What is a mosque? Visiting one for the first time

What does the Quran say about mosques?

The Quran calls mosques places of worship, and says they belong to Allah alone. The verse goes on to say that no one should be prayed to alongside Him. The verse is about worship and calling on Allah alone. It is not evidence for any visitor rule, such as shoes, dress or who may enter.

Where do Muslims worship?

Muslims worship in mosques, which the Quran calls places of worship. The hadith also makes the earth itself a place of prayer. In a report in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that the earth had been made for him a mosque and a means of purification. He added that a man of his community whose prayer time arrived should pray.

1AuthenticSahih al-Bukhari 335

Sahih Muslim 521a reports the same five things in another wording, and says that the man whose prayer time arrived then prayed wherever he was.

2AuthenticSahih Muslim 521a

What should I do before I visit?

Look up the mosque's own website or contact its office, and check its stated hours. The Muslim Council of Britain's visitor guide says open days are drop-in and free. The campaign FAQ says most mosques welcome you to turn up on the day, though a few ask people to say they are coming, which is noted on the mosque's listing.

The visitor guide suggests that groups and school classes contact the mosque first, and says most mosques welcome private visits by arrangement. The FAQ says accessibility varies between mosques, so contact the mosque in advance if you have specific needs.

What should I wear?

According to the visitor guide, there is no strict dress code, but prayer areas are treated as sacred, so it suggests modest dress for men and women. The FAQ suggests modest, comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.

Women may wish to bring a scarf to cover their hair in the prayer area. The guide says this is usually optional for visitors. Each mosque may set its own expectations, so ask the one you plan to visit if you are unsure.

Wear shoes that are easy to take off, because you will be asked to remove them before the prayer hall. The FAQ suggests tidy socks as well.

What happens on a visit?

Every mosque is a little different. The visitor guide says you are usually welcomed by volunteers at a registration desk and shown to a main hall, often with tea. Many mosques offer guided tours of the building, and some show a short film or displays about Islam and the mosque's community work.

Refreshments are usually in a designated area. Eating and drinking do not take place in the prayer hall itself, the guide says.

How should I behave in the prayer area?

Visitor guidance, not a rule for every mosque. The points below are guidance for visitors. They do not establish a universal rule that every mosque follows.

Shoes: the FAQ says shoes come off in prayer areas 5. Follow your host's direction on where to leave them and where to sit or stand. Practice varies by mosque, so the host is the best guide on the day.

Photographs: the FAQ says these are usually allowed, but ask first, especially during prayers or of individual people 5.

Phone (our suggestion): keep your phone on silent. This is Ilmwell's general advice for any prayer room, not a rule that any particular mosque has set.

Donations: whether a mosque asks visitors for a donation, and how, is for that mosque to say. The FAQ says visits are free 5.

Can I watch a prayer, or join one?

Visitor guidance: you may be invited to watch a short prayer if one happens during your visit. The FAQ says you are welcome to watch respectfully, and you are never obliged to join in 5. This does not establish a rule that every mosque follows.

Many Muslims make wudu, the washing before prayer, before they pray. You can read how it is done in How to perform wudu: illustrated steps. Whether a visitor is asked to make wudu, and where to do it, is for the mosque to say.

What arrangements are there for women?

Arrangements vary by mosque. The FAQ says that accessibility varies between mosques, and that many have separate facilities for women 5. Before you go, ask where women sit and whether a woman host can show you around.

Who can go in?

The campaign welcomes neighbours of all faiths and none to its open days. The FAQ says you do not need to know anything about Islam to come, only bring your curiosity.

For a visit on another day, contact the mosque. The visitor guide says most mosques welcome private visits from schools, faith groups and anyone interested. Whether a particular mosque admits a visitor at a given time is for that mosque to say.

Families are welcome. Children come with an adult, and the FAQ says many mosques put on activities for children.

Is there a set of words for entering a mosque?

Sahih Muslim 713a reports the Prophet's words on entering and leaving a mosque.

The report gives a second supplication for leaving.

3AuthenticSahih Muslim 713a

The report does not make these words a condition for entering a mosque, and it does not set them as a test for visitors. Anyone who wants to learn them can ask a teacher or join a mosque class.

What should I ask the host?

These are practical questions, not tests of what you know about Islam.

• Which time suits a first visit, and do I need to book?
• Is there step-free access, and is there a quiet space if I need one?
• May I watch a prayer, and where should I sit or stand?
• Are photographs allowed, and are there beginner classes or open days?
• Where should I leave my shoes, and does the mosque ask visitors for a donation?

What if I want to learn more about Islam?

If you are thinking about Islam, ask the host for a conversation or a beginner lesson. Two places to start are What is Islam and How to become Muslim, which sets out the testimony of faith and the first steps.