Upon entering the mosque we had to remove our shoes and socks. This was because we were to stand upon what Muslims call sacred ground and the custom is based on the story of Moses and the burning bush.
We were then shown into the ablutions area where Muslims must go through a fairly complicated cycle of washing in order to purify themselves for prayer, following the belief that being clean alone gets you halfway to God. They also believe that this washing brings about forgiveness for small sins.
Following the ablutions area we were taken through into the main prayer area. There were no chairs but the carpet was marked out in such way that each person has their own space for prayer. At the front was a set of three step that serves as a pulpit for the Iman; the background being that Mohammed refused to sit on a throne and so the steps were constructed for him to preach from. There is also an alcoved area under an arch which goes back to the private prayer area Mohammed had behind his Mosque, inspired by a legend of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Prayer times were posted, as these vary depending on the position of the sun in the sky.
We were told that Muslims like to smell nice when praying and so perfumes are available. This also means that Muslims are discouraged from smoking and eating strong foods like garlic before praying as bad odours are thought to offend the angels.
It was interesting to discover that Muslims share a number of beliefs with Christians. We both believe in angels and we both believe in Satan. We share a concern about sin but differ as to how we are forgiven by God for that sin. Muslims say that we worship the same God as they do, the same God as the Jews do; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Allah means ‘the God’, as in ‘the only God’. Muslims believe that God answers prayer and seem to be far more diligent in praying than most Christians.
On our way to refreshments we passed through what could be thought of, I suppose, as the Muslim equivalent of Sunday School. The children, and there were many of them, were learning Arabic so that they could read the Koran and their dedicated and enthusiasm was infectious. If only more Sunday School classes were like that.
We finished with refreshments of fresh fruit and fruit juice and left having been warmly welcomed and given new insight into what is the world’s second biggest religion.
I didn't realise that angels were offended by horrid smells. I wonder if they like the smell of bacon butties?
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