Visiting a Mosque

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DanEdge

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Greetings,

Participating in this website has inspired me to attend a local Mosque and meet local Muslims. I have no expectation of ever being religious (any religion), but I'd like to show my support of the American Muslim community in these difficult times.

I talked to my girlfriend about this, and she said she'd like to come with me (she's Christian). I'm sure we'll both benefit from the experience. Will provide an update after we go.

Thanks to all on IslamicBoard who have shown your kindness, intelligence, and humanity.

Sincerely,

--Dan Edge
 
DanEdge said:
Participating in this website has inspired me to attend a local Mosque and meet local Muslims. I have no expectation of ever being religious (any religion), but I'd like to show my support of the American Muslim community in these difficult times.

I talked to my girlfriend about this, and she said she'd like to come with me (she's Christian). I'm sure we'll both benefit from the experience. Will provide an update after we go.
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Greetings Dan,

You might know some Muslims locally, but if not, I hope it's ok if I give you a few pointers/guidelines before you go?

Ring the mosque you're thinking of visiting, before you go, and tell them you'd both like to visit, as some mosques doors aren't open all the time. That way, someone can be there and wait for your arrival, and can chat with you. If possible go around a prayer time (if you'd like to watch a congregational prayer). It is quite an awesome sight. Make a list, on paper, of everything you want to ask, or say, and take it with you. You may ask if they've any literature you can take away and read.

Your girlfriend should go modestly dressed; arms, legs and hair covered, and no figure hugging or transparent clothes. For yourself, legs covered preferably to the ankles (minimum to knees), and sleeves at least t-shirt length if not longer. Exchanges of hand shake with the opposite gender should be avoided, though you are free to shake hands with the men and she can shake hands with the sisters. Shoes are usually removed as you enter inside the mosque and placed in the shoe racks provided.

That's what I can think of for now, and I'm sure when you go, your host from the mosque would be more than happy to explain more and answer your questions.

Peace.
 
Insaanah,

Thanks very much for the advice. I often get excited about ideas and don't think it through. I'll definitely contact someone on staff beforehand to ask for advice about a visit. It would be very embarrassing to unintentionally offend someone over something simple like open hours or dress code.

Also, you make me think about what I'd like to see. Prayer time sounds interesting. Is there singing in Muslim church? If so, I'd like to hear it. Are there any other Muslim special events that may be of interest to non-Muslims? I can just ask the local folks, but I'd be interested in your feedback.

Sincerely,

--Dan Edge
 
Ma'am,

This is SINGING. It is beautiful. It reminds me of ancient Asian Buddhist recitations of faith, or the Catholic monks. We all sing, and praise that which we find most precious.

Chose your own,

--Dan Edge
 
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DanEdge said:
Is there singing in Muslim church? If so, I'd like to hear it.
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No, a mosque has no singing and no musical instruments. What you heard in the video, is not singing. It is the Qur'an being beautified with the reciter's voice. Muslims try to beautify their voices when reciting. There are rules as to how each letter is pronounced, which part of the mouth/throat is used for that letter, how long to pause on it, how long to stress it, and how much to elongate it, how to join it to the next letter etc. Very often the stresses/ emphasis and elongations, correspond to the meanings of what is being recited in an amazing way. So no recitation sounds nice randomly or as a result of chance. It doesn't have notes etc. However we do not sing the Qur'an and reduce it to the level of a song. If it was sung, like a song, it would be impossible to adhere to the rules of recitation. It may sound the same as as song to you, but there is a difference.

The Qur'an is recited during the five daily prayers, which are pre-sunrise, noon-ish, mid afternoon, post sunset, and night time. The lunchtime and afternoon prayers have the Qur'an recited quietly, though you will hear the phrase Allahu Akbar, which extols the greatness of God. The morning and evening prayers have the Qur'an recited loudly/audibly.

You'll both also notice, that a mosque contains no images or statues, not unlike the Biblical ten commandments.

During prayers, Muslims stand in rows, shoulder to shoulder, and bow and prostrate in unison, facing the direction of Sacred Mosque in Makkah.

In the mosque, if you watch a prayer, your girlfriend will notice that the Muslims are praying similar to the way Jesus (peace be upon him) and the previous Biblical Prophets prayed.

Taking off their shoes to pray

Qur'an
"When he came to the Fire, a voice was uttered: O Moses! I am thy Lord, therefore put off thy shoes, for thou art in the sacred valley of Tuwa."-(Holy Qur'an 20:11-12).

Bible
(And God said to Moses), "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."-(Exodus 3:5, also Acts 7:33).

They make ablution, washing their faces, hands and feet...

