Minbar: The mihrab was probably introduced in the 3rd century of Islam. They can be made of wood but are usually made of masonry and adorned with pillars. They often come highly ornamented.
In the blue mosque, the marble 'minbar', or pulpit, features the mother of pearl relief. The minbar is the stand or platform, in the praying area, from which the imam delivers his khutbah, speech, or sermon, at the Friday prayer, called, Salat-ul-Jumu'ah. In the Blue Mosque, the minbar is made of white Proconnesian marble and is a fine example of the carved stonework of the 16th and 17th century, (like the mihrab). There are usually at least three steps and the imam stands half way up as a sign of humility before Allah and as an equal with his fellow muslims. Sometimes there is a special seat for the imam to sit in. This is also useful because the imam can then be seen and heard. The minbar may be very ornate, or just a little platform at the top of a few stairs. The minbar is usually next to the mihrab. It is the only piece of furniture required in a mosque.
Quran Racks: Quran racks are usually used in the madrasa part of the mosque, which is like a mosque school where children learn how to read the Quran and learn about Islam. They are kept in other parts of the mosques too so that Muslims can read a bit of it before of after prayer.
Wudu area: Before entering the area where Muslims pray, there is always a place for ritual washing and cleansing. This is a very necessary part of the design of a mosque because it is important to approach Allah and a place of worship in a state of purity. This ceremonial washing is called wudu. The basic facilities for wudu would be a simple sink with many taps or a splendid courtyard with fountains of running water. There will probably be separate amenities for men and women. People do not want to prostate on a dirty floor, so it is important that it is kept clean by wudu. In the blue mosque, a fine fountain for ablution takes up the centre of the courtyard, surrounded by six marble columns.
Shoe racks: In all or most mosques, there will probably be somewhere for shoes to be left. This will either be outside the mosque, on the floor or on a mat, or inside the mosque on shoe racks so that shoes are easy to find after the player.
Moon and Star: Various mosques have a crescent moon and a star somewhere on the dome or at the top of a mosque. The five-pointed star and crescent is a symbol of Islam. It is illustrated on the flags and stamps of many Muslim countries. The five-pointed star symbolizes the five pillars of Islam and the moon and star together are signs to Muslims of the greatness of the creator.
Library: There is usually a library of books stacked up on shelves so that children, adults, and non-muslims can learn about Islam and find out information on the topics they want to learn about.
Calligraphy: The faience consists of floral and extraordinary patterns of various colours on white ground. These are very fine examples of the art of tiling. The bronze and wooden decorations and artifacts of the mosque are also very fine. Calligraphy is the work of Ameti Kasim Gubari and the fine mother-of-pearl window shutters are the work of Sedefkar Mehmet Ada. A very significant feature of a mosque is that there are absolutely NO pictures, statues, or images. This is because, from the very beginning, Islam has been against idolatry. When Muhammad (saw) rode into Makkah and destroyed the idols of wood and stone in the ka'bah.
The qibla wall has been differentiated in its design from the other walls to accommodate its special function. Where the peripheral extensions on three sides are covered with three semi-domes, the qibla recess is composed with two semi-domes on the sides, joining a straight wall in between, where the tall marble frame of the mihrab niche is positioned at the center. The piers supporting the structure, which project freely into the mosque interior on three sides, have been restrained along the qibla wall, resulting in a flatter but more subtly varied surface. A slender marble minber rises along the pilaster to the right of the mihrab, and is crowned with a golden crescent above its conical cap.
The mosque, named after its donor Sultan Ahmed I, has been donned the name "Blue" by foreign travelers based on the Kütahya tiles in dominant tones of blue, turquoise and green that cover most of its interior. The interior galleries have displays of tiles composed in panels at the balcony level depicting gardens with cypresses, flowers and fruit trees, but the most precious tiles have been used to decorate the royal lodge, which has notable jade and gilt work in its marble mihrab niche. Similar motifs, painted in gold and corresponding colors, adorn the multiple convex facets of the elephant feet above their marble bases, two of which are furnished with fountains. This rich polychrome complexion of the interior comes alive with sublime light flooding the interior from three tiers of windows on the walls and numerous others pierced into the domes: The central dome has twenty-eight windows in its drum and each of the four semi-domes has fourteen. Colored glasses on windows were originally imported from Venice, but have since been replaced with modern substitutes. The preacher's pulpit, doors and window shutters display mastery of woodcarving and mother of pearl inlay of the period. The mosque holds many treasures, such as Quranic tablets from the hand of the renowned Ameti Kasim Gubari, while many others have been lost or placed in museums. The interior has been renovated several times, as early as 1837, and also more recently.
