What is mosque?

More than just a place of worship for Muslims, mosques often serve as community centers and schools.
Mosques range widely in architectural styles, all have certain requirements. A mosque, coming from the
Arabic term masjid, or place of prostration, is a place of worship for Muslims. Observant Muslims pray
five times a day, including a communal prayer on Fridays, which makes the importance of a place to pray
apparent. Worthy of note is that a mosque is a permanent place of prayer; sites that are for temporary
use, such as tents or short-term rental properties, are not called mosques, but instead masallas, or
places of prayer.

However, since the earliest days of Islam, mosques have evolved to be much more than simply places of
prayer. Required charity, or zakat, is distributed from mosques. Additionally, mosques often offer
educational classes, especially Arabic language courses in non-Arabic speaking countries.

Requirements
Mosques are established as permanent places of prayer and meeting, and look quite different than
Christian churches. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the complete absence of seating or pews.
Instead, Muslims pray on designated spots on the floor, more often than not with the men in the front,
and women in the back or in another space.

All Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca, and every mosque has a mihrab, a small niche in the wall
that faces Mecca. As such, mosques are often built in alignment with the holy city. Additionally,
mosques are places of ritual purity: Muslims are required to wash their hands, feet, and faces before
prayers, and all visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering the mosque itself. Furthermore,
the Friday prayers offer the opportunity for the prayer leader, or Imam, to offer a brief lesson, or
khutba, given from the minbar, which is the same thing as a pulpit.

However, many mosques have other architectural features that are useful for worship services. Some
may have separate wings for men and women, because segregation, while no means universal, is still
very much the norm in Islamic services. Additionally, mosques play a call to prayer, the adhan, often
from a tall tower called a minaret. In recent times, these calls have become played over large
loudspeakers in major cities, although some smaller towns still have a designated person, known as the
muezzin, sing the call to prayer every few hours from the top of the minaret.

What are the three types of mosques?

There are generally considered to be three main types of mosque architectural styles. The three styles
are hypostyle, four-iwan, and centrally planned.

What does the word mosque literally mean?

The term "mosque" derives in origin from the Arabic "masjid." The term translates to "place of worship,"
or "place of prostration."
Is a mosque a house of God?

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims. They pray and give themselves up in prostration to
God/Allah, so a mosque is considered a house of God.

What is the biggest purpose of a mosque?

The mosque may serve many purposes within a community. But, the main purpose is its use as a place
of worship and prayer for Muslims.

Famous Muslim architects have contributed significantly to the field of mosque architecture. Their definitions of a mosque often
emphasize the spiritual and communal aspects of the space. Here are a few quotes from renowned Muslim architects:

1. Hassan Fathy: "A mosque is not just a place for prayer; it is a place for gathering, for education, for social interaction. It should
be a sanctuary that reflects the values and aspirations of the community."

2. Sinan: "A mosque is a living organism, a space that unites believers in prayer and contemplation. Its design should inspire awe
and humility, connecting people to the divine."

3. Zaha Hadid: "A mosque is an expression of faith, a symbol of unity and peace. It should embrace modernity while respecting
tradition, creating a harmonious balance between the spiritual and the contemporary."

4. Rifat Chadirji: "A mosque is a sacred place that transcends its physical form. It should be a source of inspiration, fostering a
sense of belonging and providing solace to the soul."

These architects highlight the mosque's role as more than just a place of worship, emphasizing its significance as a community
center, a symbol of unity, and a source of spiritual nourishment.

These architects define mosques as sacred spaces that serve as centers of worship, community gathering, and spiritual reflection
within the Islamic tradition. Here are some key aspects of how these architects approach the design and definition of mosques:

1. Hassan Fathy: For Hassan Fathy, mosques are not just places of prayer but also symbols of cultural identity and community
cohesion. Fathy views mosques as architectural expressions of Islamic values, incorporating elements such as courtyard spaces,
minarets, and decorative details that reflect the spiritual and cultural significance of these sacred spaces.

