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
Nafilah (Voluntary Prayer)
Voluntary extra prayers beyond the five obligatory daily prayers.
Tashahhud (Testimony of Faith in Prayer)
The testimony of faith recited in the sitting position during prayer.
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in the last third of the night.
Sahifa al-Sajjadiyyah (The Psalms of Sajjad)
A collection of supplications from the 4th Imam, called "The Psalms of Islam."
Rawatib (Regular Sunnah Prayers)
The voluntary prayers regularly prayed before and after the obligatory prayers.
Isha (Night Prayer)
The fifth and final daily prayer, performed when darkness has fallen.