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Islam: Practices That Shape Religious Identity

The role of the masjid

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Word masjid, main architectural features of a masjid and religious role of a masjid in the UK today.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Who and when

What does the word for mosque mean, and what did the Prophet's own mosque at Madinah do?

Key term

What does the word masjid mean?

Key term

Why is prostration central to the purpose of a masjid?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does the word masjid mean?

    Model answer

    Masjid means place of prostration, taken from the act of sujud in prayer. The English word mosque derives from the same term through Spanish and French.

  2. 2

    Why is prostration central to the purpose of a masjid?

    Model answer

    Sujud is the posture in which a Muslim is held to be closest to God, forehead to the ground. The building exists first of all to make that act possible in congregation.

  3. 3

    What did Muhammad's mosque at Madinah do besides host prayer?

    Model answer

    The Prophet's Mosque served as a place of prayer, a courtroom, a school and a council chamber. Poor and homeless Muslims lodged on its shaded platform.

  4. 4

    Why is the first masjid so important as a model?

    Model answer

    The Prophet's Mosque shows worship and community life housed under one roof. Later mosques are measured against that combination of religious and social purpose.

  5. 5

    Name the main architectural features of a masjid.

    Model answer

    A mihrab marks the qiblah, a minbar carries the preacher and a minaret carries the call to prayer. Facilities for wuḍū' and a prayer hall free of images complete the building.

  6. 6

    What is the religious role of a masjid in the UK today?

    Model answer

    Mosques hold the five daily prayers, Jummah, the taraweeh prayers of Ramadan and the Id prayers. Funerals, marriages and Qur'an recitation also take place there.

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