Masjid is the arabic word, and therefore is the more correct term. Mosque is the anglicized version.
Some people think that Mosque is derived from the spanish word for mosquitos (because the spanish wished to stamp out the Muslims Masajid like little Mosquitos) but linguists say this is an urban myth. The Oxford American Dictionary states under the entry "mosque":
ORIGIN late Middle English : from French mosquée, via Italian and Spanish from Egyptian Arabic masgid.
English etymology makes it clear that mosque came into English in the 17th century from Italian moschea and French mosquee. The resemblance with mosquito is accidental. Mosquito came from Spanish as a derivative of mosca (fly). (SOURCE)
And Allah knows best.
Last edited by Ansar Al-'Adl; 07-04-2005 at 12:03 AM.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Surely I was sent to perfect the qualities of righteous character" [Musnad Ahmad, Muwatta Mâlik]
I tend to use Mosque and Masjid interchangably. When talking to Western people, I tend to use the word 'Mosque' since it's easier for them to say. When talking with fellow Muslims, I use the word 'Masjid'. I don't think it's really any great point of contention. As long as the meaning is the same, it's all good. :brother:
I tend to use Mosque and Masjid interchangably. When talking to Western people, I tend to use the word 'Mosque' since it's easier for them to say. When talking with fellow Muslims, I use the word 'Masjid'. I don't think it's really any great point of contention. As long as the meaning is the same, it's all good. :brother:
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