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
Ijma' (Consensus)
Agreement among Islamic scholars on a legal question, considered the third source of Islamic law.
Tartib (Order in Prayer)
The correct sequence of the prayer's actions and the daily prayers.
Mutahhirat (Purifying Agents)
The agents and methods that purify impure things according to Shia fiqh.
Du'a al-Iftitah (The Opening Supplication)
A beautiful supplication recited during Ramadan nights, attributed to Imam al-Mahdi.
Salat al-Istisqa (Rain Prayer)
A special congregational prayer performed to ask Allah for rain during drought.
Al-Kafi (The Sufficient)
The most important Shia hadith collection, with extensive chapters on prayer.