So, You Want To Go To the Mosque

By Sara Umm Zaid

Alhamdulilah (all praise to God), you've made the choice to visit the mosque (or masjid, in Arabic) for the first time. Perhaps you are a non Muslim interested in Islam. Or maybe you are a new Muslim wanting to put down roots in your community. In any case, you've come to the right place.

How Do I Find A Mosque?

If you don't already know where a local masjid is, there are several different ways to locate one. You can look in the Yellow Pages under "Mosques, Islamic," or "Churches, Islamic." If there is nothing listed there, try, "Religious Organizations." If that fails, try the Business White Pages. Look under "M," as many mosques are called "Masjid So and So," or under "I" for "Islamic Center." If this fails, you might want to try the Internet, as many smaller mosques are not listed in the Yellow or White Pages for some reason. Your best bet is to go to www.islamicfinder.org, and enter your city or zip code into the search engine. If you still don't turn up anything, find out if there is a Muslim student group at the closest college or university (search their campus directory online). The group may go by the names Muslim Student Association (MSA), or Islamic Students Association (ISA), or Islamic Students Union (ISU).

Should I Call Them First? When Are They Open?

It is best for you to call the mosque first, as most masajid (pl.) are not open all day, every day (especially the smaller ones). Be aware that some masjids are specially oriented to a specific ethnic group, and the person who answers the phone may not speak English well, or speak English at all. What you say to them depends on how much you want to reveal about yourself. You may just want to ask when they have their social get togethers (dinner and a dars), or when there is a new Muslim class. It may be that the mosque has no social functions. In this case, the best thing would be to go on Friday afternoons, when congregational prayers are held. Ask the masjid when their "Jumu'ah (Joo-mah) Prayer" starts.

If you feel up to it, you may want to tell the person who answers the phone (usually the imam or a manager) that you are interested in Islam or new to Islam. In such a case, they might schedule a time for you to come in, talk, ask questions, and so on.

What Do I Wear?

For men, it is best to avoid any t-shirts or clothes with images or slogans on them. Wear loose fitting pants, clean socks, and a loose fitting shirt. You do not need to wear a skull cap (kufi), or any special type of Eastern clothing.

For women, you would want to wear a long skirt and a loose fitting long sleeved top, loose fitting pants with a loose long sleeved top that covers at least to your thighs, or a long sleeved, long (ankle length is best) dress, and socks. Some mosques do require that non Muslim women cover their heads, so it is best to take along a scarf of some type (or a hat if you don’t have a scarf). Avoid wearing makeup, perfume, or nail polish if you can, as well as any jewelry that features human or animal figures.

What Do I Do When I Get There?

If you are coming for an appointment with the Imam, simply seek out the office and he will guide you from there. If you are coming for a class or get together, find out if there is a room strictly for social functions and eating or if everyone is gathered in the prayer area (musalah). If you are coming for Friday prayers, find out where the musalah is (there is almost always a separate room for women).

Before entering the musalah, you should remove your shoes and put them on the shelves by the doorway. If you are like me, you will want to take a seat against the back wall, so that you are out of the way, but can still observe everything. In mosques, there are no pews or benches, and worshippers sit on the floor. However, chairs are usually provided for pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled. When you enter the musalah take extra special care not to walk in front of anyone who is engaged in the ritual prayer (they may be standing, bowing, prostrating, or sitting with their legs tucked underneath them and whispering prayers quietly). If you are attending Jumu'ah prayers, and arrive after the sermon (khutbah) has started, then it would be best for you to hold off your questions or conversation until the entire prayer is over.

When you sit down, take care to sit "Indian style," as it is considered offensive to sit with your legs stretched out and the soles of your feet facing towards the direction of Makkah (the qibla). Naturally, one should not be drinking anything, or chewing gum, or anything like that. If you are a new Muslim and are attending Jumu'ah prayers for the first time, it would be better for you to make your ritual ablutions at home.

A Word About Masjid Politics

Sadly, many masjids have internal strife. If you are a new member, especially if you are a new Muslim, you may find that various factions will try to draw you to their "side" of the dispute. Avoid, avoid, avoid any masjid politics. Remember that your purpose in coming to the mosque is to learn about Islam and worship side by side with fellow Muslims. Disputes about who should be on the board or how the electricity bill should be paid are none of your concern and serve only as a distraction.

You may also find that, as a new Muslim, you are "on display," so to speak. Many new Muslims find this to be very aggravating and offensive, as well as a distraction from learning about Islam. Know that for many immigrant Muslims, the idea that an American would choose Islam is very fascinating, and sometimes puzzling. They may show how overjoyed they are by constantly calling you on the phone, or leading you by the hand, or otherwise making you feel that you are being babied. Try to be patient and remember that they have good intentions. Other times, you may run into resentment about your conversion, as some people mistakenly believe that Islam is a religion only for people from their ethnic group. If the masjid you attend has too much of this, find another one. You are not bound to continue attending the first masjid you ever visited.

Allah Ya Barak Fi!

Well, you're ready to face going to the masjid for the first time. You may be nervous, you may run into people who speak little or no English, and you may be uncomfortable or disappointed in your first experience(s). The ultimate goal for the Muslim is seek her Creator, so keep that in the forefront of your mind when you visit the masjid. If you do, you will find the experience meaningful, insha'Allah.

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