Definition of Mosque or Masjid in Islam

"Mosque" is the English name for a Muslim place of worship, equivalent to a church, synagogue or temple in other faiths. The Arabic term for this Muslim house of worship is "masjid", which literally means "place of prostration" (in prayer). Mosques are also known as Islamic centers, Islamic community centers or Muslim community centers. During Ramadan, Muslims spend a lot of time at the masjid, or mosque, for special prayers and community events.

Some Muslims prefer to use the Arabic term and discourage the use of the word "mosque" in English. This is based in part on an erroneous belief that the English word derives from the word "mosquito" and is a derogatory term. Others simply prefer to use the term Arabic, as it describes the purpose and activities of a mosque more accurately using Arabic, which is the language of the Qur'an.

Mosques and the community
Mosques are found all over the world and often reflect the culture, heritage and local resources of its community. Although the design of the mosques varies, there are some characteristics that almost all mosques have in common. In addition to these basic functions, mosques can be large or small, simple or elegant. They can be built in marble, wood, mud or other materials. They can be scattered around internal courtyards and offices, or they can consist of a simple room.

In Muslim countries, the mosque can also hold educational lessons, such as Quran lessons, or organize charity programs such as food donations for the poor. In non-Muslim countries, the mosque can take on more of a community center role where people hold social events, dinners and meetings, as well as educational classes and study circles.

The head of a mosque is often called an Imam. Often there is a board of directors or another group that oversees the mosque's activities and funds. Another location in the mosque is that of a muezzin, who makes the call to prayer five times a day. In Muslim countries this is often a paid position; in other places, it may rotate as an honorary volunteer position within the congregation.

Cultural ties inside a mosque
Although Muslims can pray in any clean place and in any mosque, some mosques have certain cultural or national ties or can be frequented by certain groups. In North America, for example, a single city can have a mosque that caters to African American Muslims, another that houses a large population of South Asia - or they can be divided by sect into predominantly Sunni or Shiite mosques. Other mosques do everything to ensure that all Muslims feel welcome.

Non-Muslims are generally welcome as visitors to mosques, especially in non-Muslim countries or tourist areas. There are some common sense tips on how to behave if you are visiting a mosque for the first time.