The word mosque comes from the Arabic word, Masjid, which means a place where one prostrates oneself, or a place of worship. The Mosque is the base and foundation stone for Muslim society and serves as the centre for all social, cultural, political and other activities prescribed in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) always laid emphasis on the crucial role of the Mosque. In the very early days of his Prophethood (in Makkah Mukarramah), he used the house of Arqam bin Abi Al-Arqam as a secret centre for prayer, preaching, education and training. Arqam’s house was strategically located at the foot of Mount Safa, only a short distance from the Ka’bah. The Dar Al-Arqam (House of Arqam) served as the centre as there was no Mosque in Makkah Mukarramah at that time.
The Holy Prophet used to meet his Companions at Dal Al-Arqam and teach them the essential tenets of Islam. The Companions used the Dal Al-Arqam to perform the prayers in secret, fearing wrath of the non-believers in Makkah Mukarramah. However, the Prophet would perform the prayers in open for all to see.
As is well-known, the Holy Prophet migrated to Madinah Munawwarah. On the way he camped at the outskirts of Madinah Munwwarah at a place called Quba for four days. During this very brief period he laid the foundation of a mosque, now known as the Masjid Quba. The Prophet left Quba on a Friday to head into Madinah. About a kilometre from Quba he passed through the village of Banu Salim bin Auf. There he offered the first Jummah congregational Salaat. Approximately one hundred Muslims participated in this first Jummah Salaat. This is the second Mosque and known as the Masjid Jummah and Masjid Bani Salim.
After reaching Madinah Munawwarah, the first step by the Holy Prophet was to build one more mosque which is now known as the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Al-Nabawi). There were many more mosques built by him and his blessed companions. These indicate the importance of mosques in Islam.
Masjid Al-Nabawi is a role model for all mosques. It was used by the believers for the congregational prayers. The Holy Prophet used it for delivering his sermons covering all aspects of life. He used to meet the visiting delegations and also sent his delegations from Masjid Al-Nabawi. The functions of the mosque in the early period of Islam included:
1. Apart from the Jummah (Friday) congregation, the Muslims used to assemble in the mosque in difficult times and sorted out the issues confronting them.
2. The mosque was like a university to the grownups who acquired and imparted education and knowledge.
3. For children, it provided elementary education where they were taught to read and write.
4. Literary gatherings and discussions were held in it.
5. Seminars were held to promote intellectual activities.
6. The Qazi (Judges) set up their courts to impart justice.
7. Sometimes criminals and convicts were placed in custody.
8. It provided accommodation for the poor, needy, homeless and travellers.
9. Food was distributed among the poor and hungry.
10. At times it was also used as the state guesthouse.
11. It was also used as hospital for the sick.
12. Marriages were held in the mosques.
13. It was also the state armoury where weapons were made and stored.
14. The Baitul Maal (House of wealth, used for handling financial matters) was also in it.
15. Any other matter of importance was discussed and resolved in it.
May Allah Almighty help us realise the importance of Masajid and make us its obedient servants, Amen.
[The writer teaches at Engineering Department, Salalah College of Technology (SCT), Salalah, Sultanate of Oman. [email protected]]