2. Ken Yeang: Ken Yeang sees mosques as opportunities to showcase sustainable design principles in harmony with Islamic
teachings on environmental stewardship. Yeang defines mosques as buildings that should respect the natural environment,
incorporate passive design strategies, and promote energy efficiency while providing a tranquil and spiritually uplifting
atmosphere for worshipers.

3. Jean Nouvel: Jean Nouvel approaches mosque design as a fusion of traditional Islamic architectural elements with
contemporary design concepts. Nouvel defines mosques as spaces that should evoke a sense of spirituality and contemplation
through innovative spatial arrangements, light effects, and material choices that reflect the cultural and historical context of
Islamic architecture.
4. Rifat Chadirji: Rifat Chadirji views mosques as architectural expressions of regional identity and cultural heritage. Chadirji
defines mosques as buildings that should embody a synthesis of modernist design principles with traditional architectural forms
and decorative motifs, creating spaces that resonate with the cultural memory and historical context of the community they serve.

Overall, these architects define mosques as more than just places of worship; they see them as architectural embodiments of
spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, environmental values, and community identity within the Islamic context. Their diverse
approaches to mosque design reflect a deep understanding of the multifaceted roles that mosques play in the lives of believers
and communities around the world.

Accessibility in a mosque is an important consideration to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of physical
abilities, can participate fully in the religious and communal activities. Here are some key aspects of accessibility in a mosque:

1. Physical Accessibility: Mosques should be designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. This includes
providing ramps, elevators, and accessible entrances to ensure that individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges
can enter the mosque easily.

2. Prayer Area Accessibility: The prayer area should be designed to allow easy access for individuals with disabilities. This may
involve providing designated spaces for wheelchair users and ensuring that there are no physical barriers that would prevent
individuals with mobility impairments from joining congregational prayers.

3. Ablution Facilities: Ablution areas should be designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This may involve
providing lower sinks and handrails to assist those with mobility challenges.

4. Visual and Auditory Accessibility: Mosques should consider the needs of individuals with visual or hearing impairments.
This may involve providing Braille signage, auditory aids, or ensuring that sermons and religious lectures are accessible through
sign language interpretation or assistive listening devices.

5. Inclusive Programming: Mosques should strive to offer inclusive programming that takes into account the needs of all
community members, including those with disabilities. This may involve providing educational materials in accessible formats
and ensuring that community events and activities are planned with accessibility in mind.

6. Awareness and Sensitivity: It's important for mosque leaders and community members to be educated about the needs of
individuals with disabilities and to foster a culture of inclusion and support within the community.

By incorporating these elements, mosques can create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all members of the
community, regardless of their physical abilities.

Circulation in a mosque refers to the movement of people within the mosque premises. It is important to ensure that the layout
and design of the mosque allow for smooth and efficient circulation of worshippers and visitors. Here are some key
considerations for circulation in a mosque:

1. Entrances and Exits: The mosque should have clearly marked entrances and exits that are easily accessible to all visitors,
including those with disabilities. These entry points should be wide enough to accommodate the flow of people entering and
leaving the mosque, especially during busy prayer times.

2. Prayer Hall Layout: The layout of the prayer hall should be designed to allow for easy movement of worshippers during
congregational prayers. There should be clear pathways leading to designated prayer areas, and sufficient space between prayer
lines to allow for movement and prostration.
3. Traffic Flow: Consideration should be given to the flow of foot traffic within the mosque, especially during peak times such
as Friday prayers or religious festivals. Clear signage and guidance can help direct worshippers to different areas of the mosque
without causing congestion or confusion.

4. Ablution Areas: Ablution areas should be located in convenient and easily accessible locations within the mosque premises.
Adequate space should be provided for worshippers to perform ablutions without overcrowding or causing bottlenecks.

5. Accessibility: Circulation routes within the mosque should be designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This
may involve providing ramps, handrails, and other accommodations to ensure that all worshippers can move around the mosque
comfortably.

6. Emergency Egress: In case of emergencies, it is important to have clear pathways for evacuation in place. Emergency exits
should be clearly marked and kept free of obstructions to ensure a safe and swift evacuation if needed.