Qur'an
"O you who belive! When you rise up to prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbows, and wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles."-(Holy Qur'an 5:7)

Bible
"And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat; when they went into the tent of the congregation they washed as the Lord commanded Moses."-(Exodus 40:31-32).

The faithful face the Qiblah (direction of prayer)

Qur'an
"So turn thy face toward the Sacred Mosque, and (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may be, turn your faces toward it."- (Holy Qur'an 2:144).

Bible
"Now when Daniel...went into his house; and his window being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."-(Daniel 6:10).

Bowing down and prostrating..

Qur'an
"O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord, and do good that you may prosper."-(Holy Qur'an 22:77).

Bible
"And he (Jesus) went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed..."-(Matthew 26:39).

"And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship..."-(Joshua 5:14).

"And he (Elijah) cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees."-(1 Kings 18:42).

"And they (Moses and Aaron) fell upon their faces..."-(Numbers 20:6).

"And Abraham fell on his face..."-(Genesis 17:3).

Spreading out their hands to God, asking forgiveness, seeking His blessings, beseeching His protection..

Qur'an
"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire."-(Holy Qur'an 2:201)

Bible
"...when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven."-(1 Kings 8:54)

Muslims around the world, and all the Prophets, including those that came before Muhammad (peace be upon them all) prayed in a similar way. We are merely following in their footsteps.

Peace.
 
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Greetings,

Solidified a date for visiting the local mosque, next Sunday. We'll get to see a sunset prayer! Iman has offered Q+A session before and after, along with a Faith and Values lesson. Correspondence with iman has been very cordial. Will report after the visit.

--Dan Edge
 
Hello ,


it's wonderful to know that finally you are going to visit mosque and will observe how Muslims pray . What questions you are going to ask the Imam ? I hope , they will give you free Quran , Quran recitiation cd and u will have time to read and listen to Quran.
 
Greetings,

I was thinking about questions, too. Since my girlfriend is Christian, daughter of a Christian preacher, I thought we might ask: What is the status of Jesus in Islam history? How are Jesus's teaching integrated into Islam teaching? She might also ask: what are the similarities/differences in how Islam teaches Values versus Christian values?

My preliminary questions: How did the Islamic Society of Greenville come to be. Where do y'all come from? What is your mission? Do y'all have special events that we could come see? Is there cultural food involved? What kind of gluten-free offerings do you make? Do you have social events where Muslims and non-Muslim can interact?

From my lady: How come she has to cover her head, while I get to wear a T-shirt if I want? (She gave me hell about this). Her daughter doesn't want to come for this reason.

I want to ask the iman about science questions :) But I think it will be better to focus the visit on education and learning about Muslim point of view. I don't want to ask about politics because I think that would be inappropriate and lead to the wrong conversation.

Sincerely,

--Dan Edge
 
Hi ,


wow , you have oceans of Questions . I hope , Imam will have time and patience :statisfie


To my knowledge , non Muslims women are not forced to wear veil when they visit mosque . I remember Princess Diana visited a mosqe wearing skirt :raging: . I think , a normal , modest ( long , loose dress without veil ) will be fine . But u may ask Imam . Also u may send your question list in advance . So that he can also supply you some authentic materials ( if possible ) .
 
Greetings,

The Iman kindly sent me the dress code through email, so we know what to expect. I'm glad I posted my intentions on this website first, or we might have gone in blind. I have every confidence that it will be a cordial visit and we will make some friends.

--Dan Edge
 
DanEdge said:
Greetings,

The Iman kindly sent me the dress code through email, so we know what to expect. I'm glad I posted my intentions on this website first, or we might have gone in blind. I have every confidence that it will be a cordial visit and we will make some friends.

--Dan Edge
Click to expand...

Hi Dan,

It's good he replied, shows they have some outreach taking place at the Mosque, as a lot of just cultural unfortunately.

Just go along, enjoy your visit, be polite and I am sure they will reciprocate.
 
Hi Dan,

every place, every event, has its own dress code. When we are in recreation on Sunday, it's better if we wear casual dress like t-shirt. But when we attend wedding party, we should dress formally.

In visiting a mosque, women should dress modestly and cover her head. But non-Muslim women don't need to imitate Muslims. They can wear usual dress that modest. They don't need to wear "Muslim style headscarf", but they can wear babushka, or ordinary scarf.

Okay, see the photo below. Look how Michelle Obama dressed when she visited Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta.

ObamadiIstiqlalDalam-1.jpg
 
DanEdge said:
From my lady: How come she has to cover her head, while I get to wear a T-shirt if I want? (She gave me hell about this). Her daughter doesn't want to come for this reason.
Click to expand...

