The Role of the Mosque

The mosque is the most important institution in Islamic society. It is the center of worship, education as well as social and political activity where public meetings take place. Masjid literally means “place for prostration (sajdah),” a humbling position before Allah (swt) and an essential part of salat (formal prayer). Even though salat can be performed anywhere, for the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, “The whole Earth is made as a place of worship (masjid) and a means of cleansing for me,” Muslims come to the masjid to offer salat, for it is preferable to pray with others, even if only two persons.
 
The Prophet said: “Prayer offered in congregation in the mosque is rewarded 25 times more than the same prayer offered at home or in the market place.”
 
Commenting on the Hadith, Ibn Daqeeq Al-Eid says: “When a person performs ablution well at home and goes out to the mosque, for no purpose other than offering prayer, for every step he makes he is given a credit and one of his sins is erased. When he prays, the angels will pray for him throughout his prayer, saying:‘Our Lord, bless him, forgive him and bestow mercy on him.’ While waiting for the prayer to be called, he/she is deemed to be in prayer.
People learn, teach, and study the Qur’an and other Islamic literature, as well as discuss community issues, in the masjid. This was the Prophet’s practice (pbuh), for he conducted his meetings and most of his duties as Islamic community’s leader at the masjid. The young Muslim community used to gather there for a variety of reasons, even to lead expeditions.
 
A masjid is the place for Muslims to study and educate themselves on current issues, discuss and consult with others, and determine the issues’ relevance to our community.
 
The masjid should be the center of various da'wah programs designed to counter the negative publicity and stereotyping of Islam and Muslims with accurate information. In the masjid, we can illustrate Islam's beauty and reality through our transcendental literature and personal example.
 
Every Muslim should be involved in da'wah programs. Since 'seeing is believing,' we should invite non-Muslims to the masjid to observe for themselves the salat and other essential Islamic activities. We should ask them to share our meals, and attend our festivals and holidays, especially the two Eids and Ramadan.