Visiting a mosque

[GodIsAll]

At this time in my life, I am trying to learn about all religions.

I am considering attending worship at a local mosque. Would it be prudent to call the imam prior to attending or there genuinely an open door policy? Would my presence be welcome or frowned upon?

[Muhammad]

Greetings,

You are more than welcome to attend a Mosque - I am quite sure your presence will be met with welcome, God-willing. It would be best to call first so that arrangements can be made regarding the best time to go, someone available to answer questions/show you around etc.

Here are some past threads which you might like to browse through:
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...ng-mosque.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...ng-mosque.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...vice-like.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...ng-mosque.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...ng-mosque.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...go-mosque.html

This was an interesting account from a non-Muslim's first visit, which sounds like it was during Friday Prayer: http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...it-mosque.html

[GuestFellow]

You should be welcomed. No need to make an appointment.

I think it would be best to take another Muslim with you or speak to an Imam.

[the_stranger]

Would my presence be welcome or frowned upon?

I only recently reverted to Islam, but I can say from my limited experience that you will likely be welcomed with open arms.

Before I submitted myself to Allah (swt), I visited a Masjid in my area on a Friday. Honestly, I have never felt more welcome anywhere in my life. I went with a small group of Muslim friends who introduced me to the Imam. The Imam didn't speak English, but there were several brothers eager to translate. I wasn't planning on participating in Jum'ah prayer, because I thought it would be inappropriate for a non-Muslim to do so, but the brothers welcomed me to join them. They showed me how to make Wudu and told me that it was okay if I didn't know what to say during prayer; I could just think of Allah (swt) and that was enough. Hearing the sermon (khutbah?) and participating in the prayer was a powerful experience. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't at the brink of tears at one point. Afterwards, they invited me to have lunch with them, and by the time I left every brother there had introduced himself and shook my hand. Overall, a wonderful experience.

If you're still thinking about visiting your local Masjid, my advice is: DO IT!

You won't regret it.

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[GodIsAll]

Thank you for all of your replies, they are most affirming.
I do believe I will call the imam prior to, but I do not wish to be a distraction or inconvenience, either.

I live in the country and I know of none in the county, although I'll double check. Going to St. Louis is not inconvenient, though. Are there any readers that have one to recommend in St. Louis?

Thanks for any replies.

[MustafaMc]

I am considering attending worship at a local mosque. Would it be prudent to call the imam prior to attending or there genuinely an open door policy? Would my presence be welcome or frowned upon?

A non-Muslim attending the Friday prayer should be an interesting experience. This site is useful for finding local masjids www.islamicfinder.com. I suggest calling ahead, but if not just introduce yourself and explain you are interested in observing an Islamic prayer. Muslims who enter the masjid usually offer 2 units of salah before sitting to read the Qur'an or make remembrance of Allah to themselves while waiting for the Friday khutbah or short speech/sermon. The call for prayer is made and men line up in rows behind the imam who recites portions of the Qur'an out loud for the early morning, sunset, night and Friday noon prayers. The women usually are behind a partition and enter through a separate entrance. Let us know how it goes for you.

[GodIsAll]

Most informative, thank you.

[Logikon]

I have visited many historic beautiful cathedrals across Europe.
On a trip to Turkey I discovered a mosque that is historic and beautiful.
There is a carpet inside and you must take your shoes off before walking on the carpet.
Make sure your socks do not have holes!

[glo]

Did you go, GodIsAll?

[ardianto]

I have visited many historic beautiful cathedrals across Europe.
On a trip to Turkey I discovered a mosque that is historic and beautiful.
There is a carpet inside and you must take your shoes off before walking on the carpet.
Make sure your socks do not have holes!

With or without carpet, the rule of entering mosque is take the shoes off.

By the way, in Indonesian houses, if the host allow the guest wear shoes inside, they often say "wear your shoes. It's okay. This is not mosque"

:D

[GodIsAll]

Did you go, GodIsAll?

Not yet, Glo. I've out of the country for a week or more. Will research soon.
I'll share the experience!