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The Mosque

Mosque
Arabic: masjid (small) jamaca (large)

House of prayer in Islam.
A mosque is symbolically very important to Muslims, and is a humble way for man to recreate pure divine presence on earth. Mosques are not built according to divine patterns - they are divinely guided. Nor are there very clear rules to what a mosque should look like, except on some few points. Mandatory elements are a structure that clearly indicates the direction of Mecca (this direction is called qibla). The indication is in most mosques a mihrab, a niche in the wall. A mosque must have a roofed area in front of the mihrab. There can be no doors in the wall where the mihrab is placed - for the other walls, there can be as many doors as the builders want.
There are 2 types of mosques: the main mosque is called jamaca, and is the one where the Friday prayer is performed. The jamacas are often richly adorned.

The other type of mosque is called masjid, and are local and smaller mosques. While these can be richly adorned, the can seldom be compared to the jamacas.
Masjid is a word meaning ' for prostration' and were used by the early Muslims for houses of worship, even for other religions. Today the Arabic '', and the English '' are used exclusively for religious houses in Islam.

HISTORY and DEVELOPMENT

The first mosque is the one in Mecca, defined as the area that surrounded the Ka', the most holy shrine to Islam. But the model of early mosques, was the courtyard of Muhammad' house in Madina, which was constructed in 622 CE. This was organized with a qibla, which at first faced the direction of Jerusalem. To the left of this qibla, houses for Muhammad' wives, were erected. There were three entrances to the courtyard. An area of the courtyard was roofed, and here prayer was performed. After 1,5 years the direction of the qibla was changed, to face Mecca.
This Madina mosque had social, political, and judicial functions, in addition to housing Muhammad' family. The religious functions were mixed with other functions. Rules on prayers seem to have not been shaped at the first period, much because this was the period in which the Koran was revealed to Muhammad: the rules had not been given. Apart from the mosques of Mecca and Madina, we find in the sources indications to other contemporary mosques in other towns.
Mosques soon grew into becoming more complex and uniform in their shape. A minbar, the pulpit, from where the Friday prayer is held, was placed next to the mihrab. Within few years after the death of Muhammad, mosques became such important symbols, that when Muslim conquerors established themselves somewhere, a mosque was put up first, and then the military camp was built around it. This building process was inspired by the Madina example. But in the cases where the Muslims conquered principal cities, they constructed their mosque in the place that was the centre of former religions.

In the beginning of Islam, tribes and sects in Islam often marked their independence or their purity by putting up mosques of their own or by defining a certain part of the mosque as their part. This pattern have changed up through history, but the situation today is not as tolerant as it might appear. Muslims of all creeds are in theory free to enter all mosques, but a Muslim of one orientation will in reality find mosques used by Muslims of other orientations inappropriate. A travelling Muslim will try to find a mosque which is used by people belonging to his own creed (Sunnis, Shi' and Ibadis are the main division points. Other mosques are defined as inappropriate because they are under control of the government or dominated by Islamists). But most major mosques, the jamaca are seen upon as neutral, and are used by Muslims of all creeds.

Conversion from churches

Many mosques of the first centuries, were originally churches. When churches were converted into mosques, this was naturally against the will of the Christians, but this wasn' always a big problem. In many regions, Christianity lost its position, and churches turned into mosques over time. Muslims could actually use the churches since they were religious buildings and since Christianity was considered as a kin religion to Islam. This also happened in full respect of Christianity and of the Christians. Over time, the Christians gradually converted to Islam, and one day there were no longer anyone using the church as a church, only as a mosque.
Most mosques today are closed to non-Muslims, but this was a regulation that was developed through the first century of Islam. There was an increase in the emphasis on the sanctity of the mosque, more and more elements of the mosque was regarded as sacred, and any mosque was commonly regarded as bayt allah, ' of God'

80 years of development

The design of the mosques developed in short time from being very simple to becoming complex structures. In the first mosques in Hijaz there was minimal attention paid to the form of the mosques. The time of development of the mosque into the pattern that still applies, lasted for a period of only 80 years. The shapes of mosques came often as a mix between architectural shapes of the conquered territories and of the original patterns.

