Mosques

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims. The English word mosque derives from the Arabic masjid, meaning 'place of prostration.' Mosques are oriented toward the qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, and serve as sites for communal prayer, learning, and gathering.

Typical features include a prayer hall, often open and carpeted, a mihrab indicating the qibla, and a minbar or pulpit from which the imam delivers sermons. Many mosques have one or more minarets for the call to prayer, though modern practices vary; courtyards and ablution facilities are common.

Muslim daily life centers on prayers. The five daily prayers (fajr, dhuhr, asr, maghrib, isha) are observed at specific times, and Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) are especially significant in many communities. The call to prayer, adhan, may be announced publicly, and the imam leads communal worship and sermons.

Historically, mosques originated in 7th-century Arabia, with early examples such as the Prophet's Mosque in Medina and the Quba Mosque. Over time, mosque architecture diversified regionally, producing Ottoman, Persian, Mughal, Moorish, and modern designs. Important features vary, but all serve worship and teaching purposes.

Beyond worship, mosques often function as community centers, offering education, charitable programs, and social services. They also host weddings, rites of passage, and interfaith activities. While they are places of devotion, mosques typically avoid representational art, and interiors emphasize geometric and calligraphic decoration.