Islam - Mosques

1. A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam who gather together to worship Allah.

2. Mosques are often called by their Arabic name - masjid.

3. Mosques usually have elaborate domed roofs and tall towers called minarets near to them.

4. The minarets symbolise the link between heaven and earth.

5. The minarets are used to call people to prayer (adhan), either by a muezzin, or a recorded call.

6. The imam leads the prayer in a mosque and can be a leader within the community whom Muslims turn to with questions.

7. A mihrab is a niche in the wall inside a mosque and shows the direction of prayer, so Muslims can face Mecca.

8. A minbar is like a pulpit from which the religious leader speaks to the people.

9. There are no statues or pictures inside a mosque.

10. Mosques have little furniture because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer.

11. Muslim worshippers sit on the floor.

12. All Muslims try to go to the mosque each Friday, which is a special day for prayer.

13. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque.

14. Often there is a fountain or pool for washing, providing spiritual cleansing and purity.

15. There may be a separate area for women to worship at the mosque, but it is more usual for them to remain at home to pray.

16. The Ka’bah stands in the courtyard of the Great Mosque at Mecca.

17. It is a black, single-roomed, cube-shaped, stone structure, about fifteen feet high.

18. Muslims believe it was built by Adam, and re-built by his son Ishmael.

19. It was the first place on Earth wholly dedicated to the worship of Allah.

20. Inside the Ka’bah there are three pillars which hold the roof up, and a number of hanging lamps.

21. A new cloth, with gold embroidery, is made for it every year - this is called the kiswah.

22. During the hajj, or pilgrimage, pilgrims circle the Ka’bah seven times.