How to be a Perfect Stranger

Mosque etiquette to suit yourself as perfect stranger

The people and premises of Madina Masjid are blessed with frequent interfaith collaborations. Everybody is cordially invited to this house of God. Believers come here to connect themselves with God in a variety of ways. It is quite normal that their expressions are different, and therefore, please don’t feel out of the place if this is your first visit to any mosque. Few tips are noted to make yourself at home:

The Mosque

Although the term mosque is commonly and widely used to describe the place where Muslims worship, Muslims often call it a ‘Masjid’, the Arabic term of mosque.

Clothing in a Masjid

Clothing is expected to be modest for both men and women. This means an ankle length skirt or trousers, which should not be tight fitting or translucent, along with a covering top. A headscarf is usually expected for women, but it’s optional and not a deal breaker for anyone.

Taking of shoes

It is customary for Muslims to take off their shoes before entering into the prayer hall. In order to locate shoes easily, and without making the place messy, it is advisable to keep them on the rack by the entrance of the prayer hall.

Separate seating for men and women

Separate seating for men and women. They usually pray separately. Therefore their entrance into the prayer hall is often different to avoid any collision.

Ablution

In order to pray, Muslim men and women perform wudhu (Ablution) or cleansing, if they have not already done so earlier or from home. This is not necessary for non-Muslim visitors who wish not to join in the prayer. So, don’t stress if you see people rushing towards to wudhu or ablution area to catch the prayer service on time.

The Prayer Hall

Remove your shoes and enter the prayer hall quietly. Muslims sit and pray on the floor in the prayer hall. Chairs are available for visitors in the rear end of the prayer hall. If you are visiting with a group during a time when prayers are taking place, please be seated together toward the rear of the hall. During prayer or on-going sermon, it is expected not to talk. Also, it is advisable not to walk in front of the person who is praying.

Worship in the Prayer Hall

When any prayer is in progress, visitors are welcome to observe. The prayer generally lasts five to ten minutes and is led by the Imam (the priest). A few distinct notes would be:

• He leads the congregation from the front and faces towards the direction of ka’ba, as does the rest of the congregation. The congregation will form straight lines and act in unison during the entire prayer and follow the motions of the Imam.
• The Imam recites some portions of the prayer loudly and some portions silently. His recitations are short verses of the Quran (Muslim holy book), but the rest of the congregation follows his actions silently. If a visitor arrives when the prayer is in progress, he or she should find a place near the rear wall and quietly observe the prayer.
• There will be multiple bow and prostration throughout the prayer.
• There are no sacred or holy objects in the masjid, except copies of the Quran on bookshelves along the side walls or elsewhere in the prayer hall.
• Muslims do not make sacred offerings or carry out blessing of food during salat.
  The only gestures expected of visitors are to remove their shoes, act respectfully in the prayer hall and silently observe the ritual of prayer.

Community Halls

The Community Halls are used for community gatherings and the place where food is served. These areas are for socializing and there are no requirements for removing shoes and remaining quiet like prayer hall.

Free of Charge

The entrance to mosques is free, but donations are highly appreciated.