What is a Mosque?

The word mosque is derived from the Arabic word مَسْجِد (masjid). It is a place of worship for followers of Islam, muslims. It serves as a social & spiritual hub for them. The main purpose of the mosque is to practice the congregation of 5 daily prayers and Jumu’ah, a special prayer on Friday. In addition to this primary activity, a mosque is used for other activities including religious studies, community events etc.

A mosque has many components like Mihrab, Minbar regardless of it’s size & shape. Some mosques has shared or dedicated prayer space for women.

Who builds a Mosque & how it is operated?

From the definition, it’s probably obvious now that muslims build mosques to create a dedicated space for worship and community bonding.

A mosque’s operation and maintenance varies by its location and the local practices. In many places community handles these responsibilities. Usually, they form a group, committee or board of trustees. In the USA, mosques are usually registered as tax-exempted non-profit organization.

This group manages the day-to-day operations. These tasks include cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the building. The committee also organizes the mosque’s activities. They set prayer times and appoints an Imam. The Imam is a religious leader who leads the prayers and provides religious guidance.

In some Muslim-majority countries, the government plays a central role in the construction and operation of mosques. Ministries or departments dedicated to religious affairs handle these tasks, such as constructing new mosques, appointing Imams, and providing funding.

Regardless of the management, the operation of a mosque is a team effort that reflects the commitment of muslims to their place of worship and their faith.

Why a mosque is built?

As mentioned earlier, a mosque is primarily a place for Muslims to perform their five daily prayers. Muslims are required to pray five times each day. Performing these prayers in a group, or congregation, holds great spiritual value. This idea is reflected in a saying from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The prayer in congregation is twenty seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone.

Sahih Al-Bukhari

On Fridays, the usual afternoon prayer replaced with Jumu’ah. This prayer should also be performed in congregation.

Many Muslim scholars believe that it’s mandatory for Muslim men to perform all five daily prayers, in addition to Jumu’ah, in the mosque. There are exceptions for valid reasons. For muslim women, praying in the mosque is optional. Highlighting the importance of congregational prayers, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once expressed:

No doubt, I intended to order somebody to pronounce the Iqama of the (compulsory congregational) prayer and then I would go to the houses of those who do not attend the prayer and burn their houses over them.

Sahih Al-Bukhari

This statement underscores the significance Islam places on communal worship, leading us to understand why a proper place for congregation is crucial. Therefore, mosques are built to provide Muslims with a dedicated space to fulfill these religious obligations appropriately.

Can non-muslims visit a mosque?

Non-Muslims can usually visit a mosque. Most mosques welcome everyone, regardless of their faith. They often invite visitors who want to learn about Islam. However, each mosque might have its own visiting policies. Also not every mosque has arrangement for non-muslims. So, it’s a good idea to call the mosque before you visit. They can guide you about the best times to come and any specific rules to follow.

You should dress modestly when you visit a mosque. This act shows respect for the religious space. Also, you usually need to remove your shoes before entering the main prayer area. You should behave quietly and respectfully. Visiting a mosque offers a chance to learn about Islamic culture and religion firsthand.

The post Everything You Need To Know About A Mosque first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Prayer times in Islam are not mere indicators of when to perform Salah; they hold a deeper meaning for Muslims. The five daily prayers – Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha – serve as a constant reminder of the Divine and of life’s greater purpose beyond the mundane. They provide a spiritual framework that encourages self-discipline, mindfulness, and a deep connection with Allah. For the Muslim community in London, these prayer times are not only an essential part of their religious practice but also a vital link to their roots, identity, and community.

In London’s Muslim community, various mosques and communities may follow different prayer time calculations. These discrepancies stem from differing interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence and the complexities of astronomical calculations. Factors such as the latitude of London, seasonal changes, and the twilight angle considered for Fajr and Isha can lead to differences in the timing of prayers.

In spite of these differences, a shared commitment to prayer times fosters unity among London’s diverse Muslim population. Whether you’re at the East London Mosque in Whitechapel or the London Central Mosque near Regent’s Park, the act of communal prayer binds individuals together, transcending cultural and ethnic differences.

Prayers Connect, a digital platform, plays an essential role in helping muslims navigate these discrepancies. Prayers Connect provides accurate prayer and Iqamah times for different cities and mosques, taking into account the various methodologies used to calculate these times. This platform enables Muslims in London and elsewhere to stay connected with their faith, ensuring they can fulfill their religious obligations accurately and on time.

In conclusion, Islamic prayer times are an integral part of London’s Muslim community, serving both as a spiritual practice and a source of unity among believers. As London’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, resources such as Prayers Connect will become increasingly vital in maintaining this crucial aspect of their faith.

The post Prayers in a Diverse City: Understanding the Significance and Variance of Islamic Prayer Times in London first appeared on Prayers Connect.

The path to this landmark decision was paved three years ago when city officials collaborated with the Dar Al-Hijrah mosque to allow the adhan to be broadcast outdoors five times daily during Ramadan. The calls to prayer take place when light appears at dawn, at noon, at mid-to late afternoon, at sunset, and when the night sky appears. In Minnesota, dawn can arrive as early as before 5:30 a.m. in summer, while sunset at the solstice occurs after 9 p.m. The city had allowed year-round broadcasts last year, but only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., typically excluding early morning prayer and sometimes night prayer​​.

So, in order to allow all adhan beyond those hours, the city has to amend its noise ordinance which was unanimously agreed upon by the Minneapolis City Council. The vote was notably cast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations affirmed that the action in Minneapolis shows the world that

A nation founded on freedom of religion makes good on its promise

Minneapolis has seen a flourishing population of East African immigrants since at least the 1990s, with mosques now a common sight in the city. Notably, three of the 13 members of the council identify as Muslim. The decision to allow the broadcast of the adhan drew no organized community opposition, demonstrating the city’s commitment to religious diversity and acceptance. Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to sign the measure in the coming week​3​.

Imam Mohammed Dukuly of Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis, who was among several Muslim leaders who witnessed the vote, lauded the city’s inclusive spirit, stating,

Minneapolis has become a city for all religions

Leaders from Christian and Jewish communities supported extended hours for the adhan. Council Member Lisa Goodman highlighted that the Jewish call to prayer faces no legal restrictions, emphasizing the need for equal recognition of all religious practices.

The decision by the city of Minneapolis serves as a milestone in the recognition of the Islamic faith in the U.S., reflecting the country’s foundational principles of religious freedom. It remains to be seen how this decision will influence similar measures in other cities across the nation, but the move undeniably marks a step forward toward inclusivity and religious diversity in the United States.

Source: abcnews

The post Minneapolis Becomes First Large U.S. City to Allow Islamic Prayer Calls Over Speakers first appeared on Prayers Connect.