 The Arabic word for mosque is `masjid', i.e. place of prostration or worship.Before going to visit a Masjid, it is important that visitors give some thought to how they feel. It is important to follow the guidelines while visiting Mosque whether visiting alone or in a group.
If you are in a group then it is important not to talk loudly, thus disturbing anyone who may be at prayer. If any group members have special needs, let the place being visited know in advance so that they can prepare to help. For example, although the custom of the Mosque is to sit on the floor, chairs can often be provided for elderly, infirm or disabled visitors.
Clothing in a Mosque
Clothing of men and women should be modest. For women this means an ankle length skirt or trousers, which should not be tight or transparent, together with a long sleeved and high-necked top. A headscarf is usually essential for women. Shoes are removed before going into the prayer hall. Clean and presentable socks, stockings, or tights are therefore a good idea.
Entering a Mosque
Men and women usually enter the prayer hall by separate entrances. Visitors may be greeted by the Arabic greeting "Assalamo Allaikum" which means "peace be upon you." The answer, if the visitor would like to use it, is "Wa 'alaikum-as-salam", which means "peace be upon you too". Do not offer, or expect, to shake hands with people of the opposite sex.
Entering in a Mosque Prayer Hall
One must have to entered in prayer hall quietly and sit on the floor avoiding pointing the feet in the direction of the Qibla. Qibla is the wall with the niche or alcove in it, indicating the direction of Makkah, unless a medical condition makes this the only possible posture. If visiting as a group during a time when prayers are taking place, sit together toward the rear of the hall.
Worship in a Mosque
When salat (Arabic) or namaz (Persian/Urdu), one of the five daily prayer is in progress, non-Muslim visitors are welcomed but simply to observe rather than to join in. If arriving at such a time, find a place near the rear wall and sit quietly observing the prayer. No sacred or blessed food will be offered, nor will visitors be expected to make any physical gesture of respect to holy objects (except removing their shoes and acting respectfully in the prayer hall).
Women visiting a Mosque
The main place of prayer is often used only by the men and a separate area is usually provided for women. Where men and women pray in the same hall, they remain in separate groups. Muslim women are expected not to come to the Mosque during their menstrual period. This does not apply to Non-Muslim women. Muslim women pray at home, as they are not obligated to attend the Mosque for prayer in congregation and therefore do not frequently attend the Mosque.
Some other Miscellaneous Points
- The first problem you face in Arabia may be the heat. It can make people who are not used short tempered.
- The law concerning alcohol is strictly enforced in some Arab countries where the possession of even a small quantity is a punishable offence.
- You may also find a ban on the 'Playboy' type of magazine. Advice on these matters can easily be obtained-say from your airline before departure.
- Taxis in Arabia seldom have meters. It is wise for a newcomer to agree the fare in advance of the journey and so avoid any surprises. Tipping is customary in some Arab countries but not in the Gulf region. Tipping of porters is universal. Tipping in hotels and restaurants follows Western practice, i.e. tip if there is no service charge.
- It is often difficult for a Westerner to understand that prices in an Arab market (Sooq) are flexible. Bargaining is part of the way of life. There are of course plenty of other shops where prices are fixed but this will be obvious to you.
- In general conversation with an Arab, at least on first acquaintance, avoid talking about religion, women and the politics of the Middle East.
- You will discover that the Arab sense of humour is remarkably like our own, and jokes generally are appreciated.
- Don't be surprised when offering something to an Arab- say a cigarette- if he says 'thank you' but means by that phrase that he refuses. This way of saying 'no' is customary in Arabia.
- A remarkable fact about Arabic is the absence of the equivalent of the European swear-word.
- To an Arab a dog is unclean and he will not touch one, except perhaps the Saluki-the Arabian gazelle hound. If you should see small boys throwing stones at a dog it is not solely a question of cruelty.
- The Arab uses his hands as a means of expression as much as a Frenchman does. Some of the most common gestures are...putting the tips of the fingers and thumb together and moving the hand up and down to mean Patience! Patience!
.... Putting the point of one's chin to mean... 'Shame!'
..and putting the fingers together and pointing downwards when beckoning someone..
..do not beckon with one finger in the normal way as this has an offensive connotation in Arabia.
- Sooner or later you will come across a particular variation of the customary handshake. If his hands are dirty, an Arab will offer you his right wrist which you should shake in the normal way.
- Great care should be taken when producing a document or advertisement in Arabic. It is easy for a translator to render an English phrase into Arabic and for the result to be meaningless or even offensive.
- Finally, here are five very common words, not previously mentioned, which you may find useful:- like please , Thank you , Be pleased to , Sorry.
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