Inside a Masjid the features are the Mihrab, Prayer Hall, Decoration, Minbar, Washing facilities, Carpeting.
The Mihrab is a niche set in the wall facing Makkah. They are beautifully decorated will tiles also text from the Qur’an. This is sometimes called the ‘niche of lights’ and represents the presences of Allah (The Arabic word for God) in the heart of believer’s. During prayers, the leader is able to use the prayer mat in the Mihrab itself.
The leader is the Islamic leader called the imam, he is who leads preaches, he leads ceremony, leads the Namaz (prayer), he teaches the Qur’an to children, he teaches the Qur’an teaching on how to live according to the Qur’an.
The Prayer Hall is the most essential part of the Masjid. It is used for praying performing the Namaz (prayer) it all so used for funerals and other ceremonies. It’s a large space of area where all the men gather and pray. It is also a command from Allah that every Muslim to pray five time a day.
The Decoration most of the Masjid is beautifully decorated with beautiful Islamic patterns and text’s from The Qur’an. In any Masjid they will not be any statues, pictures as it is strictly forbidden in Islam. Islam teaches that Allah is too grand for the human to even attempt to draw; hence it is prohibited to do that.
The Minbar is like a pulpit from which the imam or Islamic leader (the Imam) speaks it is basically 3 steps of stairs to raise the person whom is giving a speech or performing the ceremony.
Washing facilities are available in the Masjid as it is a pure place therefore people are required to be clean and pure. Shoes are forbidden to be bought inside of the Prayer hall representing the purity of praying to Allah. Before entering the Prayer Hall worshippers are provided with a rack which is placed to put their shoes on to.
It is necessary for every worshipper to perform the Wudu which is ritual washing before praying their Namaz and there are facilities provided in the Masjid.
Carpeting the floor is carpeted and the pattern is designed to provide individual prayer mats for each worshipper. Prayer mats are also put on the walls for decoration.
The Masjid besides used for performing the prayer is also a Madressa / education school where children are taught on how to read The Qur’an in Arabic language and taught the meaning and the teachings of The Qur’an.
It is also used as a community center the Ummah (the Muslim community) allowing the gathering of the Ummah, improving community relations. Other Masjid also has other facilities in different thing mostly in Muslim countries.
When entering the Masjid worshippers cover their heads, remove their shoes and enter with Wudu as it is shown as respect for Allah.
I have talked about the importance in a Masjid, however I think that the most important feature in a Masjid is the Pray Hall this is because this is where all the Ummah (mostly men) come and join and pray together also worship.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jan Thompson Islam: Anew approach Hodder & Stoughton
1998
Anne Geldart Islam Heinemann
1999
Sonia Rafiq Rs: Mrs Harrison 2005
