Visitors Encouraged - Masjid Abu Bakr
Here are seven pointers to better prepare you for your first visit to the Masjid Abu Bakr:
1) Welcome: Know that all of us who care for this mosque are really grateful to you for reaching out to us and learning more about American Muslims and their faith. So you are welcome anytime, during any of the five daily prayers, on any day of the week, and on any day of the year. You can come alone, with a friend, or even an entire classroom. We can arrange to have someone guide you and walk you around the center. You would need to request a guide in advance. 2) What is a good time to visit? The mosque is open from before sunrise (at Fajr) to two hours after sunset (after Isha). Thus, it is open all day to accommodate worshipers attending the five daily prayers. We recommend visiting the mosque during prayer time so you will be able to meet other Muslims and learn from observation. Prayer times are available on the website homepage. 3) How long will a visit take? Prayers last for about fifteen minutes. Set thirty minutes aside on your first visit. Arrive ten minutes early, and you can leave a few minutes after prayer or hang out and visit. 4) Visiting during prayer time: When someone is praying, they do not talk or respond to something you may have said. How do you know their prayer is complete? Turning their head to the right and then to the left signifies the end of a prayer. Walking in front of someone praying is disrespectful. When a prayer is in session, you can take a seat at the back of the room and make yourself comfortable. As mentioned earlier, a mosque prayer lasts about ten to fifteen minutes. 5) Dress: Visitors are requested to dress modestly, which means men can wear sleeved shirts and pants/jeans that cover their knees at least. Women are requested to wear long bottoms. A head scarf is preferred if the visitor wishes to show respect and enrich her own experience, but it is not mandatory. Choose something conservative. Be comfortable. Please also keep in mind that many Muslims do not shake hands with the opposite gender. Unless a worshiper extends his or her hand first, it is better not to extend yours. 6) Layout: There are two prayer halls and restrooms for men and women with foot-baths for ablution.. 7) Once at the mosque: There are separate doors for men and women. As soon as you enter, you'll see a shoe rack where you can place your footwear. Remember to leave both your shoes and your inhibitions at the door. Smile :) you are now in the mosque, and we are so happy to have you over! Feel free to speak to other Muslim men and women that you meet during your visit. They are always glad to answer questions or guide you around. Please contact us to arrange your visit. |