Minaret
The adhaan (call to prayer) is given from the minaret (in Muslim countries and in heavily populated Muslim areas).
A transmitter is its’ equivalent and is used in many homes in Britain today.
All can hear the adhaan and therefore Muslims know that it is time for prayer.
Even though transmitters may be used, many mosques may still have minarets. It is Sunnah (a practice of the last prophet) to call the adhaan from a high place and therefore the minaret is quite appropriate.
Charity Display
The charity display gives Muslims an easier way of donating money in their chosen form:
- Zakáh –Compulsory alms,
- Sadaqah –Charity,
- Lillah –Donation.
These are the most common forms, but there are also others.
For example, Sadaqatul-Fitr is a payment, which is given just before Eid-ul-Fitr.
People are encouraged to donate when they see others donating. It is a quicker and easier to donate money by giving it to the mosque, rather than donating it individually.
The charity display may also give useful information on how much zakah/sadaqah/lillah has to be paid and the conditions and rules’ regarding the type of donation a person wants to make.
Ghusl Khana Mortuary
Bathing and shrouding facilities are necessities in the Muslim community. The deceased are bathed and shrouded in the mosque, where the family and friends are given a lot of comfort and support.
The Imám and other Aalims (scholars) who teach at the mosque can also help in teaching those who do not have knowledge on the methods of bathing and shrouding the dead body.
Kutub Khana Library
The library is useful for looking into texts and commentaries of the Qur’aan and Hadith (sayings and practices of the last prophet) and to refer to the best and most reliable books written and compiled, such as Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim etc. (which are authentic books that inform us of the habits and practices of the last prophet).
Adults may want to look into books on fiqh (Islámic jurisprudence) and children may want to use the children’s section or bilingual dictionaries during their classes.
The library may also contain a computer and a photocopier. These come in handy when advertising talks etc.
In most mosques, timetables showing prayer times are printed off for the public and the photocopier can also be used when letters need to be sent home to parents whose children attend the classes held at the mosque.
Bookshop
People in the community can buy books, magazines and cassettes etc with Islámic information on a variety of subjects and topics.
It encourages people to spend money and time on their deen (religion) and to learn about their life and the reason why they were created.
Commentaries on the Qur’aan and Hadith as well as many other books can be bought.
If the bookshop was not present in the mosque and the area did not have an Islámic bookshop, the community would lack ilm (knowledge) and interest in deen (religion).
There would be no information and resources for those interested in Islám (Muslim and Non-Muslim). The books and other resources in the mosque are always reliable.
Shoe Racks
Shoe racks are important as removing shoes is necessary inside the mosque. This is due to reasons of cleanliness as cleanliness for a Muslim is half of his Imán (belief).
Shoe racks are usually found at the entrance of a mosque, away from the Jam’aah khana (main prayer room).
Coat Hangers
Coats can be removed, as it is more comfortable to pray saláh without them.
Sometimes these are found on the outskirts of the prayer room.
Notice Board
As the mosque is the centre point of a Muslim community, a notice board will have information of money raising events, Muslim speakers who will be visiting, advertisements for teaching posts and information on enrolment for students.
I’tikaaf Room
Those who perform I’tikaaf (seclude themselves away from worldly things) are the inhabitants of this room.
It is a place where they can keep in the remembrance of God, Allah and away from the temptations of the dunya (world).
It is more common for people to use the I’tikaaf room during Ramadhan, as many people perform I’tikaaf at that time of year.
Canteen/Kitchen
It is important that food is prepared for visiting speakers, those staying for I’tikaaf and the Muslim community in Ramadhan. This brings people closer together.
Food can also be prepared here for weddings and funerals as facilities at the mosque may be better facilities than any other available.
Class Room
The classroom is a main part of the mosque as children are taught there. Tables and chairs are not used but instead low benches on which the Qur’aan and other books are placed. The students sit on the floor.
The Ustaad (teacher) sits on a low cushion.
These separate classes, (away from other parts of the mosque), are used for teaching so that the children can concentrate on their studies.
Usually, the children start at a young age and are in mixed classes. As they get older, they separate. The boys are taught by men and the girls are taught by women.
Like schools, many mosques have a syllabus to follow, though this is a syllabus that is prepared by the mosque itself.
Regular examinations are also taken to check the progress of each and every student.
At the end of year examinations, students are awarded with certificates and prizes, depending on their marks. Prizes for attendance and punctuality are also given.
Teaching in a mosque is important, as the mosque should be the centre point of learning.
ii) Analyse and explain the role and function of the Imám in a Sunni mosque.
The mosque in Islám has an important role as the central part of the Muslim community.
The Imám, therefore, plays a great role and is not only important in the mosque but also a main part of the Muslim community.
He not only leads the saláh (five daily prayers), which are an essential part of a Muslim’s daily life, but he is also a leader in the ummah (Muslim community).
In the Qur’aan Allah encourages Muslims to follow leaders as well as the Qur’aan and Sunnah:
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the messenger and those in the authority of Islámic order.”
(Surah 4: Verse 59)
The Imám encourages the members of the community to attend saláh, stating its benefits and the reward in the akhirah (after-life) for such little sacrifices in this dunya (world).
An Imám is chosen by his ilm (knowledge) of masaa’il (rules) of saláh. He must be able to recite the holy Qur’aan well, as he leads the saláh.
The Imám should also have a strong relationship with Allah. He should command what is good and forbid what is evil.
“And the believers-men and women- are friends of one another, they command for the right and forbid the wrong, establish Saláh and pay Zakáh and obey Allah and His messenger…”
(Surah 9: Ayah 71)
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.”
