Q: can non-muslims visit a mosque?
A:A non-muslim can visit a mosque any time when regular prayers or sermons are not taking place.if you are unsure of the regular prayer times,do not enter if there are many people gathered inside.Regular prayers or sermons are generally short,so you might wait outside for prayer time to end.
Q:How should one dress when visiting a mosque?
A: Men should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts while women should wear dresses which cover the knees and tops with sleeves that cover the elbows at least.Women should also wear a head scarf.Remove your shoes before you enter the mosque.
Q: How should one conduct themselves in a mosque and what should they observe?
A: As you enter,take note of where worshippers are saying prayers,and walk silently behind them and find a quiet place to sit at the back.Remember that in a mosque,women must remain near the back of the mosque.If you are a non-muslim,remain in silence,do not take flash photos or photos of people and do not walk straight through the mosque.
Q: Can parents bring along their children when visiting a mosque?
A: hildren can be taken to a mosque only if they are old enough to resoect the rules as well.
Q: Can women visit the mosque while having period or menstruation?
A: They are allowed to visit the mosque but are forbidden from entering!
Q:Can a non-muslim touch the holy scriptures or the Quran when in a mosque?
A: They are forbidden to touch the holy scriptures or the Quran in the mosque and are not allowed to buy or sell the Quran either.It is considered sinful.(haram)
Q: Can a non-muslim greet muslims with "Assalamualaikum" before entering a mosque?
A: A non-muslim is forbidden from greeting muslims with "Assailamualaikum" when entering a mosque or when visiting their muslim friends elsewhere.The salam can only be used among muslims.
Excerpts from NST,28/08/2010
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