Etiquette

[caadam]

So later this week I want to visit a Muslim center. I have never set foot in one before and I have no idea who I'm going to see, what I'll do, and where I'll go once inside. ;D

With that being said... I wanted to ask: Is there any etiquette I should be aware of when entering a Muslim center? Or should I not worry about it? I just want to be prepared and in good manners when I go, is all. :)

I will be, hopefully, listening to Khalid Yasin speak when I go. Very exciting.

[Muslimman]

Take it easy. Don't worry at all. I hope you find good and understanding people. :)

[Insaanah]

Greetings Candice,

These are some of the things that came to my mind regarding what to wear, but I apologise if they are already obvious to you:

Wear modest, conservative, loose fitting clothing - this means:

* Long sleeves - no transparent (see through) clothing, or clothing that is very tight or figure hugging.
* Trousers, or long skirt that will cover your legs.
* You may wish to wear something that wil cover your head, like a long scarf.
* With regards to shoes you may have to remove them in certain specific areas, such as outside the prayer room.

The only other important thing to do, is to ask lots of questions!

Peace.

[Hayaa]

:sl: Just a heads up as for where you'll go, there are usually gender specific areas -- you can either ask or follow another sister. ^^

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[caadam]

Thank you both for the advice you've given me! And Insaanah, no apologies necessary; your advice actually reassured me! :) Thanks.

[Insaanah]

No problem. Actually, I've just thought of something else, and again, I apologise if this is already obvious:

It's normal custom nowadays to shake hands when meeting people you don't know, in fact it's second nature sometimes. To avoid embarrassment, it's best if you don't do this with the men, as Islamically, people of opposite genders who are not closely related nor married to each other, are not allowed to physically touch each other, however seemingly harmless and well-meant the touch may be.

If there are any sisters there, however, feel free to shake hands with them.

Peace.

[YusufNoor]

:sl:

one big faux pas, DO NOT reach out your hand when introduced to a male!

upon arriving at the community center, there's one door, mid way down on Juneau St. at the reception desk is John, he is kind of the manager there. he can tell you abut any programs or planned programs. btw, he is Khalid's former son-in-law.

as it is a community center, once you go in, there is a little cafe in front of you. that older Sister behind the counter is Khalid's mom! she took Shahadah in 1992, iirc! [Khalid was way back in 1965]. to your right and to the back is Khalid's wife with assorted media. go talk to either of them! and there names...i call them Sister! ;D

you should call and arrange for Khalid to be there. if he can't [but he SHOULD], i can try to get Abu Bakr there or maybe Khalid can get Sheikh Muhammad.

go easy on perfume and no matter how nervous you are EVERYONE [except Khalid] will be more nervous than you! you're seeking answers, the Muslims want a new Sister! a new Muslim for the Muslims is like Christmas for Christians! so forgive them if they might seem a little anxious!

if you can go Friday [IF] there's a khutbah [sermon] that starts around 12:15, prayer would then be around 1:00ish. on thursday, Duhr would be around 12:30 and Asr about 2:45.

relax, i told Khalid's wife to be expecting you and for her to tell him. Abu Bakr is supposed to tell him to!

write some questions down ahead so you don't get all nervous and forget!

May Allah make it easy on you!

:wa:

[caadam]

I'm just so filled with joy and thankfulness knowing how much I'm having people help me out. :D I can't thank you all who have given me knowledge and suggestions enough!

[caadam]

If there is a khutbah on Friday, then I prefer to go then. I will certainly call Khalid tomorrow. :)

[aadil77]

Nice^, good to see we have members here with connections :shade:

[caadam]

Thank you all for your advice. I'm heading to the center today, after all. :)

[YusufNoor]

Thank you all for your advice. I'm heading to the center today, after all. :)

:sl:

well, it took 18 hours for your post to appear, does that mean you went on Thursday?

if so, what did you think? did you get to see Khalid?

and



why are you taking so long to let us know?
;D

j/k

:wa:

[Muslimman]

How things went on with you there? :)

Thank you all for your advice. I'm heading to the center today, after all. :)