A mosque can be recognised by the dome and minaret. The dome is an important feature of the mosque because it is built above the prayer hall as it helps to amplify the voice; also mosques were built in the Middle East where there is a hot climate, so the dome helps to circulate the air. The minaret is a tall tower. In Muslim countries the call to prayer is called five times a day. Originally a man called muezzin would climb the tower to give the prayer call. Now recordings and loud speakers tend to be used.
The mehrab is an alcove in the wall, which shows the direction of prayer. The imam also stands facing the mehrab as it helps to amplify the voice of the imam who leads the prayers with his back towards the rest of the worshippers. The mimbar is used on Friday prayers, it is a set at least three steps to raise the person who preaches the Friday midday prayers, which is usually the imam. The most important feature of a mosque is the prayer hall. This is usually a plain room with no decoration as it serves the purpose of praying five-time salat. In hot countries there might just be an open courtyard. The prayer hall may also be used for teaching and for funeral services, but not for weddings. It is important o keep the prayer hall clean. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer room. Visitors do not have to wash before going to the mosque, but Muslims that go to pray have to wash before hand, facilities are provided. I f the mosque have washrooms, there be separate for men and women.
Different features are more important than others. To serve the main purpose of the mosque, not all the features are needed. I do not think the dome, clocks and shoe rack are important. The decoration and the educational area are also not important. This is because you are going to the mosque to pray and to be closer to Allah; you do not need these features for this purpose.
The most important feature is the prayer hall. Other feature, which are also important are the minaret, mehrab, wuzu area, women’s area and mimbar. The Janaza area is also important. These features are important because they are facilities, which build a good mosque, which can serve a community.
I think the only necessary features are the prayer hall as it is the place where you bow your head to the ground before Allah. Also the woman’s area because they also need a place to pray separate from the men. The wuzu area is also important because you need to wash and be clean before you can pray and serve the purpose.
I think the hypothesis “the design of a mosque is not important” is true. This is because a mosque is a place where people prostrate themselves before Allah and you do not need different features such as the dome and the minaret to do this. Also sometimes different decorations and intricate designs can distract people’s attention from what is the real reason for going to the mosque.
