Masjid (Mosque)
The Islamic house of worship, where Muslims gather for congregational prayer.
Masjid (Arabic: مسجد) literally means "place of prostration (sujud)" and is the Islamic house of worship where Muslims gather for the daily prayers, the Jumu'ah prayer and other religious activities.
A masjid is more than just a house of worship — it functions as a center for the Muslim community. Here the Quran is taught, lectures are held, Islamic holidays are celebrated, and the community is strengthened. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever builds a mosque for Allah's sake, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise."
The most important architectural elements of a masjid are: mihrab (prayer niche indicating the qibla direction), minbar (pulpit), minaret (tower from which the adhan is called), and wudu facilities. Mosques are found in all major cities, serving the Muslim community.
Related terms
Taslim (Concluding Greeting)
The concluding peace greeting that marks the end of the prayer.
Fajr (Dawn Prayer)
The first of the five daily prayers, performed at dawn.
A'mal (Acts of Worship)
Specific acts of worship and rituals for particular days and occasions.
Janamaz (Prayer Rug)
The prayer rug that the worshipper uses to mark a clean prayer area.
Hijri (Islamic Calendar)
The Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the Prophet's migration to Medina.
Minaret (Prayer Tower)
The mosque's tower, from which the adhan (call to prayer) is traditionally recited.