Mosques

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The Muslim building for communal worship is called a mosque. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid. The word comes from the Arabic for "place of prostration".

Very often Mosques have a domed roof and a tall tower called a minaret. Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret. The man who who enters the minaret and calls them to prayer is called a muezzin.

In Britain, calling Muslims to pray this way is not allowed, so some Islamic communities broadcast the call to prayer on a radio frequency which Muslims can pick up in their homes and places of work using a small receiver.

There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are decorated with patterns and words from the Qur'an. There is also very little furniture inside because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer.

When people go into the mosque they take off their shoes. This is to keep it clean for prayer.

There is often a fountain or pool, or at least an area with water where people can wash (wudu). Muslim wash their hands, mouth, throat, nose, ears, arms up to the elbow and feet. This is a sacred wash that symbolises spiritual cleansing and purity in readiness for coming before God.

There is always a quibla wall in a Mosque which is the one facing Makkah (Mecca), it has an empty arch to signify the direction. It is important that Muslims always know the direction of Mecca.

Women do not pray in the same place as men, there is usually a screened off area for them.

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