Introduction of the minaret
The first minaret (the tower from which the prayer callings were made) came probably in 703, in Kairouan, Tunisia, almost 100 years after the Madina mosque. But there are written material suggesting that minarets were erected as early as 665 CE.
The minaret was absent in the early mosques, and its addition was inspired by religious buildings of other religions. The main influence came probably from the churches of Syria.
The implementation of minarets was both for embellishment of the mosques, and for the functionality. When the muezzin called for prayer (the calling for prayer is adhan) from the ground level, it could bot be heard more than a few blocks away from the mosque.
But even for some time after the introduction of the minaret, the adhan was still performed with the muezzin walking through the streets while inviting for prayer.
The addition of adornments to the mosques was strongly discussed, and many Muslims opposed this process, and thought of it as a way of jeopardizing the purity of Islam, and they disliked letting Christian elements in, as well as using converted churches.

Extensions of the use of the mosque
Over time, many rooms was added to the mosque, rooms used by people of different social classes, people performing their professions in the mosque, travellers, sick, and old. Devout and ascetics lived often in the mosque, and even in the minaret.
Other elements inside a mosque are:

* Dakka, a platform, from where the muezzin calls for prayer, after he has done this from the minaret.
* Kursi a desk and a seat, for the Koran and for the reader.
* Reliquaries, where bodies, parts of bodies, or belongings of religious personalities are kept.
* Carpets covering the floor of mosques
* Lights, both candles and lamps, used for illumination, but not ritually
* Incense, especially together with festivals
* Water in the courtyard, both for ablutions, and for drinking

ADMINISTRATION

The mosques have often been built by rulers, and the administration of the mosques have been financed by waqfs, endowments bringing in revenues.
These waqfs were normally agricultural land, often administered by the donator, or members of his family, and could in some cases have a location far away from the mosque it financed. There could be more than one waqf to each mosque. Mosques with economical problems, were often out looking for new donators.
While mosques officially have been under the rulers, direc

Information from Lexicorient.com Please click here for further information

ADHAN - THE CALL TO PRAYER

One of the first and most beautiful sounds you will hear in Tunisia is the ADHAN or the " to prayer" and you will be able to notice the different styles and talents of the men (muezzin) making the call.

1) ALLAHU AKBAR
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater
Allah is greater

2) ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA ILLA'
ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA ILLA' I witness that there is no god but Allah
I witness that there is no god but Allah

3) ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADA
RASULULLAH
ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADA
RASULULLAH I witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
I witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

4) HAYYA ''
HAYYA ''
Come to the prayer
Come to the prayer

5) HAYYA ''
HAYYA ''
Come to success
Come to success

6) ALLAHU AKBAR
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater
Allah is greater

7) LA ILAHA ILLA' There is no god but Allah

These words where first said in this context in Medina by Bilal centuries before.

These are also the first words that are uttered to a newborn baby by their father.

IQAMA - THE CALL AT THE START OF PRAYER

This must be recited out loud before each obligatory prayer, in Arabic.
1) ALLAHU AKBAR
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater
Allah is greater

2) ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA ILLA' I witness that there is no god but Allah

3) ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADA
RASULULLAH
I witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

4) HAYYA '' Come to the prayer

5) HAYYA '' Come to success

6) QAD QAMATI' The time for prayer has come

7) ALLAHU AKBAR
ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is greater
Allah is greater

8) LA ILAHA ILLA' There is no god but Allah

AWQAT - TIMES OF THE PRAYERS

Name/Time Fard/Obligatory Sunna/Recommended
Subh/Dawn 2 rak' (Qur' out loud) 2 rak' before*

Dhuhr/Midday 4 rak' (Qur' silent) 2+2 rak' before
2 rak' after

'/Afternoon 4 rak' (Qur' silent) 2+2 rak' before

Maghrib/Sunset 3 rak' (Qur' out loud) 2 rak' after

''/Night 4 rak' (Qur' out loud) 2+1 rak' after*

Muslims may also do other units of prayer calls Sunna.

