The Role of Mosques in Islam: Complete Guide!

Mosques are those simple and sometimes iconic buildings where Muslims gather frequently. If If you’ve ever wondered about the significance of and their role in Muslim community, this article will provide answers to these questions and even more!

What is a Mosque in Islam?

A mosque is a place of prayers for Muslims. Muslim men are obligated to pray together five times a day at the nearest mosque. These prayers, aligned with the path of the sun in the sky, are known as Fajr (before dawn), Dhuhr (afternoon), Asr (late afternoon), Maghrib (after sunset), and Isha (nighttime).

What is Mosque Architecture and its Main Features?

A mosque is typically characterized as an enclosed space with a roof, housing essential elements such as Mihrab, indicating the direction of Mecca that Muslims face during prayer. 

Larger mosques often contain aminbar, which is a pulpit where the imam, the leader of prayers, stand up to deliver sermons.Additional components of a typical mosque include a minaret, a tower with a balcony used for the call to prayer, a dome, and ablution areas for washing before prayers.  Women have separate rooms or halls designated for prayer. 

How Have Mosques Evolved over Time in Islamic History?

Mosques have evolved over time in Islamic history. The first mosque was built by prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina, right after his migration from Mecca. It consisted of a simple courtyard structure built in unbaked brick, with a rectangular, almost square, floor plan. Early mosques consisted of open-air courtyards with a covered space for prayer, facing Mecca. 

The architecture of these mosques was simple and functional, reflecting the modesty and simplicity of the early Islamic community. Mosque architecture changed over years  and evolved reflecting the culture of their era. 

The Umayyad Caliphate, which ruled from Damascus between 661 and 750 CE (41 -132 A.H), was responsible for the construction of some of the most iconic early Islamic buildings such as Qubbat al-Ṣakhrah, (built in Jerusalem in 691 CE i.e 71 A.H). (Cited from The Halal Times)

How is the Glorious Islamic Era Reflected in Mosque Architecture?

  Mosque architecture reached its peak of beauty and sophistication during the Islamic Golden Age which lasted from the 8th to the 14th century (from 79 A.H to 803 A.H). Mosques were distinguished by detailed geometric patterns, calligraphy as well as the use of materials such as marble, stone, and tile. 

The Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul typically reflect such a glorious Islamic era.

Domes, minarets, Islamic motifs and intricate tile works were widely used during the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the 16^th Century (between 905 A.H and 1009 A.H). 

Nowadays, modern mosques continue to evolve reflecting modern architectural designs and materials. For example, Faisal Mosque in Pakistan is built entirely out of steel and glass featuring an outstanding modern design. (Cited from The Halal Times). 

Though the outer designs of mosques witnessed drastic changes since the establishment of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina, their spiritual significance never changed.

Why is the Mosque Important for Worship?

Mosques are ideal places for Muslims to pray, recite Qur’an and supplicate to Allah in an atmosphere full of serenity and complete surrender to their Creator. They are ordained not to raise their voices or make any noise that may disturb worshippers. Mosques are houses of worship that Allah ordered to be raised so His Name can be mentioned all daytime. 

“That light (Allah’s light) shines˺ through houses ˹of worship˺ which Allah has ordered to be raised, and where His Name is mentioned. He is glorified there morning and evening by men who are not distracted—either by buying or selling—from Allah’s remembrance, or performing prayer, or paying alms-tax. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will tremble”.  (Al Noor 36:37)

What are the Five Mosques Mentioned in Quran?

It is believed that five mosques are mentioned in the Quran. However, there is no authentic reference to that. Trustful interpreters of Quran verses stated that the following four mosques were mentioned in the Quran (not necessarily by name).

1. The Great Mosque of Makkah:

The Great Mosque of Makkah is known as “Masjid Al-Haram” means “The Sacred Mosque”. It is a large Mosque in the city of Makkah. Millions of Muslims every year visit the house of Allah to perform the minor and the major pilgrimages (Umrah and Hajj).

“Remember We made the House a place of gathering for men and a place of safety; and you may take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).”

 (Al-Baqara 2:125)

2.The Quba Mosque:

The Quba Mosque is the first mosque built by prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his companions right after he migrated from Mecca and settled in Al-Madina. It is mentioned in the Quran as a mosque that was founded on piety and righteousness.

