Domes originated in turkey, they were inspired by Turkish tradition. Domes also help the air to circulate and to amplify the human voice, since there were originally no microphones or loud speakers.
Masjid's usually have one or more minarets, from which the Muathin (the person who calls for prayer) calls Muslims to prayer five times a day. In the earliest Masjid, the call to prayer was given by the Muathin, or crier, directly from the roof of the Masjid itself. The first came probably in 703, in , , almost 100 years after the Medina Masjid. As astronomy spread in the Muslim countries the minaret was used as an Astronomical Observatory.
The design of the Masjid developed in short time from being very simple to becoming complex structures. In the first Masjid in there was minimal attention paid to the form of the Masjid. The time of development of the Masjid into the pattern that still applies, lasted for a period of only 80 years. The shapes of Masjid came often as a mix between architectural shapes of the conquered territories and of the original patterns.
Although later Masjid’s developed into complex architectural structures built in different styles, the one requirement of all Masjids continues to be based on the earliest model: a designated space for the prayer, this is because the original duty of a Masjid was to make it possible for Muslims to pray in Jama’a (groups) to multiply the reward. The early Masjid served an equally important function that thousands of Masjid continue to serve today: The Masjid is a place where Muslims develop a collective identity through prayer and attend to their common concerns.
Within few years after the death of Prophet Muhammad, Masjids became such important symbols, that when Muslims established themselves somewhere, a Masjid was put up first, and then the military camp was built around it.
Masjids are centres of cities, this function does not always have to be structured, but can be connected to mentality, and the construction of a new Masjid makes a centre emerge. Very few Masjid lie in open areas, People's houses are often lying outside the Masjid. Other social functions have often been connected to Masjid, schools, law courts, hospitals, and lodging for travellers. This pattern is based upon the Medina Masjid, but is of less importance today, as city planning now often use Western models.
In religious Islamic societies, Masjids serve social and political needs as well as religious ones. The Masjid became a forum for many public functions, serving as a law court, school, assembly hall, and even as a parade ground. Adjoining chambers often house libraries, hospitals, or treasuries.
In the west it might be hard to recognise a Masjid, because there are many converted churches, homes and hotels.
Regents Park Masjid (Central Masjid) is one of the main Masjid’s of Britain, took over 4 years to build and cost around £6 million. This Masjid is unique in London with its originality and spaciousness. This Masjid’s central position in the heart of London attracts a great number of people both from men and women as it is one of the few Masjid’s that provide proper facilities for women and their infant children. It is usually the first Masjid recommended to visit for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Its educational programs for children and adults are extensive ranging from Arabic to Islamic Studies at all levels. The Masjid is also famous for its bilingual Khutba (Both Arabic and English)
The Masjid has a large copper dome with many Quranic verses patterned on the inside of the dome in Islamic Calligraphy and a tall towering minaret which doesn’t serve it’s function as Athan is not permitted to be publicised in Britain. A very beautifully decorated brass Mihrab (niche) with the names of Allah carved into it on one of the walls of the Masjid serves as an indicator of the direction of Mecca, called Qibla. When the imam leads the prayers he faces the direction of the Qibla .Next to the Mihrab, a Minbar (platform) is often provided for the delivery of Khutba (sermons).
The Masjid has a large prayer hall that can fit more than 1,500 people and a separate section for women because in Islam women and girls pray behind men, this is not discrimination but merely separating men from women. There are special services for women with children including a crèche. The Prayer hall is decorated in very fine Islamic Ottoman designs and ayahs from the Quran are on the walls in Islamic calligraphy.
The Masjid has a deep carpet and no shoes are allowed as a sign of respect to the house of god, the carpet has patterns designed for making straight lines because Allah doesn’t look at the bent line. No one is allowed in with their shoes on as recognition of the holy place. The Masjid has separate areas for performing ritual ablution. Ritual ablution is necessary to perform the Salah (prayer) and those who pray without performing ablution their prayers are not accepted.
There are no pictures or statues in case simple people begin to treat them as idols. Representations of god are blasphemous, and regarded as Haram. Pictures of the prophet can only be guesswork and will be misleading.
However the Mosque is not a dull place because as in my previous description the Mosque is extremely decorated and colourful.
The current Imams of the mosque are hired to come from Egypt and among the many roles they have they offer Quranic and Islamic studies at all levels. They also offer support to those members of the community that seek their help, the Masjid has a group of halls that are hired by people who organise weddings, Nasheed (Islamic songs) and other social events. An Imam is not only the leader of prayer in a Masjid he is also the spiritual and social leader. An imam has to know all the laws (Islamic and State laws) about every social event, for weddings are usually done in Masjid’s so as Janaza (prayer for the dead). If there are problems in the social life of a person he asks the imam. This social characteristic was carried out by the first imam Mohammad (SAW). Many imams today don’t have this social characteristic so they can mislead without knowing. Therefore an imam not only needs to know about Islam he needs to now about everything to do with a person’s daily life and how to solve its problems.
Some people say: “You do not need to go to the mosque to be a good Muslim.” There are many different views on this they are:
On one hand one may say that the Muslim has to go to the Masjid and will not be a good Muslim if he doesn’t: Allah (SWT) said
“Only someone who believes in Allah and the last day shall frequently attend the Masjid.
This shows that if a person frequently attends a Masjid it is evident that he has belief. This is also true vice-versa, if a person doesn’t attend the Masjid there is no evidence that he has belief.
The prophet (saw) said:
“If you see a man regulating in a Masjid then be a witness for his Eman”
This Hadith leads us to thinking that the practice of regulating on a Masjid is the witness of a person’s Eman (Faith)
The prophet (saw) also said:
“I would have wanted the Adan to be made and to ask a man to lead the prayers and then go to the people who pray at home to burn down their homes upon them”
This shows how the prophet despised people who lazed out of praying in the Masjid and preferred to pray at home.
On the other hand one may say that a man enters Islam by saying Lailaha Illah Allah Muhmmadun Rasulu Allah (There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger) it was not mentioned that being a Muslim stops at going to the Masjid so going to the Masjid is a choice. The prophet (saw) said:
“The earth was been made for me (And my followers) a Masjid and pure.”
This shows that praying in a Masjid is equal and no different than anywhere else as long as the prayer is Jama’a (in a gathering)
I think that it is true that prayer can be done anywhere but in a Masjid prayer is 27 times more valuable. The Masjid is also a community centre so you won’t be an active part of the community if you don’t attend it. Also every step you take towards the Masjid is a reward. So to be good Muslim and to earn reward one has to attend the Masjid.
By Obada Sawalha