Mosques are places of worship for Muslims, but also contain teaching and community spaces. They’re a central gathering place for Muslims, both for worship and faith and also for community and learning. The head of the mosque is the Imam, but not all mosques have one. Some mosques might use a visiting Imam, or members of the mosque community might serve as the prayer leader or teach from the Muslim Holy Book.
Most mosques are very welcoming communities—don’t be shy!
To greet someone, you can use the traditional Islamic greeting “Asalam ‘alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.” Don’t worry about mispronouncing it. Most people will be delighted you made the effort.
Feel free to shake hands with people of the same gender. When greeting someone of another gender, follow the other person’s lead. Some will be perfectly comfortable shaking hands; others will prefer not to. In such cases, a suitable alternative is to put your hand over your heart.
Remember it’s OK to make mistakes, as long as you’re being respectful and observant.
You might question whether a mosque is even open to you, if it would intrusive and disrespectful to go into a place of worship where you believe differently. However, like most churches and other places of worship, most mosques welcome visitors of other faiths.
Some mosques hold periodic interfaith gatherings or open houses, so you can look to see if one of these will be happening at your local mosque.
Men and women should both dress modestly, in looser-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs—no shorts or sleeveless shirts for either gender. Women should also bring a scarf. Not all mosques will ask female visitors to cover their heads, but it’s a sign of respect to have one ready. (But if you forget a scarf, don’t worry. Most mosques have extra.) Makeup is OK. And kids can wear whatever they want.
You’ll also want to be sure to wear clean socks or stockings, because you’ll be asked to remove your shoes before you enter the prayer area. (Many mosques have a room/shoe rack just off the entrance where you can safely store your shoes and other personal belongings.) You can do a quick web search for “mosque,” “Islamic center,” or “masjid” (the Arabic word for mosque) to find one close to you. Before you go, it’s a good idea to call and ask if they are welcoming visitors right now.
Many mosques understandably have heightened security. And in some cases, like after the New Zealand mass shooting, they might be asking visitors to schedule a visit for a later date.
You can also ask when would be the best time for you to visit. Friday prayers are often a great time to attend, meet community members, and observe worship customs.
Keep in mind that many mosques are rather small and might not have staff available to answer the phone at all times. If you call and don’t receive an answer, don’t be discouraged. Give it another try. You might also reach out by email, their Facebook page, or through their website, if they have one.
The head of the mosque is the Imam, but not all mosques have one. Some mosques might use a visiting Imam, or members of the mosque community might serve as the prayer leader or teach from the Muslim Holy Book.
Most mosques are very welcoming communities—don’t be shy!
To greet someone, you can use the traditional Islamic greeting “Asalam ‘alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.” Don’t worry about mispronouncing it. Most people will be delighted you made the effort.
Feel free to shake hands with people of the same gender. When greeting someone of another gender, follow the other person’s lead. Some will be perfectly comfortable shaking hands; others will prefer not to. In such cases, a suitable alternative is to put your hand over your heart.
Remember it’s OK to make mistakes, as long as you’re being respectful and observant.
You might question whether a mosque is even open to you, if it would intrusive and disrespectful to go into a place of worship where you believe differently. However, like most churches and other places of worship, most mosques welcome visitors of other faiths.
Some mosques hold periodic interfaith gatherings or open houses, so you can look to see if one of these will be happening at your local mosque.
Men and women should both dress modestly, in looser-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs—no shorts or sleeveless shirts for either gender. Women should also bring a scarf. Not all mosques will ask female visitors to cover their heads, but it’s a sign of respect to have one ready. (But if you forget a scarf, don’t worry. Most mosques have extra.) Makeup is OK. And kids can wear whatever they want.
You’ll also want to be sure to wear clean socks or stockings, because you’ll be asked to remove your shoes before you enter the prayer area. (Many mosques have a room/shoe rack just off the entrance where you can safely store your shoes and other personal belongings.)
You can do a quick web search for “mosque,” “Islamic center,” or “masjid” (the Arabic word for mosque) to find one close to you. Before you go, it’s a good idea to call and ask if they are welcoming visitors right now.
Many mosques understandably have heightened security. And in some cases, like after the New Zealand mass shooting, they might be asking visitors to schedule a visit for a later date.
You can also ask when would be the best time for you to visit. Friday prayers are often a great time to attend, meet community members, and observe worship customs.
Keep in mind that many mosques are rather small and might not have staff available to answer the phone at all times. If you call and don’t receive an answer, don’t be discouraged. Give it another try. You might also reach out by email, their Facebook page, or through their website, if they have one.