* The Sunna rak' before the prayer of Subh are called Fajr,
and those after the prayer of '' are called Shafa' and Witr.
They should never be missed.

It is, of course, permitted and praiseworthy to do rak' at other times,
particularly in the morning after sunrise and during the last part of the night,
but these are entirely voluntary.
No rak' should be done between the prayer of Subh and sunrise
or between the prayer of ' and Maghrib.

Wudu

THE PARTIAL ABLUTION (Wudu')

Before offering the prayer one must be in good shape and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog. This performance is called ABLUTION (Wudu') and is preferably carried out as follows:

1. Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of worship and purity, start by saying Bismillah.

2. Wash the hands up to the wrists, three times.

3. Rinse out the mouth with water, three times, preferably with a brush whenever it is possible.

4. Cleanse the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water into them, three times.

5. Wash the whole face three times with both hands, if possible, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.

6. Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow, and then do the same with the left arm.

7. Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand, once.

8. Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers.

9 Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning with the right foot.

At this stage the ablution is completed, and the person who has performed it is ready to start to start his prayer.When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can, and may use it for as many prayers as he wishes. But it is preferable to renew it as often as possible. It is also preferable to do it in the said order, although it will be accepted from those who fail to keep this order. Ablution in the said way is sufficient for prayer unless it is nullified.by any reason.

Nullification of the Ablution

The ablution becomes nullified by any of the following
1. Natural discharges, i.e., urine, stools, gas, etc...
2. The flow of blood or pus and the like from any part of the body;
3. Vomiting;
4. Falling asleep;
5. Losing one' reason by taking drugs or becoming intoxicated.

After the occurrence of any of these things the ablution must be renewed for prayer. Also, after natural discharges, water should be applied because the use of toilet tissues may not be sufficient for the purpose of purity and worship. (This is why toilets in Tunisia have small hoses next to them).

For a video of how to perform wudu click here

THE PERFORMANCE OF ONE RAK'AT

Face towards qibla - the direction of Makka.
Make the intention to do the particular prayer you are about to perform for Allah alone.

Raise your hands level with your shoulders and lower them to your side,
saying ALLAHU AKBAR, audibly - Allah is greater.

This is called the Takbir al-Ihram and with the saying of it,
you enter the state of prayer.

POSITION RECITATION
[1) QIYAM - STANDING
Stand upright with your feet slightly
apart, your head straight,
and your eyes lowered. Surat al-Fatiha (in every Ra')
[Note: In the Maliki school, "''" is not recited in the Fatiha in the prayer.]
Other recitation of Qur' (first 2 rak'),
preferably at least 3 ayats long. Then:
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater.
2) RUKU' - BOWING
Bow with your back parallel to the
ground, your legs straight,
your hands gripping your knees. SUBHANA RABBI''
Glory to my Lord, the Immense. (3 times)
Then while rising, the Imam recites in congregational prayer,
or you do if you are praying alone:
SAMI' LLAHU LIMAN HAMIDAH
Allah hears the one who praises Him.
Then the mu' who called the prayer replies,
or you do yourself if you are praying alone:
ALLAHUMMA RABBANA WA LAKA'
O Allah, our Lord, praise is Yours.
3) QIYAM - STANDING
As before. ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater.
4) SAJDA - PROSTRATION You touch the ground with your
forehead, the tip of your nose, your
palms, your knees, and the tips of your
toes facing forwards. SUBHANA'''
Glory to my Lord, the High (3 times).
Then while sitting back:
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater.
5) JULUS - SITTING You sit on your left foot turned under.
Your right foot remains upright against
your right thigh. Your hands rest
on your knees. ALLAHUMMA' WA'
O Allah, forgive me and give me mercy.
Then while going into sajda again:
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater.
6) SADJA - PROSTRATION As before SUBHANA-RABBI''
Glory to my Lord, the High (3 times)
Then while rising:
ALLAHU AKBAR
Allah is greater.
7) QIYAM - STANDING
After the first and third rak'
except after Maghrib. Surat al-Fatiha (in every rak')
Other recitation of Qur' (first and
second rak' only) at least 3 ayats long.
8) JULUS - SITTING After second and last rak' The Tashahhud in second and final rak'
Salat '' in final rak' only.
Finally turning your head to the right say: AS-SALAMU '
Peace be upon you.

