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
Khutbah (Sermon)
The Islamic sermon delivered before the Friday prayer and at the Eid prayers.
Najasah (Ritual Impurity)
Impure substances that must be removed before prayer according to Islamic law.
Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence)
Islamic legal theory that defines the methods for deriving legal rules from the sacred sources.
Nubuwwah (Prophethood)
Belief in prophethood — the third article of faith in Shia Islam.
Mihrab (Prayer Niche)
The semicircular niche in the mosque wall that indicates the qibla direction.
Niyyah (Intention)
The conscious intention in the heart to perform a specific prayer.