“We decreed your former Qiblah only so that We may know the Prophet’s true followers and those who were to deny him. It was indeed a hard test, but not for those whom Allah guided…” (2:143)
Consequently, in 2 AH, Allah sent down the revelation telling the Muslims to turn their direction and now face Makkah. The prophet at the time had completed two rak’ats of the noon prayer (either Zohar or Asr) in the Masjid Al-Qiblatain. The prophet was commanded by the angel Jibrael to turn his face towards the Ka’bah during the prayer, so the prophet and his followers turned their faces in the direction of the Ka’bah. As a result the mosque became known as the masjid with the two qiblahs – Al-Qiblatain.
The Building
Every mosque consists of approximately eight main features. These features are the Minbar, Mihrab, Classroom, Qibla, Ablution Area, Minaret, Sajdah/Musalla and the Imam’s Quarters. I am just going to, briefly, explain the function of each feature.
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Minbar – This is the platform in a mosque and the khatib ascends it to give the Friday sermon.
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Mihrab – The mihrab is the most decorated feature of the mosque. It prescribes the qiblah.
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Classroom – This is a study room where the students are taught.
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Qibla – The prayer hall must comprise of one wall which faces the Masjid al-Haram. This wall is the direction of the qiblah.
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Ablution Area – Area where Muslims perform Wudhu as salaat is not accepted without Wudhu.
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Minaret – Tall tower under which the muadhin stands to perform the adhaan.
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Sajdah/Musalla – Clean area where the Muslims perform salaah in congregation.
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Imam’s Quarters – It is a norm in Islam for the Imam to live in a place adjacent to the mosque this is known as the Imam’s quarters.
Masjid Al-Qiblatain was initially built by Bani Salamah. Over time the structure and design of the mosque has been reformed. It is now triangular shaped and is positioned slightly west of Madinah al-Munawwarah.
It is made to accommodate up to 2000 people. The focal prayer hall adopts geometry and symmetry which is accentuated by the presence of the two minarets and domes. The Imam’s quarters are positioned to the west of the main structure.
The entrance to the prayer hall is placed at the fore of the raised courtyard which is reached via stairs and ramps. The prayer hall is in itself extremely beautiful as it consists of a series of arches which run parallel to the qiblah wall.
The main dome is raised on a drum of glass panes which encourage the light to filter on to the interior, above the mihrab. A replica of the mihrab found in the Dome of the Rock reminds onlookers of the oldest mihrab of Islam.
The Imam
The term Imam denotes a person who has relevant qualities to lead a congregational prayer. The word Imam literally means ‘in the front’, this emphasises the principle reason of having an Imam. The Imam, who is obligated to be male, leads the congregation; therefore he is required to have certain qualities which are suited to a leader. The Imam has to be selected with great care and attention as he represents the prophet, peace be upon him, in the mosque. His duties and responsibilities are profound:-
Hadrat Abu Mas'ud has reported the holy Prophet as saying: "The Imam of the Muslims should be such a one who possesses the deepest knowledge and understanding of the Qur'an. If all are equal in this, the Imam should be the one who has the deepest knowledge of the Sunnah and Shari'ah. If all are equal in this, he should be the one who migrated first. And if all are equal in this too, then the one who is most senior in age." (Muslim)
This hadith of the prophet signifies the magnitude of the Imams work and his knowledge. The Imam must be the best man available among the worshippers in the aspects of knowledge, righteousness, spirit of sacrifice and insight into religion. He should also possess the quality of guiding the Muslim ummah not only religiously but socially too, in the practical affairs of life.
The Functions of the Imam in a Sunni Mosque
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Leader in Prayer – The main role of an Imam is that of leading prayer. On Fridays the Imam conducts the Jumah where he also gives two sermons about religious and social issues. Therefore the Imam must have in-depth knowledge of the Quran and he must not be closed minded about social issues, hence he can pass on, to those following him, his knowledge.
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A Teacher – The Imam should be such that the community can approach him to discover answers on topics concerning Islam. Therefore he is also a teacher as he guides the community through the journey of faith.
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A Guide to Practical Affairs- Leadership comes with the sense of responsibility. This reflects the fact that you are responsible for your followers’ actions. Subsequently the Imam must not have a closed mind, so that he can tell the community of any social affairs and how Islam responds to them.
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A Role Model – The prophet is the perfect role model for Muslims. The Imam should be such that the Ummah look on to him if he errs in religion. He must, therefore, not be a wicked or evil person who commits sins.
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A Person who is Aware of his Congregations Needs – The Imam must be sensitive to the needs of his followers. He must not prolong the ruku or sujood unduly as their may be some old or sick people in the congregation who may not be able to withstand pressure:-
The holy Prophet has said, “When anyone of you happens to lead the Prayer, he should make it short and light, because among the followers there may be the sick, the weak or aged people. However, when you are offering the Prayer alone, you may prolong it as much as you like." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Regulations Concerning the Functions of the Imam
There are a few set regulations which concern the duty and role of the Imam in a Sunni mosque. These are given as follows
- It is strictly forbidden for a woman to lead a male in prayer:-
Hadrat Jabir has reported the holy Prophet as saying: "No woman is permitted to lead a male in Prayer." (Ibn Majah)
- The female Imam is required to stand in a row rather than at the front.
- It is highly undesirable to appoint a sinner, or a wicked person, as Imam. If however a better person is not available, then such a person may be allowed to act as Imam.
- The Imam may be of a different school of thought.
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It is undesirable to appoint a person as an Imam who suffers from a repulsive or serious disease like leprosy etc.
- To appoint an Imam due to their physical attributes such as their looks is highly undesirable.
- A man who is not liked by the community must not be chosen as an Imam. The followers’ approval in this regard is necessary.
- If the Imam’s prayer is not accepted then the followers’ prayer is also not accepted. It is the duty of the Imam to inform his congregation to reread their salaah.
- The Imam is responsible for setting the saffs, or rows, for congregation therefore he must ensure that everyone is standing correctly with no gaps in between them.
Through this we may reflect on the attributes an Imam is required to have, hence we have to choose our Imams correctly as the validity of our prayer depends on the validity of the Imam’s prayer. The Muslim community must consult and from there decide upon who to choose as the Imam, for it is said in the Quran:-
"The Muslims are to organize their affairs on the basis of mutual consultation" (42:38)
The Role of the Mosque in the Muslim Community
The mosque is a place for worship, education, and a refuge from the cares of the world. The word ‘masjid’ is derived from the word meaning ‘place for prostration’ or ‘sajdah’. The salaah however may be performed anywhere, the prophet (SAW) said:-
“The whole earth is made as a place of worship and a means of cleansing for me,” Hadith
Although the salaah might be offered anywhere it is highly desirable for a man to offer it in congregation:-
Ibn Abbas narrates, “I heard the prophet saying, ‘If a person in spite of hearing the adhan does not go to the masjid without strong excuse then his salaah is not accepted,’” Abu Daud
There is much more reward for praying in congregation.
Some Muslims have the notion that the masjid is limited to a place of worship. This however is not true. The prophet, peace be upon him,