For images of the stages of prayer click here

Some of the Basic Components of Prayers

SURAT AL-FATIHA

THE OPENING
(This Sura must be recited in every rak')

1) BISMILLAHI''
In the Name of Allah, the Universally Merciful,
the Specifically Merciful,

2) AL-HAMDU LILLAHI RABBI''
All praise to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds,

3) AR-RAHMANI', MALIKI YAWMI'
The Universally Merciful, the Specifically Merciful,
the King of the Day of the Accounting.

4) IYYAKA NA' WA IYYAKA NASTA'
You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help.

5) IHDINA''
Guide us on the Straight Path,

6) SIRATA LADHINA AN' '
The Path of those you have blessed,

7) GHAYRI' ' WALA' DALLIN
Not of those with anger upon them nor those who are astray.

AMIN.

SURAT AL-IKHLAS "Pure Sincerity "

1) BISMILLAHI''
In the Name of Allah, the Universally Merciful,
the Specifically Merciful,

2) QUL HUWA' LLAHU AHAD
Say: He is Allah, One,
ALLAHU'
Allah, the Endless Sustainer of All.

3) LAM YALID WA LAM YULAD
He does not give birth, and is not born.

4) WA LAM YAKUL LAHU KUFU' AHAD
No one is equal to Him.

Due to its value and length it is usally the first Surat to be memorised.

SURAT AN-NAS "People"

1) BISMILLAHI''
In the Name of Allah, the Universally Merciful,
the Specifically Merciful,

2) QUL A' BI RABBI'
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of people,
MALIKI' ILAHI'
the King of people, the God of people,

3) MIN SHARRI''
From the evil of the deceitful whisperer,

4) ALLADHI YUWASWISU FI SUDURI'
Who whispers in the breasts of people,

5) MINA' WA'
of Jinn and people.

AT-TASHAHHUD "The Witnessing"

(Said in the sitting position of the prayer)

AT-TAHIYYATU LILLAH AZ-ZAKIYATU LILLAH
AT-TAYYIBATU' LILLAH
Greetings are for Allah and purity is for Allah,
the best prayers are for Allah.

AS-SALAMU ' AYYUHA'
WA RAHMATU' WA BARAKATUHU
Peace be upon you, O Prophet and the mercy of Allah and His blessing.

AS-SALAMU ' WA ' ''
Peace be upon us and on the right-acting worshippers of Allah.

ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA ILLA' WAHDAHU
LA SHARIKA LAH
I witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner.

WA ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADAN '
WA RASULUH
And I witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
In the final Julus add this prayer on the Prophet:
ALLAHUMMA SALLI ' MUHAMMADIN WA
' ALI MUHAMMAD
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad

KAMA SALLAYTA ' IBRAHIMA WA ' ALI IBRAHIM
as you blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim,

WA BARIK ' MUHAMMADIN WA ' ALI MUHAMMAD
and pour baraka on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad

KAMA BARAKTA ' IBRAHIMA WA ' ALI IBRAHIM
as you poured baraka on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim

FI'' INNAKA HAMIDUN MAJID
In all the worlds. You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.