How To Visit a Mosque
- January 11, 2008
- 2,101 Views
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, visiting a mosque can be a spiritual event. Knowing and observing the basic dos and don’ts will free you up to concentrate on holier matters.
You Will Need
- A mosque
- Modest dress
- Right intention
- A smile
- Clean, hole-free socks (optional)
- A prayer schedule (optional)
- Money for a donation (optional)
Step 1: Find a mosque
Use the Internet or phone directory to find a mosque near you. If you’re in a Muslim-majority country, simply stick your head out the window and look for minarets, the tall towers connected to mosques, or listen for the call to prayer.
Step 2: Call ahead
If you are hoping to visit the mosque at one of the five daily prayer times, call ahead to find out exactly when the prayers take place. If you are non-Muslim, find out if non-Muslims are allowed in the mosque.
The jum’ah prayer, required for Muslim men, is held at midday every Friday. It involves a sermon from the imam or other prayer leader followed by the noontime ritual prayer, salat-udh-dhuhr.
Step 3: Dress modestly
Dress in modest clothes. For men, this means wearing pants that cover the knees. For women, this means, at a minimum, covering up shoulders and knees and avoiding tight or transparent clothes.
Step 4: Bring a scarf
In the U.S., many mosques post their policy on whether hijab, or head covering for women, is required to enter the mosque. If you aren’t sure, bring a scarf along with you.
Step 5: Use the correct entrance
When approaching the mosque, look for signs or ask someone if there are separate entrances for women and men. If necessary, use the gender-appropriate entrance.
Step 6: Leave your shoes
Near the entrance, locate the rack or other container where you should leave your shoes. Here’s the moment when you’re relieved to be wearing clean socks!
Step 7: Turn off your cell
Turn off your cell phone and any other electronic devices that might make noise.
Step 8: Enter
Enter the mosque threshold with your right foot, as Muhammad did.
Muslims entering the mosque can offer two voluntary cycles of ritual prayer.
Step 9: Smile
Greet others, if they are not engaged in prayer. Muhammad said even a smile is charity.
If you’re able and so inclined, slip a little money into the boxes marked for the maintenance of the mosque or other charities.
Step 10: Be peaceful
Enjoy the peace and simplicity of the mosque. Offer whatever prayers you are able to.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city of Mecca or its Great Mosque, Islam’s most revered site.
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Comments (4)
Very helpful thanks!
over 2 years ago by Alastair_Q_H_Wheeler
Thanks. I wish to encourage visits to all centres of faith and belief. I have learned from every interaction in my life and certainly from centres of faith and belief.
over 2 years ago by johnhegarty
really i feel comfortable with this place
everyone have to visit mosques
about 1 year ago by amr_egp2010
salam alikom
this nice but i prefer to put photos for the mosque and i wish to add if u find someone praying don't walk in front of him because it will disturb his concentrating
i will upload photos how we pray and why their are separating between men and women
8 months ago by tot
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