(Hadith)
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.
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)
At funerals, the Imám gives help and support to the family and friends of the deceased. He leads the janazah (funeral) prayer.
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.
From the prophet Muhammad’s time, leaders were appointed to guide and instruct the people.
The four Khalifahs (vicegerents) were the most famous of all leaders:
- Abu Bakr Siddique
- Umar ibn al Khattab
- Uthmaan ibn Affaan
- Ali ibn Abu Talib
The Imám tries his utmost best to follow the example of the Khalifahs and the sahabahs (companions of the prophet).
This is because the prophet mentioned:
“My sahabahs are like brightly shining stars.
Whichever of them you choose to follow,
You shall be guided.”
(Hadith)
The absence of an Imám would cause fitnah (chaos) and would cause the people to stray from the Siraatul Mustaqeem (straight path).
iii) Analyse and explain the role and function of the mosque in the Muslim community.
As said before, the word ‘masjid’ (mosque) originates from the word ‘sajd’, which means to prostrate oneself. Therefore, the main function of a mosque is a place where people can pray in jam’aah (congregation). Allah says in the Qur’aan:
“In houses which Allah has allowed to be exalted and that His name shall be remembered therein. Therein do offer praise to Him at morning and evening.”
(Surah 24: Verse 36)
However, the mosque has many other functions and plays many other roles in the Muslim community.
The mosque is beneficial to all the people in the community. Men gather here at least five times a day to pray in congregation. They meet one another, strengthen their ties and unite as one ummah (community). They discuss issues arising in the Muslim community and agree on solutions to problems. They may be involved in organising talks or other events and this creates more love between them. They may sit together and recite chapters from the Qur’aan or teach each other new ahadith (sayings and actions of the last prophet).
They may exchange opinions on the syllabus being taught to the students at the mosque and the teaching methods being used. In this way they will make improvements, if these need be made.
In mosques where there is a women’s prayer room, women may also go to pray their saláh. Just as it is for the men, it will strengthen their ties and create love between them. Between themselves, they may also organise talks with permission from the governing body, (or someone with a position of authority), of the mosque. The mosque, as a venue for these talks, can advertise by making flyers and posters etc. and therefore getting a bigger turnout. This gives the women a chance to learn from one-another and teach one-another. They may also discuss their children’s progress and give each other ideas on how to help them learn at home.
Learning is an important part of deen (religion). Everyday we learn new things. The cycle of learning never stops.
The last messenger said:
“Seek ilm (knowledge) from the cradle to the grave.”
(Hadith)
The mosque is a learning centre for all, especially children. In most mosques classes are held for children and in most cases children start from about five years old. The younger children learn in mixed classes but as they get older, they soon separate. The boys will be taught by men and the girls will be taught by women. The teachers are qualified in Islámic theology. They teach the students according to a syllabus which is prepared by the mosque. The progress of all the students is monitored through regular examinations and at the end of each year, the students are awarded prizes according to how well they have worked. Prizes for attendance and punctuality are also given.
Besides the education of children, the mosque is involved in many other things. The nikah (marriage ceremony) takes place in the mosque. It is usually read by the Imám who accompanies it with Ayahs (verses) from the Holy Qur’aan and text from the ahadith. The Imám also makes du’aa (a small prayer) for the couple. Marriage is important in the life of a Muslim. The last messenger said:
“Marriage is half of Imán (faith)”
(Hadith)
Food is then served and at times it may be prepared as well as served in the mosque.
Death is also a major part of a Muslims life.
“Every soul shall taste death.”
(Surah 2: Verse 35)
Many people die each day, whether this be from natural causes or unnatural. When a person dies, it is only natural for the family and friends to feel grieved. The mosque supports the family and friends of the deceased person in every way possible.
Many mosques have a ghusl khana (mortuary). There are bathing and shrouding facilities here, as Muslims believe that the dead body has to be given a final bath before it is buried.
Close relatives and friends wash the body with the utmost gentleness.
Perfumes are also used. Thereafter, the kafn (burial shroud) is put on the deceased’s body and the body is placed in the coffin.
Mosques that have the right facilities provide food on many occasions. The main occasion is in the month of Ramadhan.
Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, everyday for a whole month. At the time of iftaar (breaking of the fast), food may be provided at the mosque. Everyone eats together, sharing the food that Allah has given them, thanking Him for this blessing. This again, creates love and strengthens the bond of brotherhood between them.
In the time of the prophet Muhammad, it was important for the mosque to be the main centre of learning. People used to sit in circles or rows listening, learning and teaching. This is still the case today.
Giving to charity was also encouraged in the mosque of the prophet, especially at times when there was more need of it. In today’s mosques there are always appeals for Afghanistan, Palestine, Kosovo, Chechnya, Bosnia and many other countries in need.
When people travel and have nowhere else to stay, they stay in the mosque. This was also a practice at the time of the last prophet. Homeless people should also be given shelter in the mosque.
The marriage ceremony was also performed in the mosque at the time of Muhammad.
The role of the mosque in the Muslim community is much like it was 1400 years ago. The mosque caters for the needs of all the people in the community, young as well as old. The mosque is not only a place of worship and a place of learning, but it is also where many social events take place. Gatherings in the mosque, for whatever reason, strengthen the bond of brotherhood between Muslims. It creates love between them and unites them in their belief:
“There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
The Qur’aan states the following:
“Believers are but brothers, so set things right between your brothers and observe your duty to Allah so that you may obtain mercy.”
(Surah 49: Verse 10)