Analyse and explain the role function of the Imam in a Sunni mosque?
The Imám should perform all his duties solely for the pleasure of Allah. He should connect himself to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. Before he passed away, the last prophet said: "I am leaving you with two things. If you hold steadfast to them, you shall never go astray. They are: the Holy Qur'aan and my Sunnah." The Imám should be a person of understanding, aware of his surroundings. He should be studied in Islámic and human history.
He must be patient and be able to defend his ideas in a presentable manner. He must have good communication with the society (speaking and understanding the language of the society is appropriate). He must be respectable in personality as well as appearance. This is because his habits and mannerisms will have an impact on the rest of the society.
The nikah (marriage ceremony), and Janazah saláh (prayer for the deceased), can also be counted as an act of worship if performed in the correct manner. As the Imám leads the janazah saláh and reads the nikah, it is guaranteed that they will be performed in the correct way. People can learn from this and also gain reward by following him.
The Imám gives hidayah (guidance) to the community. All the people have someone, somewhere to turn to when they need advice. Examples of situations when people may need help are marriage ceremonies and funerals. The Imám helps and supports people in many aspects of their life.
At funerals, the Imám gives help and support to the family and friends of the deceased. He leads the janazah (funeral) prayer. In the marriage ceremony, the Imám prays the nikah. Verses, talking about Marriage, from the holy Qur'aan are recited and Ahadith (sayings of the last prophet) are proclaimed.
Marriage is a major part of a Muslims life. The Qur'aan says: "And among his signs is this, that he created for you, mates from among yourselves that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them and he has put love and mercy between your hearts." (Surah 30: Verse 21). The Imam also does a special prayer on Eid (the Muslim Festival) and he also does the special wedding ceremony (nikah) he tells the bride and the groom to say the words and sign the legal document.
Before the holy month of Ramadhan, the Imám will give a speech on the importance of this month. The do's and don'ts, the rules, the rewards and the punishments. In this way, he teaches them and instils in them awareness. He may appoint others to give speeches but he will always make sure that they are reliable and have correct sources of information.
Before the Hajj (the Muslim Pilgrimage), the Imám will organise a speech and maybe even a demonstration to help those who are going, especially if it may be their first time. As they may not go again, they will want to get it right. Speeches are given by the Imám at least once a week and extra speeches are given at other special points and dates in the Islámic Calendar.
When giving guidance on any topic, the Imám will always refer to the teachings in the Qur'aan and the practices of the prophet. The Imám should be involved in the day to day running of the mosque such as the teaching system. He will make sure that the correct books are used and important topics are covered. He will appoint knowledgeable and reliable people to teach. He will also take into account their manners, habits and way of life, as this will have an effect on the students. He will make sure that the Tajweed (Rules of reciting the Qur'aan) is taught accurately.
He makes sure that the mosque is cleaned regularly. Allah says in the Qur'aan: "Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him and those who care for cleanliness." (Surah 2: Ayah 222). The Imám is always helping out and giving advice on different situations. In times of difficulty, when families are having problems, the Imám will remind them of their rights and of the Islámic methods of overcoming these situations.
We can now see that the Imám has many responsibilities within the Muslim community as well as in the mosque. This tells us that there is a need for a leader in each community. Muslims can go to a mosque and ask for Islamic guidance from the Imam (Muslim priest).
A mosque can be used as a kind of community centre where Muslims worship Allah and discuss their problems with each other. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), mosques used to work as a court and it was used for the collection of Revenue (Zakat). Basically the whole Muslim government in Madina used to run from the Masjid Al-Nabwi (The Prophets Mosque).
It is not necessary to go to the Mosque but it is highly recommended. At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), able people who did not go to the Mosque. When the believers offer their Jumu'ah Prayers, they listen to the khutbah (sermon) delivers by the Imam. Therefore, their religious and social information increases. As it increases, the Imam is getting rewarded by Allah (swt). Conferences
The Imam in a Sunni Mosque also has to attend Conferences. In these conferences, Imam's from all around the U.K. meet together and discuss whatever they feel needs to be addressed. Support And Advice. The Imam in a Sunni Mosque also gives Religious and moral support. The Imam will always be available for advice, no matter what time of day it is.
