Mosque

Of the essentials in the rites of worship, the mosque is the most important symbol. To Moslems, the mosque-the place of kneeling and site for worship-is the most important building. The mosque has a mihrab, or niche, which points to Mecca, the holy city. Each mosque is equipped with a pulpit for the Imam or religious leader and a lectern for the Qur'an.

A mosque has at least one minaret, or tower, from which the muezzin chants the call to prayer. A court and water fountain provide for the ceremonial washing before prayer. Colorful arabesques and Qur'anic verses written in large Arabic letters usually decorate the walls of the mosque.

As an RP, you must realize that mosques are not open to all non-Moslems. Unless you obtain special permission, you will not be allowed to enter a mosque. If you should receive permission to visit a mosque, remember to remove your shoes before entering, speak _{only in whispers,} and do not attempt to take photographs. You will see Moslems at prayer wherever they happen to be when the call for prayer is heard.

Most mosques house a religious elementary school where young scholars learn to read and memorize the Qur'an. Some special Islamic centers have a religious college where students may complete their religious education. A graduate, called a mullah, may teach in a primary school or preach in a mosque.

No statues, ritual objects, or pictures are permitted

^{within the mosque.} Ceremonies connected with marriage and birth are never permitted in the mosque. Moslems do not use music and singing with the service, but the Qur'an may be chanted by professional chanters called Muqr'i. Islamic tradition recommends group worship for each daily prayer, but Islamic law requires Moslems to pray the noon prayer on Friday. Consequently, many worshipers will enter the mosque for the noon Friday prayers and a platform may be required so the Imam or leader can deliver the sermon to the crowd of worshipers.

Imam

The Imam, or religious leader, is the chief officer in the mosque. The Imam's duty is to assume religious responsibilities, lead the people in prayer, deliver sermons, counsel readers, officiate at conversions and marriages, and take charge of an Islamic center. On special occasions, a distinguished visitor or religious leader may lead the public prayers. Although the Imam or leader will usually deliver the sermon, any Moslem, in fact, can conduct the service. Of course, the deeper the personal knowledge, the more entitled a person is to lead the service.

Other Essentials and Symbols

In the culture as well as the religion, the world of Islam includes certain symbols. Some of these symbols are essential gear for worship; others represent cultural standards and practices. Let's take a look at a few of these symbols and their associated rituals.

PRAYER RUG.- A prayer mat or rug on which to kneel for prayer is desirable and is usually placed in a ritually clean space for prayer. A prayer rug often contains symbols of Islamic beliefs. The symbols are highly stylized because of Islam's prohibition against the representation of animals and humans on any article that might enter the mosque or Islamic place of worship.

COLORS.- The color blue is associated with certain powers and is thought to have the power to ward off evil. Green is the holy color of Islam.

NUMBERS.- Moslems attach special significance to the number five. Five is used to represent the five pillars of Islam, the five members of Mohammed's family, the five daily prayers, or the five fingers of Mohammed's daughter, Fatima.

GESTURES.- The raised open hand is a powerful sign of good fortune and the ability to overcome evil.

STYLES.- The beard symbolizes a man's integrity. The moustache is a symbol of virility, masculinity, dignity, and strength. When a man strokes his moustache in connection with an oath or promise, it is a sign of sincerity. It is an insult to touch or defame a Moslem's moustache.

Now that we have looked at the rites and symbols of Islamic religion and culture, let's look at some of the major events in a Moslem's life cycle.