Etiquette of visiting a Mosque (Masjid)
Greetings full of Peace to our prospective guests,
We welcome and thank you for your interest in visiting the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center. Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center is located at 3159 Row St in Falls Church, Virginia 22044. The length of tour and discussion should not exceed 1 1/2 hours. Regular tours are available on Sundays beginning 30 minutes before the noon (Dhuhr or Zhur - iqama) prayer. Special tours may be arranged on other times excluding Mondays and Fridays.
The visit to the masjid will include:
- A tour of the masjid discussing the architecture and role of the masjid in traditional and contemporary community life.
- An orientation to the basic beliefs of Islam and the demographics of the Muslim peoples in America.
- Some basic Arabic/Islamic vocabulary will be introduced to enhance the educational and cultural experience.
- The group may observe on of the five daily prayers in the prayer hall or musallah.
- The visitors will take part in an open discussion and question and answer period with the tour leader.
- A variety of pamphlets and brochures on a host of topics will be made available to the group to take home.
- Often lunch can be arranged for the group.
What is a Masjid or or Mosque?
The masjid is; a place of prayer, a community center, a library, and an educational center, a social and dinning hall lays within it, in some places a recreation center, it is a place of law and religion, counsel and devotion. Yet, above all it is a special and sacred space for Muslims.
The best way to make a good relationship with a person is to express your understanding of their practices. There are some aspects of Islamic etiquette and cultural practice that one needs to be aware of.
We ask that the guests in their own way to be sensitive to the etiquette of the masjid environment.
What to wear?
Men/women loose clothing covering the body except hands, face and feet.
Women cover their crowning beauty, the hair. Women could wear a hat or scarf that covers the hair.
Anatomy of the masjid
Remember when one enters the prayer hall or Musallah [place of prostration] for hygienic you will have to take off your shoes before walking on the carpets.
Thank you for your interest in visiting the masjid and whatever we can do to make your trip the most informative and enjoyable experience, do not hesitate to ask.