By carefully planning the layout and circulation routes within a mosque, community members can ensure a smooth and efficient
flow of worshippers while also prioritizing accessibility and safety for all individuals.

Walkways in a mosque are essential for facilitating the movement of worshippers and visitors within the mosque premises. Here
are some key considerations for designing walkways in a mosque:

1. Width: Walkways should be wide enough to accommodate the flow of foot traffic, especially during peak times such as
congregational prayers. A minimum width of around 1.5 to 2 meters is recommended to allow for comfortable passage of
individuals, including those with mobility aids or strollers.

2. Smooth Surfaces: The surfaces of walkways should be smooth and free of obstacles to ensure safe and easy movement.
Consider using materials such as non-slip tiles or carpeting to provide traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

3. Directional Signage: Clear directional signage can help guide worshippers to different areas of the mosque, such as the prayer
hall, ablution areas, and restrooms. Signage should be prominently displayed and easily visible to avoid confusion and ensure
efficient circulation.

4. Lighting: Adequate lighting along walkways is important for safety and visibility, especially during evening prayers or events.
Ensure that walkways are well-lit with sufficient lighting fixtures to illuminate the path and prevent accidents.

5. Aesthetics: Consider incorporating elements of Islamic architecture and design into the walkways to enhance the overall
aesthetic appeal of the mosque. This can include decorative arches, calligraphy, or geometric patterns that reflect the cultural and
religious significance of the mosque.

6. Accessibility: Walkways should be designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs
or mobility aids. Ensure that walkways have ramps, handrails, and other accommodations to provide a barrier-free environment
for all worshippers.

7. Maintenance: Regular maintenance of walkways is important to ensure their longevity and safety. Periodic cleaning, repair of
damaged surfaces, and removal of debris or obstacles can help maintain a smooth and safe walking environment for worshippers.

By incorporating these considerations into the design and maintenance of walkways in a mosque, community members can create
a welcoming and functional space that promotes smooth circulation and accessibility for all worshippers.
The entrance of a mosque is an important focal point that sets the tone for the overall experience of worshippers and visitors.
Here are some key considerations for designing an inviting and functional entrance for a mosque:

1. Architectural Features: The entrance of a mosque often serves as a prominent architectural element that reflects the cultural
and religious significance of the building. Consider incorporating traditional Islamic design elements such as arches, domes,
calligraphy, and geometric patterns to create a visually striking entrance that conveys the identity of the mosque.

2. Accessibility: Ensure that the entrance is accessible to individuals with disabilities by providing ramps, handrails, and other
accommodations as needed. Accessibility features such as automatic doors, tactile paving, and clear signage can help create a
welcoming environment for all worshippers.

3. Security: Implement security measures such as CCTV cameras, lighting, and controlled access points to ensure the safety and
security of worshippers and the mosque premises. Consider installing security personnel or volunteers at the entrance to monitor
incoming and outgoing traffic.

4. Shoe Storage: Provide designated areas for worshippers to store their shoes before entering the mosque, in accordance with
Islamic customs. Shoe racks or shelves near the entrance can help keep the area organized and free of clutter.

5. Informational Signage: Display clear and informative signage at the entrance to guide worshippers to different areas of the
mosque, such as the prayer hall, ablution facilities, restrooms, and administrative offices. Signage should be in multiple
languages to cater to a diverse congregation.

6. Ablution Facilities: If possible, locate ablution facilities near the entrance to allow worshippers to perform ritual washing
before entering the prayer hall. Ensure that the ablution area is well-maintained, equipped with running water, and accessible to
all worshippers.

7. Welcoming Environment: Create a welcoming atmosphere at the entrance by incorporating landscaping, seating areas, and
decorative elements that invite worshippers to pause and reflect before entering the mosque. Consider adding greenery, water
features, or shaded areas to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the entrance.

By carefully considering these aspects in the design of the entrance of a mosque, community members can create a welcoming
and functional space that reflects the values and traditions of their faith community.