The purpose of mosques?

[RyanHainey]

Welcome.
My name is Ryan Hainey, I am a second year anthropology student from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. I was wondering if you would be willing to spare a few moments to share your experience as followers of the muslim faith.

Fistly, I think I should explain a little of what I am attempting to achieve. The study of anthropology involves analysing aspects of society to gain a better understanding of its functions. Part of my degree in anthropology involves carrying out a research project on a 'space' of my choosing. I have decided to investigate the function of the mosque as the center for muslim identity and community.

Would you be willing to share your experience of attending the mosque?
What function do you think the mosque holds in relation to your ehtnic and cultural identiy?
What, in your opinion, is the purpose of the mosque?
In a post-9/11 climate how do you percieve (a) the function of the mosque to have changed; (b) perception towards mosques and muslims in general to have changed?
When is attendance at the mosque inapropriate?


All replies will be greatly recieved, and information provided will be used in the strictest of confidence.

[Tayeb]

Dear Ryan:

Welcome to myiwc.com. I'll try to help you as much as I can.

I'd like to draw your attention to the following article:

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=410

Any Muslims' life revolves around his local mosque. Why? Firstly because we pray 5 times a day and the best method of prayer is the congregational one. If you want to know how we pray check the software in downloads section of this portal's main menu. Perhaps you could also read and download the Introducing Islam document also found in main menu.

Mosques besides being the place where we keep our daily prayers, they are also where the activities of local Muslim community are divulged and by being regulars in our prayers we meet other Muslims and interact with them. Here in Portugal mosques are totally multi-ethnic, multi-racial. When you are in the mosque you meet people of all races, orgins and languages.

I don't think in any way 9/11 has changed the function of a mosque. Perhaps we avoid discussing politics, or voice opinion on struggles around the world. Why? For fear being spied and getting into trouble. So in that case perhaps mosques have changed their usual function of free discussion on Islamic matters. I think this is wrong as drives underground an open debate, specially on jihad.

Usually in non-Muslim countries the mosque's doors are shut during the time between established prayers. This is specially for security reasons. At night after night prayers the mosques' doors are definiotely closed. It's never inappropriate to visit a mosque or to pray.

Please fell free to ask any questions. I hope I've just about answered to all of your questions.

Ma'a-salaama,

[macmuslim]

Hi RYan

There are 2 mosques near the University, one on Oakfield Avenue (very close indeed) and another on Carrington Street, off Gt Western Road near St Georges Cross.

You'll find helpful brothers in there insha'Allah - there is a particularly friendly and helpful young Imam in Carrington Street