Masjid

Masjid, also transliterated as masjid or musjid, from Arabic المسجد, literally “place of prostration,” is a place of worship for Muslims. In Islamic usage, a masjid refers to any site where Muslims gather for prayer and community activities; commonly translated as mosque in English. The term encompasses both simple prayer spaces and large religious complexes. Some mosques function as social centers, schools, and charitable hubs.

Origins and history: The earliest mosque was the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, established by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE after the migration from Mecca, with the adjacent Quba Mosque among the oldest. Early masjids were modest prayer spaces, and over centuries regional architectural styles developed, introducing domes, minarets, mihrabs, and minbars.

Architecture and features: The most recognizable elements include the mihrab, a niche indicating the Qibla toward Mecca, and the minbar, a pulpit for sermons. A minaret is commonly used to call to prayer. The central prayer hall generally faces the Qibla. Ablution facilities for ritual purity (wudu) are typically available. Not all masjids have domes or tall minarets, and designs vary widely across cultures.

Functions: Daily prayers and the Friday Jumu’ah prayer are core activities, but mosques also host Qur’an recitation, study circles, and community services. They may provide education, welfare programs, and cultural events. Practices regarding gender-separated spaces vary by community.

Notable examples: Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca; Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina; Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem are among the holiest sites in Islam. The term masjid is widely used across the Muslim world, while "mosque" remains the common English term.