The building used for worship by Muslims, a place of prostration where prayers take place
Mosques
Vary in size
Have several functions
In the UK today, masjids have various religious, social and functions
With the Hijrah, the move from Makkah to Madinah, the Muslims became free to worship openly and built the first mosques for that purpose, at Quba and Madinah
Friday prayers (Jummah)
Community gathered to hear a sermon (khutbah) and pray in place of the normal midday prayers
First mosques
Place for education of new Muslims
Place for peace and reconciliation
Place for meeting and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between members of the community (Ummah) of emigrants from Makkah and residents of Madinah
Functions of the mosque
Collecting and reciting the Qur'an
Weddings
Funerals
Celebrations of Id
Overnight facilities for pilgrims along the route to Makkah
Features of the mosque
Minaret tower, for the call to prayer
Mimbar for the sermon
Onion dome shape for acoustics
In the UK today, mosques are also centres for scholars to meet and decide opinions, host interfaith events and open days, teach the young in madrassah schools and some may even have libraries and social facilities
Mosques in the UK
Large, recognisable purpose-built designs
Simple prayer spaces where a congregation (jamaat) can be formed to pray, sometimes in a converted house
Different sects and groups with their own mosques
Traditional Sunni
Shi'a
Some reformist – where men and women pray in mixed rows
