Mosques are used for many things. For example, they are used for centres of learning ranging from 5 year olds to 40 year olds who are there for the same purpose- to derive knowledge. There are even the odd classes for older women like sewing classes. The reason for these classes is to educate the non-Muslim and Muslim Ummah to grow and become better people. Some bigger mosques are even used as law courts for the few problems of the Muslims today.
The Prophet (pbuh) used to use mosques a means of Da’wah (calling people to Islam), and some people still do it today. The Prophet (pbuh) never stopped any non-Muslim coming in. He always welcomed them very openly and even encouraged them to come in and he encouraged the Muslims to bring them to the mosque so that they can familiarize themselves with the habits of Muslims. One common activity among many of the mosques is the functions for birth or marriage celebrations. Some mosques even have burial arrangements and facilities to wash and prepare the deceased for the afterlife in the Islamic way.
Some mosques are used for charity or fundraising events to help raise money for those who need it. There are many rooms in the mosque that people rent to use for things like meetings and deliberation or like above, birth and marriage functions, charity events, parties etc.
Some mosques have libraries full of books on Islamic knowledge, science and even Islamic stories for little kids introducing them to the morals of Islam through fiction books that they love to read. There also some clubs for little kids like Islamic Scouts or Brownies. Not only are there clubs for little kids but there are groups for teenagers and young mothers too.
Aside from the uses mentioned above, some of the bigger mosques have community rooms where men can retire to and have peace. There are also, in few mosques, over-night visitor rooms where a visitor who is unable to find a home can stay for a night or two. This shows the hospitality that Muslims can and should show.
In addition, there are motivational workshops to motivate the young and old to do good or stay away from certain things. Sometimes there are long-term projects, like trying to get somebody off drugs. In some mosques there are even crèches where working parents can drop off young children in an Islamic environment and collect them later on knowing that they are safe.
Mosques are also used as lecture halls where people can give speeches and lectures to awaken people and try to make them the best they can be. Mosques are very important to Muslims because it brings people together and helps to spread the word of God around. It plays a major role in society because it is a place where Muslims all over the world can turn to.
Mosques are used for all sorts of things. The only activities that were prohibited in the mosque- aside from immoral acts- was buying and selling or trade. The Prophet (pbuh) made it a point that mosques are not be used for material gains. Otherwise, there is much evidence that the mosque is just a place for community.
Ayesha Mufti
10a
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