“Certainly, a mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy of your prayers. In it are men who love to be purified. And Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (Al-Tawba 9:108)

3. Mosque of Al-Aqsa:

The mosque of Al-AqsaLocated ,located in the old city of Jerusalem, is appointed as the first Qibla of Islam i.e., the direction faced by Muslims during prayers. Allah rewarded his messenger who grieved over the death of both his beloved wife Khadiga and his uncle Abu Taleb-by granting him a journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. In the latter, he met all the previous prophets and led them in a prayer in the Mosque of Al-Aqsa.   

“Glory to Allah, Who did take His servant for a journey by night, from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless – in order that We might show him some of Our signs. For He is the One who hears and knows all things.”  

(Al-Israa 17:1)

4. Masjid Al-Dirar

Masjid Al-Dirar was built by hypocrites in Madina. Their main purpose was to prepare mischievous plots to destabilize the new Islamic community, not to worship Allah.

“There are also those ˹hypocrites˺ who set up a mosque ˹only˺ to cause harm, promote disbelief, divide the believers, and as a base for those who had previously fought against Allah and His Messenger. They will definitely swear, “We intended nothing but good,” but Allah bears witness that they are surely liars.”

(Al-Tawba 9:107)

What is the Importance of the Prophet’s Mosque?

Although the Prophet’s Mosque (known as Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) was not mentioned in the Quran, it has a great significance. It was the second mosque built by Prophet Mohammed and his companions in Al-Madina. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

   “Do not prepare yourself for a journey except to three Mosques i.e. The Great Mosque of Makkah, the Mosque of Aqsa and My Mosque.” (Bukhari 20:2)

He also (PBUH) said:

“One prayer in my mosque (in Madinah) is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except in Al-Masjid Al-Haram (in Makkah), and one prayer in the Al-Masjid Al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” (Al-Abaani, Sahih)

What Are Quran Verses about Mosques?

The fact that the word “mosque” is mentioned 28 times in the Quran reveals the importance of such sacred places in the Islamic faith. Here are some examples of how the word “mosque” is mentioned in Quran:

1. Allah asserted that only true believers constantly establish their prayers in mosques and never leave them abandoned.

“The mosques of Allah should only be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and fear none but Allah. It is right to hope that they will be among the ˹truly˺ guided.”

 (Al-Tawba 9:18)

2. Mosques are places of worshiping Only Allah-this is a definite principle in Islamic religion.

“The places of worship are ˹only˺ for Allah, so do not invoke anyone besides Him” 

(Al-Jinn 72:18)

3. Allah warned those who will try to destroy mosques or prevent worshippers from going there.

“Who does more wrong than those who prevent Allah’s Name from being mentioned in His places of worship and strive to destroy them? Such people have no right to enter these places except with fear. For them is disgrace in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter”

(Al-Baqarah 2:114)

4. As for true believers, they are ordained to worship Allah sincerely in mosques or any place of prostration. 

“Say to them (O Muhammad): ‘My Lord enjoins justice; and that you set your faces a right at the time of every Prayer; and that you call upon Him, exclusively dedicating your faith to Him. You shall return to Him as you were created.”

 (Al Araaf 7:29)

5. Muslim prayers should dress clean and proper garments. Their general appearance should be decent.

“Children of Adam! Take your adornment at every time of Prayer; and eat and drink without going to excesses. For Allah does not like those who go to excess.”

 (Al Araaf 7:31) 

6. Men are ordered not to be intimate with their wives in case they went into seclusion (spending time in praying, reciting Quran and glorifying Allah’s name in mosques during a certain period without engaging in any secular matters).

“…you should not have intercourse with your wives while you confine yourselves to mosques.” 

(Al Baqarah 2:187)

Why is the Mosque Considered a Place of Worship in Islam?

The main purpose of a mosque is to provide a place for Muslims to pray together five times a day. However, it also serves as a peaceful place to worship Allah and perform many Islamic rituals. In mosques, Muslims can sincerely recite the Quran and supplicate to Allah and remember His name. 

What is the Role of Mosques in Islam? What are the Benefits of Mosques?

Mosques play an important role in Islam. The benefits of establishing mosques are multiple. The role of mosques is not confined to helping Muslims increase their piety by performing spiritual rituals. It also contributes largely to the development and reinforcement of the whole Islamic community. Since the establishment of Prophet Mohammed ‘s Mosque in Al-Madina and till now, mosques have acted as leading educational and social centers.

What Activities Take Place in Mosques beside Prayer?

There are diverse activities that take place in a mosque beside prayer. Not only Islamic studies classes are held but also many other social activities are organized such as food drives, clothing donations or fundraising campaigns for the poor and needy. 

Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, many mosques offer free community Iftar meals. Sometimes, blood donations are open for mosque attendees. As for young Muslims, some mosques provide summer camps or recreational trips giving them the chance to make new friendships and have an enjoyable time. 

What is the role of Mosques in Islamic education? How does a mosque contribute to the education of Muslims?

Mosques contribute largely to the education of Muslims. Almost all mosques hold classes for teaching Muslims -whether adults or kids- the right recitation of Quran verses (Tajweed), in addition to helping them memorize Quran with a step-by-step approach.

Islamic scholars are welcome to give lectures about different topics such as the interpretation and reflection of certain Quran verses, Hadith (i.e., the sayings or traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the life story of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) or his companions, or simply any moral topic. Special Quran recitation classes can be organized for illiterate Muslims, and sometimes volunteers educate them how to read and write Arabic.

What is the Role of Mosques in society? How Do Mosques Serve the Muslim Community?

The role of mosques in society is central and vital, serving the Muslim community in many aspects. They offer diverse educational classes on Quran recitation, Hadiths, and Islamic values. 

Mosques contribute significantly to increasing Muslims’ knowledge about the glory and beauty of the religion of Islam. This helps create generations deeply devoted to Allah, sincerely willing to apply Islamic ethics such as fairness, consideration, honesty, justice, and bravery. These values contribute to cultural development and community enrichment.

Mosques are significant centers for providing the right and moderate Islamic principles. They play a crucial role in dispelling any misconceptions about Islam that may lead to extremism or violence.

How Does a Mosque Foster community Spirit in Islam?

Mosques foster community spirit in Islam. Social solidarity and unity among Muslims are reinforced as worshippers pray to Allah together-standing shoulder to shoulder, regardless of their social status or age. 

Mosques-especially big ones- are perfect places for social gatherings such as marriage ceremonies or funerals. Muslims share their joy or grieves with their fellows under one roof-this enhances their bonds of brotherhood.

Mosques’ attendees are encouraged to volunteer for the poor and needy in the neighborhood-spreading values of consideration, empathy and mercy among society. 

What is the Significance of the Friday Prayer at the Mosque?

Friday prayer at the mosque has a great significance. In Islam, Friday is not an ordinary day. It is a special day that witnesses the congregation of Muslims to pray Friday midday prayer, known as “Jummah”. 

While Muslim men are ordered to leave any worldly matter behind and hasten to mosques to pray and glorify Allah’s name, women are not obliged but they are welcome to attend such prayer.

“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salah on Al-Jumu`ah (Friday), then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business. That is better for you if you did but know!”

 (Al-Jummah 62:9)

The Imam (the prayer leader) delivers a two-part sermon which tackles different topics that are vital to the whole community. It may be centered about any current social or political concern that faces Muslims whether locally or worldwide. 

Muslims sit together under one roof for about one hour listening to the sermon and praying in congregation every week-a ritual that surely spreads a spirit of solidarity and union among the Muslim community. It is also an opportunity for every single Muslim to renew and strengthen his piety and spirituality on a weekly basis.

What is the Role of the Imam in a Mosque?

The Imam has a leading role in his mosque. He leads all the five prayers performed per day, in addition to any other special prayers such as those performed for funerals, for rain, during an eclipse, and Taraweeh (voluntary prayer that is performed during the month of Ramadan). 

He is also responsible for delivering sermons every week on Friday prayers, and occasionally at Eid Al-Fitr and Al-Adha prayers (the two major Islamic festivals). The Imam should be very knowledgeable about Tajweed (the right pronunciation of Quran verses) and other Islamic sciences such as Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). 

He should be aware of all current Muslim issues so he can deliver effective sermons. He acts as a role model for Muslims especially youth-as he educates and guides them to the correct understanding of Islam away from radical or extremist viewpoints. 

Meanwhile, some Imams offer religious or personal counseling for mosque attendees. He may generally lead any educational activities or social gatherings hosted in a mosque.

Conclusion:

In brief, mosques are not mere buildings constructed for worship. They play a fundamental role in every Muslim community by providing diverse educational classes, hosting social gatherings and sponsoring different charitable campaigns. Its role in spreading solidarity, compassion and unity between Muslims is undeniable. Leaders of mosques present a guidance for Islam’s real precious virtues and clarify common misconceptions.  (Want to know some of these misconceptions? Read this article: Is The Kaaba An Idol? Do Muslims Worship The Kaaba Or The Black Stone?