Opinion

What is a Mosque to me?

By Fatima Ismail

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims.  The Arabic word for mosque is ‘masjid’ and it means ‘place of prostration’ to Allah.

It is primarily used for the 5 daily compulsory prayers that each adult Muslim must perform, preferably in congregation.

But a masjid is more than just a place to come and perform your prayers.  It is the hub and life of every community.

It is essential for the spiritual wellbeing of everyone. It delivers essential teachings to the children and study circles for teenagers and young people. It is place where one can attend lectures as adults and pampering sessions for the elderly.

It is essential for health promotion in our communities both by professional talks and recreational classes.

It is the place where new couples start their lives through their marriage ceremonies and the last place we visit before we are laid to rest.

It is a lifeline for reverts and people newly moved into the areas. It gives support and friendship opportunities to all.

It is ‘buzzing’ on the Friday prayer, in Ramadan and on the Eids…where people greet each other and give time to each other from the busy hectic lives we live.

It allows for interfaith bridges and educating the wider community with open days and school and scout visits.

 It helps to build relationships and comradeship in an age where we, as one creation, are all striving for the greater good in our lives and the lives of others.

It’s hard if there is no mosque in the community. We see a lack of peace, reduced uptake of health advice, increased depression, increased need of mental health counselling and lack of education in the wider community.

A mosque fulfils the need for all men and women, from all age groups and from all walks of life. It is a place to feel peace, hope and unity. It gives one a sense of belonging and renews one’s purpose.

A Masjid is the essential glue that holds a community together and there should be one for wherever there is a need.