The+Mosque

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 * The Mosque

Muslims worship in a building called a mosque. Another word for mosque, is //masjid//, meaning place of prostration. Outside every mosque, or just inside the entrance, is a place where worshippers can remove their shoes. There is also a place where they can carry out the ritual washing required before prayer. The main hall of a mosque is a bare room without any furnature. There are no pictures or statues. Not even a statue of Allah. Everyone sits on the floor and everywhere in the mosque is equal in status. There is somthing like an alter which the muslins face when they are praying.

Many mosques have a minaret which is a tall thin tower. A muezzin stands at the top of the tower and calls Muslims to prayer at the five ritual times of the day. Not all mosques in the UK have a minaret. Women can attend the mosque and when they do they sit separately from the men. This is out of modesty and to prevent any distraction. It is more usual for women to pray at home.

Outside every mosque, or just inside the entrance, is a place where worshippers can remove and leave their shoes. There is also a place where they can carry out the ritual washing required before prayer. Everyone sits on the floor and everywhere in the mosque is equal in status.