Analyse and explain the role and function of the mosque in the Muslim community?
The mosque plays a central role in Muslim society. Apart from being a place of prayers (the 5 daily prayers as well as the Friday prayer) the Mosque is a learning center. It’s a place where study circles and lectures are held for Muslims to learn more about Islam. Also a place were Muslims meet to study and recite the Quran, collect charity for the poor, and discuss issues concerning the community. It’s an ideal place for a new convert to meet Muslims and learn in a short time what would normally take weeks or months to learn alone. Naturally many new converts are shy or afraid to make their first visit to the mosque, but if they knew the joy which Muslims share when they meet a convert, such hesitation would disappear.
Compulsory prayer five times a day, called Salah, is a religious duty performed by Muslims at set times facing Mecca. Though it does not have to take place in the mosque, it is still compulsory to attend Friday noon prayers there. This is the pattern, or way, set down by Allah in the Qur'an. Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muhammad said, 'Prayer is the avenue of worship, worship for the Muslim means praying.' To pray is the first thing a Muslim does in the morning, and the last thing done before going to bed at night.
From Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said: "A man does not frequent the mosques for the Prayer and the remembrance of Allaah except that Allaah, the Most High, greets him joyfully, just as the family of one who is absent greet him with joy when he returns to them." [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Khuzaimah and others and it is found in Saheehit-Targheeb (no. 315)].
A wudu area is a very important feature in a mosque. Before a Muslim can perform a prayer he has to be thoroughly cleans and pure. The worshippers must perform a series of ritual obligations. The believer must be pure and clean therefore needs to wash himself from head to feet, in steps. This is important because it represents cleanliness and shows that he is ready to stand before his God and worship Him.
On Fridays men are expected to form a congregation for the midday prayer in the mosque. All adult male Muslims are encouraged to pray all five prayers in their local mosque if necessary however it is not obligatory.
There are some other activities which take part in the mosque other then daily prayers. Mosques are used for other religious reasons, such as many Muslim children go after school to learn about Islam and learn to recite the Qur'an, In the UK this is more popular because they are not taught much about their own religion in school unlike most of the Islamic countries. They have to go to another place to learn about Islam. They can get the services of a special teacher that will instruct them in the use of Urdu in its written as well as spoken form. Small children are taken by their schoolteachers to visit mosques and get to know Muslim peoples religion as well as their own. Sometimes Muslim people go in whenever they like to ask the Imam questions about problem and also classes for older men wanting to learn about Islam.
In the over flow hall there are classrooms used for teaching the Qur'an to the youth This is also the Islamic book library as the books are lined on the wooden shelves along the walls and used for teaching valuable lessons. Muslims can go to a mosque and ask for Islamic guidance from the Imam (Muslim priest).
A mosque can be used as a kind of community centre where Muslims worship Allah and discuss their problems with each other. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), mosques used to work as a court and it was used for the collection of Revenue (Zakat). Basically the whole Muslim government in Madina used to run from the Masjid Al-Nabwi (The Prophets Mosque).
Usually much to see apart from a lot of space that is essential for large numbers of Muslims to come and perform their prayers with all the movements. The prayer hall can also be used for many other different purposes like funeral services and a coumintey centre but it is never used for weddings even at the rear occasions when the wedding takes place in the mosque.
The prayer is also used for teaching and funeral services. In the prayer hall of the mosque Muslims will use individual prayer mats, but the hall will be carpeted anyway, so that it is comfortable to walk on bare feet, and sit on and kneel on. The prayer mat usually has an arch design on it so the mat can be laid down in the correct direction for prayer, facing towards the ka'ba in makkah, the holy city of Islam.
Although a congregation can be established outside a mosque, it is the mosque where most of the Muslims in the community will gather and where a bigger sense of brotherhood will be created The holy Prophet (s) and the other Muslims at his time used to offer congregational prayers at a companions house named Aqram, before they built a mosque. The purpose of the mosque was to get all the Muslims united in one place rather than just praying in small separate groups.
Another reason why Muslims should worship Allah in a mosque is because here there is peace and no distractions. In a mosque there are no pictures of living things, no music and no television and because of this there are no distractions whilst worshipping Allah. A Muslim concentrates on his/her prayer due to this. The quality of their prayer makes them a good Muslim.
