Worship in the Mosque (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The mosque as a centre for Muslim worship

• Mosque or masjid means “place of prostration”

  • Prostration means lying down with arms outstretched as a sign of respect and worship

• The mosque is a place of prostration because it is a place of prayer

  • Here, Muslims pray and worship Allah and show their dedication and submission to him

• The mosque is a centre for Muslim prayer (salah). Each mosque contains:

  • Facilities for Muslims to perform wudu (or washing) before prayer, cleansing themselves spiritually to be ready for prayer

  • Clean, open space without furniture or distractions

  • Carpets for comfort and to serve as prayer mats during prayer and prostration

• The features and architecture of mosques all serve to remind Muslims of Allah’s presence and to help them submit to Allah in their prayer

The mosque as the centre of the ummah

• The mosque is also the centre of the ummah, the global community of Muslims

• It is a place where Muslims come together to pray as a global community

  • By performing the same words and actions as Muslims all over the world, the mosque is a place where Muslims are united as part of the global faith community

• The mosque also serves as a centre for the local community, holding many activities that unite Muslims, including:

  • Events to mark milestones in people’s lives, such as marriages, funerals and celebrations

  • Educational activities, such as Qur’an lessons

  • Advice centres, where people can seek help and guidance

  • Community and children’s groups

• The mosque is a centre that allows people to fulfil their duties and observe the Five Pillars of Islam

  • It is a place for salah

  • It is a place where zakat is collected

It is a place where Ramadan activities take place