MASJID FAQs

We are glad that you have decided to visit our mosque which is a place of worship for all Muslims. We welcome all who would like to visit and observe the daily prayers and participate in the daily activities at Masjid Al Ihsaan.

The following are the most frequently asked questions about visiting a mosque.  If you need any more clarification please contact us at [email protected]

What should I wear?

It is most appropriate to wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. For men, it is better to wear long pants, and for women to wear pants or full-length skirts or dresses, with long sleeves. Muslim women typically wear a headscarf as well.

Why do we take our shoes off?

It is appropriate to remove one’s shoes before entering the prayer area at a mosque, so that the floors and carpets aren’t covered with dirt–after all, that is where people pray.

Where are the women praying?

Women offer prayers in a separate room that provides them privacy. 

What are the footsinks on the side of the masjid for?

Muslims are supposed to be in a state of physical purification before making the prayer, which includes washing the feet. Muslims use this area to purify themselves before prayars.

What happens when people join the prayer late?

They will join the prayer already in progress, and after the imam (leader of the prayer) has finished, they will complete what they missed.

How do Friday prayers work?

Friday is the day of congregational prayers for Muslims–so a short sermon followed by a short prayer at the mosque in congregation is substituted for the regular noon-time prayer. The service begins with the call to prayer, followed by a lecture (rather, two short lectures with a brief pause in the middle). After the lecture (called a khutbah), another call to prayer called Iqamah is made and the congregation stands to follow the imam in the prayer.

A few more guidelines…

Cell phones

A ringing cell phone is a distraction to any service at the mosque–please silence or power-off phones when entering the building.

Talking during prayer

If you need to talk to someone during the prayer (while you are not praying, of course,) please take the conversation outside the prayer area so as to not distract those who are praying.

Not standing/walking in front of someone praying

If you are walking through the prayer area and come across someone who is praying, please walk behind, instead of in front of him.