The Mosque To understand the importance of the Mosque To understand the different functions of the Mosque

The Mosque A Muslim can worship anywhere as long as the following three conditions are met: –Clean place –5 times a day –Face Makkah Hadiths: "I have been granted five things which were not granted to any one before me: and for me the earth has been made a mosque and a means of purification; therefore, if prayer overtakes any person of my community, he should say his prayers (wherever he is) " ( B. 8 : 56.) According to the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith, a Muslim does not stand in need of a consecrated place to say his prayers. Here the whole earth is called a mosque

The 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. Nevertheless, mosques are known around the world nowadays for their Islamic architecture but most importantly for its general vitality to the Muslim Ummah (community). A mosque brings the community together as it acts as many things, a social centre, a community centre and an educational centre etc as it has many events which welcome both old and new members of the mosque.

As a place of worship The mosque is the most important institution in Islam. After the home and the workplace, it is the most frequented place. Muslims visit it at least twice, if not three or five times, a day. There, they rekindle their spirituality, strengthen their relationship with their Creator, meet their Muslim brethren, and renew their sense of belonging.

History of the Mosque The migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah signalled a great change in the character of the Muslim community. For the first time, the Prophet felt free from the dominant authority of the polytheists at Makkah. On arrival at the outskirts of the new city, at Qubaa', the Prophet spent a few days resting and preparing for the entrance to the city. Having lost no time, he built the first mosque there, the Mosque of Qubaa'.

What the Qur’an says In Houses that Allah has allowed to be exalted and that His name will be remembered therein. Therein, do offer praise to Him, at morning and evening, men whom neither merchandise nor sale beguiles them from the remembrance of Allah and constancy in prayer and paying to the poor their due, men who fear the day on which hearts and eyeballs will be overturned. An-Nur 24:36-37 The literal meaning is to indicate that mosques are to be built in a respectably impressive but non-expensive way. They are the houses of Allah. All due consideration is to be taken when building a mosque. At the same time, the mosques are to be exalted, due respect to be given to them, and there should be no bickering, shouting, or fighting inside them.

As a community centre At Madinah, the Prophet was free to meet with his Companions at any time and in any place. The most suitable venue was the mosque. Since its establishment, the mosque assumed responsibilities that were not previously known to any place of worship. The life of the newly emerging community was gradually taking shape in and through the mosque. Today many special events linked to births, deaths and marriages take place at the mosque

As a centre of education Islam is the religion of learning. Its miracle is a rational miracle; i.e., the Qur'an. The first revealed verses were about learning: reading and writing. There was no school or college to enroll in. The place where those seeking guidance could easily find what they sought was the mosque of the Prophet (pbuh). His house was next to the mosque. His whole life was dedicated to his mission. So, he spent a great deal of his time meeting, teaching, and imparting knowledge in the mosque. He encouraged the Muslims to frequent the mosque. It was their school. There are many references in which the importance of the mosque as a place of learning is emphasized. Al-Bukhari and Muslim related a story of three people entered the mosque; the Companions were sitting in a circle around the Prophet. One of the three found a place and sat in;, the second sat at the back, while the third went away. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The first person came forward, so Allah came forward to him. The second was shy, so Allah did not wish to embarrass him. The third turned away, so Allah turned away from him." No moral, spiritual incentive to learn could be more touching than such a parable.

The mosque as a place for receiving dignitaries and delegates. In the wake of the success of the spread of Islam, many delegates and dignitaries came to inquire or negotiate a pact or to conclude agreements. The reception place was the Mosque of the Prophet.

The mosque as a charity distribution center The money (such as spoils of war) coming to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was distributed in the mosque. At the same time, when there was an emergency, the Prophet would deliver a sermon and call upon the community to spend in the way of Allah. Then he would give to those in need. Today still charity is often given to the poor through the Mosque, and is a refuge for those down on their luck

Mosque Functions The mosque should be planned to serve the functions that are necessary for the Muslims, such as: a. The prayer hall satisfies the health requirements of ventilation, heating, and light. b. To have a section for Muslim women with separate facilities. c. To have a library, reading room, lecture hall, and social function hall. d. To have a place for teaching the Qur'an and coaching the children in different subjects. e. To have a playing ground, a hall for young children for their free time, particularly during summer vacation. f. To have a small clinic for emergency treatment and funeral facilities. g. To have accommodation facilities for guests.

Women and the Mosque Women are expected to pray either at home or at the Mosque. When they go to the Mosque they stay separate from the men. Muslims believe this allows both men and women to stay concentrated on Allah.

Outside the Mosque This is the Jamia Mosque. It is set on an angle to ensure that the main prayer hall faces Mecca. MECCA is the holy city of Islam.

This is the MINARET. This is a tower where the ‘Call to prayer’ is read from by the MUEZZIN. The MUEZZIN is someone who says the ‘Call to prayer.’

Inside a Mosque When you enter the Mosque you walk into the entrance hall. Here you may see information and also verses from the Qu’Ran.

Anyone who enters the Mosque must remove their shoes. Here is where the shoes are kept. They remove to shoes to show respect.

Before people pray they wash. Here are the washing facilities in this Mosque. This washing is called WUDU.

The Qiblah wall is the wall that marks the direction of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. Muslims face this direction as the city is the home of the Kabah shrine. The Mihrab is the alcove in the Qiblah wall which marks the direction of Mecca. It is often shaped like a shell and regarded as the sacred ear that hears Muslims’ prayers.

Here is the main prayer hall. It is empty of furniture. Why do you think it has no furniture?

Muslims Praying

Task 1.Imagine you have visited the Mosque. Write an article for the school newspaper about what you have seen. Remember to explain what you have seen as much as possible.

Design of a Mosque Share your vision on what you have tried to achieve when designing your mosque. How does the design of the Mosque complement it’s surroundings? What innovations have you created? What is unique about the internal and external features of your Mosque? How does your Mosque help the Ummah to grow? Why is your Mosque different from other Mosques in Bradford?