In order to better understand Islam, it is helpful to know what a mosque means to Muslims. It differs considerably from what a church is to Christians . For example, a Muslim does not belong to a mosque as a Christian belongs to a church. For Muslims, the offering of prayers is not confined to a mosque at all; rather, they can pray outside the mosque anywhere in the world.

Who Can Lead the Prayers?

As there is no priesthood in Islam, any Muslim who knows the essentials of prayer can lead the congregational prayer in a mosque . As long as he has the knowledge of the specific prayers offered on particular occasions such as death and ‘Eed celebrations, he can lead congregational prayers or perform other religious ceremonies . However, it is incumbent upon all Muslims to choose the most qualified person to lead the prayer -the one who excels all others in Qur’anic knowledge and righteousness. Usually, an imam is chosen who is well-versed in Islamic law and jurisprudence, but it must be understood that this is not a definitive criteria for ability to lead the prayer.

Who Owns a Mosque?

The actual structure of a mosque along with all of its contents is intended for the service of Allah alone. Hence its ownership does not belong to any individual or organization. The owner of the land on which a mosque is constructed divests himself of its ownership in the name of Allah; so, unlike a church, a mosque cannot be sold, mortgaged or rented. Thusthesanctity ofamosqueispreservedinIslam.

The Use of a Mosque

A mosque is essentially a sacred place meant for congregational prayers, but it can be used as a center for education, social welfare and the decision of matters according to Islamic law .

The Building of a Mosque

When a mosque is constructed, it is aligned in the direction of the Ka ‘bah (the mosque which was built by Prophet Abraham in Makkah al-Mukarramah). All Muslims from the four comers of the world face the Ka ‘bah at the time of prayer. Thus the Ka ‘bah is a symbol of the ceremonial uniformity and singleness of devotion which exists over and above the spiritual unity of faith in one God that all Muslims possess .

Unity of Faith

In order to further comprehend this unity of faith, it is beneficial to make a comparative study of the relationship between the various aspects of Islamic prayer and the teachings of the People of the Book (i.e., the Jews and the Christians). This study is also necessary to refute the strong misconception that exists today among non-Muslims that Islam is a mystical cult abounding in dogmas , superstitions and rituals.

The fact about Islam is that it is a simple, reasonable and practical religion free from priestcraft and the above charges. It is a way of life for the social, moral and spiritual development of humanity. It does not demand a man to surrender his reasoning faculties nor does it demand a blind faith in obscure and inexplicable mysteries. It teaches the purest form of monotheism and regards polytheism as an unpardonable sin.

Although Islam is regarded as the youngest of all revealed religions , it is not a new religion; rather, it is a continuation of the first religion of God to man, restored to its original purity, and purged and purified, time after time, from all human adulterations. Thus all prophets from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them) preached the same religion, which continued to grow until it reached perfection at the hands of Prophet Muhammad. As a matter of fact, Islam is the only religion in the world that commands its followers to respect and revere the founders of all revealed religions, such as Abraham, Moses, Noah, Jesus, etc.

Prayer was the first obligatory act of worship ordained by Allah in Islam, and it is the first thing for which one will be called to account on the Day of Judgement. It is not merely to be performed but is to be established by the individual -in the home and in the community -in order that the benefit intended by Allah should be realized. Yet, first and foremost, it is to be established in obedience to Allah and in observance of His right upon every servant.

Prayer in Islam is a unique act which includes the tongue, body, heart and mind. It is an ancient form of worship which was practiced by the earlier prophets and their followers as an essential part of the religion of God. Then came the confirmation and completion of monotheistic religion in the final message from Allah through Prophet Muhammad (.t). The Seal of the Prophets (.t) was charged with teaching all acts of worship in their final and perfected form in the way prescribed by Allah, purified of those alterations and innovations previously introduced by men. The Prophet (.t) demonstrated the correct method of prayer and said, “Pray as you have seen me praying.”

Five times a day, every day, a caller to prayer climbs to the minaret and calls the faithful to prayer, his voice ringing clear over the rooftops and across the streets…

“0 you who believe, when the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah.”

“When he came to the fire a voice was uttered, ‘0 Moses! I am your Lord, therefore take off your shoes, for you are in the sacred vslley of Tuws.…but before entering the mosqu e they make ablution, washing their faces, hands and feet …”0 you who believe, when you rise up to prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbows and wipe your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” (Qur’an 5:7)

… and in the mosque the faithful face the Great Mosque in Makkah, whether in prayer, while reciting or seeking the blessings of God, in unison with the faithful from all over the world …

“So turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque, and [0 Muslims], wheresoever you may be, turn your faces towards it.”

…the house of worship is a place of peace and serenity, without images or idols -it is simple, with a carpet on which to stand or sit or meditate…

“God forgives not [the sin of] joining other gods with Him… one who joins other gods with God has strayed far away [from the path}.“

…and when the time of prayer is due the faithful stand and bow before God and make obeisance to Him by touching the ground before them with their foreh eads…

 “Theyhave indeed blasphemed who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Maryam, while Christ has said, ‘0 Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. ‘”

“Theyhave indeed blasphemed who say that Allah is one of three. And there is no god except one God.“

“0 you who believe, bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord and do good that you may prosper. “

…and invariably the faithful spread out their hands to God asking forgiveness, seeking His blessings, beseeching His protection for mankind…

“Our Lord give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the Fire.“

 

…and on Fridays immediately after noon before the prayer, the imam ascends the pulpit to deliver a speech so that the faithful may listen to and heed the words of God, and so shall it be forever.

 

“When the call is sounded for prayer on Fridays, hasten to the remembrance of God… but when the prayer has ended disperse throughout the land and seek the bounty of God. And remember God often that you may be successful.”