muslims all make the same movements together, at the same time and they always face East, towards Mecca (or Makkah). Mecca is a holy place for Muslims where they make a pilgrimage at least once in their lives.

What is unique about a mosque?

A mosque can be identified by its distinctive features: the towering minarets from which the calls to prayer are sounded, the large courtyards often adorned with fountains, and an ornately decorated mihrab, the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca.

What do we call Masjid in English?

mosque countable noun. A mosque is a building where Muslims go to worship. /masjida, masjid, msjida, msjid/

Can I visit mosque?

You might question whether a mosque is even open to you, if it would intrusive and disrespectful to go into a place of worship where you believe differently. However, like most churches and other places of worship, most mosques welcome visitors of other faiths.

Is it easier to visit a mosque with a Muslim friend?

Although visiting a mosque with a Muslim friend is usually easier than going on your own, you might not know any Muslims yet or the Muslims you do know may not go to prayers regularly. That shouldn’t get in the way of your interest in meeting your Muslim neighbors or learning more about Islam.

What are the etiquette rules when visiting a mosque?

Visitors should refrain from smoking, eating, taking pictures without permission, argumentative behavior, and intimate touching – all of which are frowned upon inside a mosque. 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.

How do I find out what time a mosque is open?

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.

What happens during the daily prayers in a mosque?

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.