Muslims: What would be the etiquette for a non-muslim to visit a muslim mosque?

Question

I am a non muslim. I'm not Christian or jewish either. Long story about that but anyway, I would like to attend an islamic service here in Florida at a local mosque, much as I have visited christian and jewish places of worship in my life, and enjoyed them and learned much.

My question is, would I be welcome as a visitor? Any tips on what I should do or not do as to not offend anyone and be respectful? Thank you for any responses.

Answer 1

As salaamu 'alaikym, my freind.

Insha'Allah, yes, my friend, you will be well received.

I would advise you to go online to http://www.islamicfinder.com to find the masjid that is closest to you. Please call them and find out when they may be having salaah such as jummaah (the Friday service) and ask if you could attend.

Prior to going to the Masjid or mosque, you will want to wash your hands three times with water, rinse you mouth three times, rinse your nose three times, wash your face three times, wash each forearm three times up to the elbow starrting with the right forearm, wipe your hair from forehead to the back of your head and then back to the front once, using your forefinger on each hand, clean each ear three times and wipe the back of the ear once, and wash each foot, beginning with the right foot, three times up to the ankle. This is called "wudu" and is the ritual abolution that is performed by a Muslim prior to performing salaah. Also, please wear clean clothes to the masjid.

When you arrive at the masjid, you will be removing your shoes before entering.

The traditional greeting to others is "As salaamu 'alaikym", which might be translated as "Peace be uopn you". The tradtional reply is "Wa 'alaikym salaam" which may be translated as as "And upon you be peace".

Salaah is conducted in Arabic. After the salaah is finished, you may wish to speak to the imam and/or some of the brothers there and they will explain to you what was said and the various parts of salaah (i.e., standing, bowing, kneeling and prostration, etc.)

As you would be in any house of worship, be quiet, respectful and polite.

Insha'Allah, as a revert to Islam, I well remember the first time I went to the masjid. I was worried that I would do something wrong and offend someone. In reality, I was welcomed like a long gone relative whom everyone had missed. Needless to say, I have not left and , insha'Allah, I will remain a Muslim until I leave this world and, insha'Allah, in a state of full submission to Allah, Subhanna wa Ta'ala, which is Islam.

Insha'Allah, if you have further interest in Islam, may I recommend the translation of the Holy Qur'an by A. Yusuf Ali, which is very accurate and retains a great deal of the poetic beauty of the original Arabic, "Muhammad, A Prophet For Our Times", by Karen Armstrong and "Following In The Footsteps Of The Prophet", by Tariq Ramadan.

May Allah, Subhanna wa Ta'ala, guidfe you along the straight path that is Islam for your salvation and for the benfit of others.

Ma'a salaam.

Answer 2

well i know for sure that in my Islamic centers in new jersey, non-muslims are very welcomed, and they do ask many questions that r answered clearly and correctly. if u r a girl, i would recommend at least wearing something that covers ur hair, and something modest, not too tight or too short...if ur a guy, same goes for u, some thing modest, no need to cover the hair, but just b modest.

i hope u enjoy ur visit to the Mosque!

Answer 3

i agree with samantha

i would stake the place out, if a brother comes out, greet him, like be open, because we're always very accommodating. if you're a girl, the sisters are even friendlier.

take off your shoes, and put them in the appropriate place, some mosques have people who get really angry with us because some areas look like you can put your shoes, but its actually a shoe free zone!

also look out for people praying. Non muslims who want to greet or interview a muslim organiser etc usually are unconscious about the fact that people are praying and i've seen one just walking past several people praying, and im like "eww ahh ummmm okay!"

lol, we try to give people who pray the respect and privacy they need to carry out their prayers.

if someone is praying, don't talk to them, it might seem like they're ignoring you... but you know how it is,

its not like in the movies or on LOST where the ppl breaks their prayers just to answer the phone, or tell a joke or go for a swim lol.

Answer 4

You are definitely welcome without a doubt. Just come dressed 'appropriately'. If your a girl you don't necessarily have to go with your hair covered (your not Muslim your just a visitor... no one will say anything) , but it would probably be better for you to. When you enter inside take of your shoes and put them where everyone else puts their shoes. There's really nothing to it.

Answer 5

they would love to have you! my mosque gets really excited when we get visitors. Their super friendly and very accomodating.
Im guessing your a guy. Wear something that covers at least down to your knees and be sure to take your shoes off at the designated area. Thank you for your open-mindedness!
Good luck!

Answer 6

i am a muslim,and believe it or not you will be very welcome. i can not imagine what you can do to offend them just do not bring beer with you or like a sub with pork or any kind of food for that matter because it they like to keep the mosque clean and with out any bad odor. make sure you are clean. you can tell them al salam alakum which means peace be with you. ask as many questions as you want or anything you do not understand.

Answer 7

wear a trousers not short,take off your shoes in their do not make neither loud nor lough ,keep the mosque clean and keep modest

Answer 8

As long as you don't dance in the middle of the mosque, it should be fine I guess. I have no idea.

Answer 9

You need to take your shoes off and cover your head...other than that you are most welcome:)