Just some points to think about...

Sometimes you get occasions, such as weddings, or posh horse races etc, where ladies wear hats to match their outfit. They don't feel why should they have to wear one, why they should have to put something on their head, instead they enjoy it and the occasion.

When Christian women go to church, do they object to the picture or statue of Mary being with her hair covered?

Out of all the women in the world, Muslim women are the ones who most closely dress like/emulate the noble virgin Mary (peace be on her). Most depictions of her, even though of course wrong Islamically, are with her head covered.

Muslim men and women must dress modestly. Hijaab literally means 'to cover' and is generally used to refer to the covering a Muslim woman (Muslimah) adopts out of modesty when in public. It is one aspect out of a wider context of purity of thought and action for both men and women. This includes lowering one's gaze, avoiding free-mixing with the opposite gender, behaving in a proper manner in necessary interactions with the opposite gender, etc. Due to differences in temperament and nature between men and women, a greater degree of privacy is required for women. Hijaab protects a Muslimah - it is not a sign of authority of man over woman, nor of subjugation or oppression. A Muslimah's standards of modesty come from God, not from man, nor from society at large. And there is serenity and inner peace that comes from that.

Hope that explains a little bit. But please stick with whatever dress code your host gave.

Peace.
 
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Insaanah said:
When Christian women go to church, do they object to the picture or statue of Mary being with her hair covered?
Click to expand...

I am not sure about other churches but in my country Greek-Catholic women do cover their head when they go to the church and take part in the worship service. So, covering the head is not a thing what only Muslim women do.
 
Hi Dan,

Just read the thread. Wow! . . . . Or more appropriately, masha Allah .. your interest is piqued.

Unfortunately, the modest dress code in Christianity is now confined to the nunnery. For the Muslims (who practice) it is not confined to religious affairs but adopted as a way of life. While the Christians have accepted bikinis and stuff, Muslims (which means submitting to Allah), accepts that these commandments of His, have remained consistent from prophet to prophet and from Book to Book, culminating with the arrival of the Qur'an. We are not at liberty to change any bit of it but to follow the message that has been sent, learn along the way, truth following truth.

May you have a great journey into discovery :shade:

:peace:
 
Hi Dan,

just read this post. And I want to personally thank you for this show of support. It is a difficult time for Muslims, and there is so much hate, and so many stories of abuse. Sometimes it is easy to lose hope and focus on the negative.

But it is support from people like you that gives us hope in humanity. This is one of the reasons I love living in US. Despite of there being so many haters, there are still people like you who show us support, kindness, stand up for us and fight for us alongside us against islamophobia and hate. The love, collaboration, coexistence, support is amazing to see among a diverse group of people. I have so much respect for people who don't believe everything they see in media, who think for themselves and go out and meet the actual people of faith.

As Mr. Rogers said, [h=1]“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”[/h]
 
DanEdge said:
What is the status of Jesus in Islam history?
Click to expand...

Just a heads up on this one before you go:

Islam makes it an article of faith to believe in Jesus (peace be upon him). If a person calls himself a Muslim and doesn't believe in or respect Jesus (peace be upon him) then he is NOT a Muslim.

We believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) was one of the mightiest messengers of God, who preached the same essential message that all the other messengers sent by God preached.

We believe that :

he was the messiah.
he was born miraculously of the noble virgin Mary (peace on her) without any male intervention.
he gave life to the dead with God's permission.
he healed those born blind and lepers with God's permission.
We do not believe that he was killed, crucified, nor died for anyones' sins. God took him from this earth miraculously.
We also do not believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) ever claimed divinity, or that he was God, son of God, part of a trinity, or that he said "Worship me".
We believe that he'll return to earth near the end of time.

We do not reject him (as Jews do), nor do we at the other end of the scale deify him (as Christians do). Muslims love and respect Jesus (peace be upon him) and believe in him as he was; one of the noblest and purest of humanity to ever walk the earth, and one of the greatest messengers of Allah, sent to the Children of Israel. Neither he, nor any other messenger, ever claimed divinity, or to be God's son. The message didn't suddenly change when it came to Jesus (peace on him), nor did he rebel against God and claim divinity for himself instead of or alongside God. He told people to worship Allah, "My Lord and your Lord".

And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?'" He will say, "Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.
I said not to them except what You commanded me - to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, Witness." (Qur'an 5:116-117)

It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, "Be worshippers of me rather than/apart from Allah," but [instead, he would say], "Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied."
Nor could he order you to take the angels and prophets as lords. Would he order you to disbelief after you had been Muslims? (Qur'an 3:79-80)

Peace.
 
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