So to conclude the mosque is the most beneficial and required area in Islam for prayer and education. Every muslim community should contain a mosque for there religious obligations from 5 times daily prayer to the Tarawi’h and education learning. Through the mosque unity of Islam is created and brotherhood established. The mosque helps the dieing, starving muslims around the world through charities and donations given in the mosque. The mosque is not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims to come and learn about the teachings of Islam (Da’wah). So the mosque is not only for the Muslims in that area but for all people.
‘You do not need to go to a mosque to be a good Muslim’
I agree with the above statement because I believe going to a mosque increases your knowledge in Islam but it doesn’t affect how good a Muslim is. A good Muslim is a person who has a right intention.
A mosque is a place where you pray in, it is recommended by Allah to pray in a mosque as much as possible however Allah has also said a mosque is where a clean a place is provided for you to pray so this means going to a mosque is not compulsory and so it won’t affect in your imaan.
Mosques are used so people could get in a good Muslim community but it does not mean that the community around is bad I believe this world is a mosque you can meet good people outside a mosque as well. I also believe that Allah has provided the Quran and hadith’s of the prophet Muhammad which we could follow on our own we do not need to go to a mosque to learn about Islam.
There are some people who are unfortunate to not have a mosque near-by, and who have reverted to Islam due to books or other information. This person has the right intention however they don’t have a nearby mosque to go to, so they will pray at home. As Allah has said that he looks at the heart of the person, the intentions are what count mostly.
A Muslim is someone who believes in the five pillars of Islam. This means that s/he believes in the oneness of Allah, prays Salah (five daily prayers), gives alms, fasts in the Islamic month of Ramadan and performs pilgrimage to Makkah. A good Muslim is someone who acts upon these five pillars consistently. The main purpose why Muslims go to the mosque is to perform Salah. Some might argue that Muslims do not need to pray in mosque to do this and that what is important is that they pray five daily prayers, whether this is in their own house or somewhere else. Some argue that as Muslims offer their prayers to Allah alone, and He is all knowing and all seeing, you do not need to be in a Mosque for Allah to accept your prayers.
Some people disagree with the statement because there are people in the world who cannot attend mosques probably because there are none around where they live or a person could be badly ill and cannot step outside there house, it does not mean that those people are bad Muslims. Similarly Allah has not made it compulsory for women to attend mosques this shows that going to a mosque has any affect on being a good Muslim.
Other people disagree with the statement because they believe to be good Muslim you need to increase your knowledge in Islam, going to the mosque makes your imaan stronger because it teaches you a lot about Islam. Mosques are a place where you are more encouraged to read the Quran and pray regularly on time than you are at home this makes you a better Muslim and come towards Islam more because you are practising Islam more.
The community in a mosque encourages you to be a good Muslim because staying in a Islamic environment strengthens your belief in Islam you are socializing with people who are Islamic and this helps you easily to be a good Muslim and also being in one Muslim community helps you to increase your Ummah and make you appreciate how nice and welcoming Islam is.
Although a congregation can be established outside a mosque, it is the mosque where most of the Muslims in the community will gather and where a bigger sense of brotherhood will be created the holy Prophet (s) and the other Muslims at his time used to offer congregational prayers. The purpose of the mosque was to get all the Muslims united in one place rather than just praying in small separate groups.
Another reason why some people believe that Muslims should worship Allah in a mosque is because here there is peace and no distractions. In a mosque there are no pictures of living things, no music and no television and because of this there are no distractions whilst worshipping Allah. A Muslim concentrates on his/her prayer due to this. The quality of their prayer makes them a good Muslim.
A mosque can be used as a kind of community centre where Muslims worship Allah and discuss their problems with each other. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), mosques used to work as a court and it was used for the collection of Zakah Basically. At that time Allah made it compulsory for men to go to mosques every Friday and encourage them to go every prayer time to the mosque if necessary, if men do not take this in consideration then Allah has promised a severe punishment in the hereafter.
Overall I conclude by saying that I totally agree with the statement. This is because by seeing the two versions of the above quote, I have realized that a lot of people are unfortunate to not have a mosque nearby but they still cope and try there best to pray in the places they can, and get education of Islam through books or other people.
Allah is all-merciful and all-knowing so Allah would know a persons position if he is able or not able to go to a mosque. However, if you have a mosque to go to, it is better to pray at a mosque then at home. But that does not change the fact if you’re a good Muslim or a bad Muslim.
-Allah said pray in a clean place. (Can be done at home also if no mosque available).
-Intention is what counts.