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WORSHIP

Muslims worship in a building called a "Mosque".
An alternative word for mosque, from the same root, is "Masjid".
Outside the Mosque
Outside every mosque, or just inside the entrance, is a place where worshippers can remove and leave their shoes.
There is also a place where they can carry out the ritual washing required before prayer.
Inside the Mosque
The main hall of a mosque is a bare room largely devoid of furniture.
There are no pictures or statues. Muslims think these are blasphemous, since there can be no image of Allah, who is wholly spirit.
Muslims also remember the Prophet's (peace be upon him) strong views on idols and superstition.
Everyone sits on the floor, and everywhere in the mosque is equal in status.
Women
Women can attend the mosque, and when they do they sit separately from the men.
o This is to prevent any distraction, and out of modesty.
o It is more usual for women to pray at home.
Facing Mecca
A niche in one of the walls, called a "mihrab", shows the direction that the worshippers should face in order to face Mecca.
The Minaret
The minaret is a tall thin tower. A muezzin stands at the top of the tower and calls Muslims to prayer at the five ritual times of the day.
o Not all mosques in the UK have a minaret.
Prayer
Ritual prayer, five times a day, is the essence of Muslim worship, whether done in the mosque or anywhere else.
Before the midday prayers on Fridays the mosque's imam will give a talk on a relevant subject, based on a Qur'anic text or a story about the Prophet (pbuh).
o An imam is not a priest, but a learned and pious Muslim who is held in high respect by his community.