Mosques are the branches of the Ka’bah in Mecca, which was the first house of worship established to worship Allah on earth. Mosques are often regarded as symbols of peace and security by believers. The mosque is the center of both social and religious life and it unites life, truth, and civilization under its roof. Mosques are not only places of prayer but also sacred social spaces where all Muslims, from the youngest to the oldest, gather to share their joys and sorrows and seek solutions to their problems. A mosque serves as an educational center where people of all ages and walks of life come together. It is a place where preschool children have the opportunity to learn about and develop their love for Allah through playful activities, and where young people acquire knowledge of the Qur’an and basic Islamic knowledge. It is also a blessed place where Muslim women engage in social activities, as well as preaching and guidance. Mosques are spaces where love and sorrow are shared over a cup of tea, where peace, harmony, and brotherhood are truly experienced. They also serve as centers of cultural arts. Mosques are places that gather people without prejudice fostering unity, solidarity, and purifying hearts. They are the places where we spiritually reconstruct and build ourselves by offering our servitude to Allah. Finally, mosques are buildings physically constructed by Muslims and they hold great importance in shaping the spiritual lives of Muslims.
Who is an imam?
The term “imam” refers to someone who is in charge, who is followed, and who is a leader. As a religious term, an imam is a person who stands in front of the congregation and leads them in prayer. An imam must be a Muslim, possess intelligence, have reached puberty, and be male. He must have sufficient knowledge of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) to appropriately lead the prayer and be able to recite the Qur’an from memory. With his morals and behaviors, the imam serves as an exemplary and leading figure within his congregation. The imam guides his community in religious, social, cultural, and educational matters, imparting knowledge and wisdom. The imam stands in front of the congregation serving as the prayer leader, teacher, and the khatib (the person delivering the sermon) at the pulpit. As an imam he conducts prayers, as a teacher he instructs his congregation, and as a khatib, he informs them about religion by delivering his sermon from the pulpit.
Who is a muazzin?
The muazzin is an individual who informs the Muslims that it is time to pray the ritual daily prayer by reciting the adhan (call for prayer). It is preferable for muazzins to have a beautiful and powerful voice, accompanied by knowledge and wisdom.
What is the adhan and what’s the message given by this symbol of Islam?
At the beginning during Prophet Muhammad's (saw) time in Medina, there was no means of informing the Muslims of the prayer times and reminding them to pray in the congregation. The companions held varying opinions on the matter. After much deliberation, Prophet Muhammad (saw) acknowledged and approved a dream experienced by one of his Companions, and Jibril (Gabriel), the angel of revelation, conveyed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) the words that would be included in the adhan. Since then, Muslims have been called to the daily ritual prayer through the adhan, which has remained unchanged. The adhan is a call to worship Allah and stands as one of the most important symbols of Islam.
The aim of the adhan, a voluble call to believers during prayer times, is to invite people to have a direct contact with Allah. It announces the arrival of the time of the prayer, serving as the most beautiful expression of gratitude to Allah. The adhan announces to the people that the time for prayer has come. It also announces Allah’s magnificence, that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is His Messenger, and that prayer is the gateway to salvation. A mosque is a place of worship, regardless of its other aspects. When the muazzin recites the adhan from the minaret, Muslims’ hearts quiver indicating that it is time to worship the One and Only Allah and that the souls of the Muslims are filled with the excitement of an encounter with the Creator.
What is a mihrab?
In mosques, the mihrab is positioned at the center and indicates the direction of the Ka’bah. It is the place where the imam leads the congregation in prayer. The congregation stands behind the imam, who is positioned at the mihrab, and follows his lead in prayer.
What is a minbar (pulpit)?
The minbar is an elevated platform located to the right of the mihrab, where the imam ascends to address the congregation. The imam-khatib (preacher) delivers the sermon to the congregation while standing on the pulpit on Fridays and Eid days. During Friday sermons, the imam addresses the believers, on religious topics, aimed at providing guidance, promoting harmony in relationships, and enlightening them on a wide range of subjects that can enhance their lives.
What is a lectern?
The lectern is located on the left side of the mihrab in the mosque. It is the place where the imam-khatib delivers sermons to the congregation.
What does the minaret signify, and what is its function?
Minarets are architectural structures that rise high to the sky, typically in a cylindrical style, and are often located near mosques. They serve as platforms from which the call to prayer is recited five times a day. In earlier times, when there were no loudspeakers, minarets were constructed to amplify the sound of the call to prayer, ensuring it would reach a wider area. Additionally, the minaret has long been recognized as a symbol of Islam, representing tawhid (the belief in the oneness of Allah) and serving as an enduring feature of Islamic architecture from the past to the present.
