THE MOSQUE

WHAT IS A MOSQUE?

• A mosque is a building in which Muslims worship God.
• Was center of town/community.
• Size depends on how many Muslims are in area.
• In most Islamic countries have mosques in every corner.
• Mohammad builds first mosque, Quba Mosque, in 622 A.D.

WHAT ARE MOSQUES USED FOR?

• They are used to worship God.
• Place for daily prayers, study, or rest and reflection.
• Holds funerals when a Muslim dies.
• Used for celebration, socialization, medical care, and education.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS OF A MOSQUE?

• The mosques are made of whatever material was around at the time and place that it was built. Ex: Great Mosque of Djenne is made of sand.
• The most fundamental necessity of a mosque must be able to hold whole town's population. All mosques must have long prayer halls, and at the end, an open courtyard, also known as the sahn, that often contains a fountain.
• Another essential element is a niche in the wall indicating direction to Mecca. The niche is also known as Mihrab.
• Another feature is the minaret, which is a tower adjacent or attached to a mosque, from which the call to prayer is announced.
• Another visible aspect are the domes, each mosque has one or more domes, called Qubba. It is a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven.
• All mosques also have nice furnishings and antiques.

GREAT MOSQUE OF SAMARRA

SULTAN OMAR ALI SAIFUDDIN MOSQUE

FAISAL MOSQUE-PAKISTAN