Topic

Mosque & Jumu'ah

Visiting a mosque, Friday prayer, mosque etiquette and finding a place to pray. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

How do I pray behind an imam?

To pray behind an imam, intend to follow him and make each move just after he does. Steps, Ameen, al-Fatiha views and common worries.

Yes, a woman can lead other women in prayer, says the majority, standing in the middle of the row. Here's what the schools say about men.

Any adult Muslim who prays correctly and recites the Quran well can lead the prayer; the best reciter has most right. See the conditions.

An imam leads the prayers and often teaches, preaches, counsels and conducts marriages and funerals. But an imam is not a priest. Here's why.

The iqamah is the short second call said right before prayer starts, telling people to line up. Learn its words and how it differs from adhan.

When you hear the adhan, repeat the caller's words, send blessings on the Prophet, say the wasilah dua, then get ready to pray. Step by step.

The adhan is the Islamic call to prayer, made five times a day. Learn its words and meaning, how it began with Bilal, and why it matters.

Mosques have minarets to call the adhan from a height and domes to cover big halls, but neither is required in Islam. Here's the history.

The main parts of a mosque are the prayer hall, mihrab, minbar, wudu area, and often a dome and minaret. Here's what each one is for.

A masjid is a mosque permanently dedicated to prayer; a musalla is any place used for prayer. See why the difference matters for rulings.

A mosque (masjid) is where Muslims gather to pray together. Learn what the word means, what happens inside, and how to visit one.

No, you never have to pay to pray at a mosque. Some Western mosques offer optional paid membership with voting rights. Other ways to support it.