Title: Unit 6b: What is the role of the mosque
1Unit 6b What is the role of the mosque?
- Look at these pictures of mosques.
- What differences do you notice?
- What are the similarities?
2Unit 6b What is the role of the mosque?
Mosques are built so that they face towards
Makkah, which is the birthplace of the prophet
Muhammed . Which direction is Makkah from
the UK?
Makkah
U.K.
3Unit 6b What is the role of the mosque?
The mosque is a sacred space where Muslims come
to pray.
There is an area where Muslims can perform wudu.
This is when Muslims wash themselves in
preparation for prayer.
The main area of the mosque is where Muslims
gather to pray, facing towards Mecca. The floor
is usually covered with carpet or rugs, upon
which the believers kneel during prayers.
4Unit 6b What is the role of the mosque?
The mosque is also a central point for the Muslim
community who belong to it, and has many other
functions apart from the daily prayers. These
include
Advice centre
Quran school
Funerals
Weddings
Arabic lessons
Community meals
Islamic library
Youth activities
Research the activities which go on at your local
mosque, church, community group or
school. Design a poster or leaflet which
explains the different functions of the building
or group you have chosen.
5Unit 6b What is the role of the mosque?
Things to think about before a visit to a
mosque. What are you expecting to see? How do
you think you will feel? How should you behave
during the visit? Is it important to observe
rules, such as taking off your shoes, keeping
quiet, etc? What do you think the people who use
the mosque will be expecting from you and your
group? How are you going to record the things
you learn on your visit?